Chloe Centre Stage

Shine #1

by Holly Webb

Getting into the Shine School for Performing Arts is a dream come true for Chloe – she’ll be taking classes in tap, ballet and drama everyday and surrounded by people just as passionate as she is! But while talented dancer Chloe was the star at her old school, at Shine it’s much harder for her to stand out and find her feet. And forming new friendships can be tricky too. When Chloe starts to muck around in class she finally finds herself the centre of attention – but for all the wrong reasons. Can she turn things around before it’s too late?

Genres: Middle Grade, Childrens

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Holly Webb is one of Britain's best-loved children's writers. She has written over a hundred books for children, and her work has been translated into over thirty languages. Holly lives in Tilehurst, just outside of Reading, Berkshire, with her husband, three children and several cats.

Reviews

[Martha Growdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, seemingly simple but develops into a beautifully written emotional drama for tweens and young teens. I was waiting for the big climax and I realized, about 2/3 in, the climax was happening in the, very relatable, emotions of Chloe, who finds herself in a pickle not entirely of her making at her new school. I can see this book opening up all sorts of emotions and communication with young readers who feel misunderstood just like Chloe.

[Carmela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a book by Holly Webb, so I'm not sure if it's her typical style. I've read it with my kids book club, who are interested in the performing arts. The bickering was tiresome for me, but I'm glad I continued on because it showed how easy it is for things to get misconstrued. Chloe works on building her character and reputation at her new school and building new friendships.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is 3.5 stars rounded up. While it wasn’t executed as well as it could have been, the main point of the book is excellent and good material for this age group! Who hasn’t struggled with a new school, finding their place, and making friends? The context of a performing arts school makes it fun!

[Amy Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have devoured this series when I was younger! It has just the right amount of drama and sassiness. Holly Webb builds the other characters up so that a reader will want to continue with the series and find out which happens to each one. Bravo!

[Gia DeNato · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was good and I'm probably gonna re read it

[Johannah A Classy Rebel Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

QOTD: What is a fun family tradition you do during the holidays?

“Shine: Chloe Center Stage,” by Holly Webb, is a story of a girl getting into dance school. Chole’s dream has been to join Shine Dance School. After a crazy audition, Chole gets notified that she is in! During the first week of school, Chole realizes she no longer stands out in a place that is all about the performing arts. After making the wrong kind of friends, Chole is accused of a prank gone wrong. Now there is talk of her being expelled. Will Chloe be able to clear her name before she is kicked out of school? Read to find out!

(Book 67 of 100) I bought this book at a friend’s Usborne Book Party. I had never heard of the series, but I needed more books for my classroom library. Let me say this is a great series for the kids to read. It deals with a lot of girl drama and how easy it is for people to misjudge each other. I give this book a 4/5-star rating. I recommend this book for fourth-grade students who like reading about dancing and friendship.

#ShineChloeCenterStage #HollyWebb #100BooksInOneYear #Imaclassyrebelreader #lookatmyclassyrebelread #Shine #Dancing #MusicSchool #Usborne #PranksGoneWrong #ISolemnlySwearIAmUpToNoGood

[Alexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listern to this as an audiobook and it was my first and I really enjoyed. I liked listening to this as it made the characters come to life with the audio

I liked how this showed the ups and downs of drama school for Chloe and her friendship.

I liked when she and Sam started talking but didn't give her the best impression to her tutor. I like how Sam trys to help Chloe in french and it shows that he likes her.

I like how Chloe thinks she will always have positive experience but when all the experience she had on her first day isnt as she expected it, she argues with her tap teacher which leads to her being sent out which isn't her normal self.

This starts Chloe to question why does she have to be the difficult one and doesn't like the teacher talking about her.

I like how even when Chloe had a bad day she decided to carry on instead of giving up and decided to focus on her work and not her friends as well.

As people thought she set off the fire alarm it affected her mental and physical and I lie how her leaving after the meeting contradicted her chat with her mum saying that she will carry on and be determined.

One thing i like is that as an audiobook you can hear the sadness in Chloe voice,in chapter 6, through the narrator,which makes the story come to life even more

I like how Bethany, Lily and Sara helped Chloe by telling mrs Persell that they had seen her which meant she would not be the one who set off the fire alarm.

I liked the ending when mrs Persell said that the whole of year 7 is getting an audition and that it made Chloe excited for the future, I like the cliffhanger as you didn't know did Chloe get the part.