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Stage School #1
Новото училище на Оливия
Оливия е тъжна, самотна и ядосана – най-вече последното. Заедно със сестра си Ийл, е принудена да учи в училището на баба им, което се оказва школа по сценични изкуства. Там далеч не е насърчавана да се занимава с това, което най-много обича: да практикува цирковите си умения. По време на този труден първи срок, Оливия научава много повече, отколкото ѝ се иска, за театъра, приятелството, враговете, семейството си и себе си.
222 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2011
8 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Gardner
31 books43 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Lyn Gardner is the author of Olivia’s First Term and the other Olivia books. She was born in London and now lives near Richmond Park with her partner and two daughters. A theatre critic for The Guardian, she goes to the theatre five or six nights a week, which should leave no time for writing books at all. Before she became a journalist, Lyn was a tea lady, a waitress and sold advertising space for a magazine called Sludge. Her ambitions are to learn to tap dance and walk the high wire, but it may have to be the low wire as she is a bit scared of heights!
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Lyn Gardner is the author of Olivia’s First Term and the other Olivia books. She was born in London and now lives near Richmond Park with her partner and two daughters. A theatre critic for The Guardian, she goes to the theatre five or six nights a week, which should leave no time for writing books at all. Before she became a journalist, Lyn was a tea lady, a waitress and sold advertising space for a magazine called Sludge. Her ambitions are to learn to tap dance and walk the high wire, but it may have to be the low wire as she is a bit scared of heights!
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 28, 2024
Main charater has a cool name 👍
June 18, 2014
Oh it's taken me too long to get to this book.
I first heard about Olivia's First Term a fair while ago, reading descriptions and reviews which referenced the glorious heights of Ballet Schools (coughpetrovaruleseverythingcough) and I thought - I need to read those books. And at last, I have, and I can confirm for you that there is much joy in this book.
Olivia's First Term is the first of a healthy series, which sees Olivia and her sister Eel being taken to meet their grandmother, Alicia. Olivia has never met Alicia who blames Olivia's father for the death of her daughter. This estrangement is brought to a hasty and painful cessation when Jack, a talented tightrope walker, brings Olivia and Eel to the school to meet Alicia. Jack is poverty stricken and needs a home for the girls whilst he plans the greatest money-making stunt of his career.
It's a glorious premise and one torn from the pages of classic children's literature tradition. There's elements of Ballet Shoes here but also Sadlers Wells, A Little Princess and even Malory Towers and a little bit of the thematic overtones of The Secret Garden (girl finds place in world, discovers who she is and that she has value, etc, etc).
Olivia's First Term is another book which confirms to me my suspicions about the healthy UK Middle Grade scene at present; it is good, and there are good and great books out there marking their presence on the literary landscape. I love how this book has something quite classic feeling to it and yet mixes in a Britain's Got Talent-esque stage show and a (almost moustache-twirling) bad girl villain. It's a joyous thing and rather lovely, and I'm pleased I got to it at long last.
And in addition to all of that, I have a new addition for my list of children's books which feature Gifted and Talented Characters(a pithy title, there, I know) spreadsheet. Check it out!
I first heard about Olivia's First Term a fair while ago, reading descriptions and reviews which referenced the glorious heights of Ballet Schools (coughpetrovaruleseverythingcough) and I thought - I need to read those books. And at last, I have, and I can confirm for you that there is much joy in this book.
Olivia's First Term is the first of a healthy series, which sees Olivia and her sister Eel being taken to meet their grandmother, Alicia. Olivia has never met Alicia who blames Olivia's father for the death of her daughter. This estrangement is brought to a hasty and painful cessation when Jack, a talented tightrope walker, brings Olivia and Eel to the school to meet Alicia. Jack is poverty stricken and needs a home for the girls whilst he plans the greatest money-making stunt of his career.
It's a glorious premise and one torn from the pages of classic children's literature tradition. There's elements of Ballet Shoes here but also Sadlers Wells, A Little Princess and even Malory Towers and a little bit of the thematic overtones of The Secret Garden (girl finds place in world, discovers who she is and that she has value, etc, etc).
Olivia's First Term is another book which confirms to me my suspicions about the healthy UK Middle Grade scene at present; it is good, and there are good and great books out there marking their presence on the literary landscape. I love how this book has something quite classic feeling to it and yet mixes in a Britain's Got Talent-esque stage show and a (almost moustache-twirling) bad girl villain. It's a joyous thing and rather lovely, and I'm pleased I got to it at long last.
And in addition to all of that, I have a new addition for my list of children's books which feature Gifted and Talented Characters(a pithy title, there, I know) spreadsheet. Check it out!
September 13, 2011
Olivia Marvell is 11 when she, her father and her little sister, Eel, turn up at her estranged grandmother's state school. Alicia Swan, her grandmother, had been a great actress, and Olivia's mother, her daughter, was the most promising actress of her age until she ran away with the girls' father, a circus tightrope walker and stunt man. Tragically she died in a plane crash, and Alicia blames Jack Marvell; if she hadn't run away with him she wouldn't have died.
Now Jack is broke having lost his nerve, and after an explosive introduction to Eel's dancing talents, Alicia agrees to have the girls at school. Eel fits right in, but Olivia can't; out of loyalty to her father, but also hating what she sees as the falseness of stage school, and because there is no room for the circus skills that she excels in at the school. Worst of all, the horrible Katie seems to have it in for Olivia, and is determined to get her into trouble at all costs...
This is a great read, and I can imagine that fans of Ballet Shoes and other school/ family stories such as Jacqueline Wilson's would enjoy it. There is a little too much explanation of all character's motivations for me; I'd prefer to be able to decide this for myself (and I'm sure capable readers of 9+ would be able to do so), but I'll be looking out for more about Olivia!
Now Jack is broke having lost his nerve, and after an explosive introduction to Eel's dancing talents, Alicia agrees to have the girls at school. Eel fits right in, but Olivia can't; out of loyalty to her father, but also hating what she sees as the falseness of stage school, and because there is no room for the circus skills that she excels in at the school. Worst of all, the horrible Katie seems to have it in for Olivia, and is determined to get her into trouble at all costs...
This is a great read, and I can imagine that fans of Ballet Shoes and other school/ family stories such as Jacqueline Wilson's would enjoy it. There is a little too much explanation of all character's motivations for me; I'd prefer to be able to decide this for myself (and I'm sure capable readers of 9+ would be able to do so), but I'll be looking out for more about Olivia!
June 5, 2013
When the story opens, Olivia and her little sister Eel are in London with their high-wire walking father. They are on their way to their Grandmother's stage school, where Olivia’s father hopes their grandmother will allow them to attend.
While Olivia’s First Term by Lyn Gardner is a book about an arts school and how the sisters fit in to a more structured and artistic environment, as opposed to circus life, its central theme revolves around bullying. Katie, a talented (but spoilt) young actress is seen bullying Georgia, Olivia and various classmates. I found Katie’s character to be a caricature of bullying, so much so that I almost imagined her as an evil villain, standing in the corner, twirling her mustache and laughing cruelly whenever her plans succeeded. However, she is a very good bully and the feelings of despair that the girls feel whenever she’s around very real.
The story moves quickly and there are many things about bullying that parents and children can discuss - why did the girls keep the bullying to themselves and what should children do when faced with a hopeless looking situation. I wasn't completely taken by the characters, Olivia was a little hard to like and Katie was extremely bratty. I also found that it got a bit repetitive towards the end - Katie does something bad, Katie gets away with it - and I found myself hoping that it would resolve quickly. However, in time it did and overall I think it’s a good starting point to discuss things like bullying, lying and other such behaviour with kids.
While Olivia’s First Term by Lyn Gardner is a book about an arts school and how the sisters fit in to a more structured and artistic environment, as opposed to circus life, its central theme revolves around bullying. Katie, a talented (but spoilt) young actress is seen bullying Georgia, Olivia and various classmates. I found Katie’s character to be a caricature of bullying, so much so that I almost imagined her as an evil villain, standing in the corner, twirling her mustache and laughing cruelly whenever her plans succeeded. However, she is a very good bully and the feelings of despair that the girls feel whenever she’s around very real.
The story moves quickly and there are many things about bullying that parents and children can discuss - why did the girls keep the bullying to themselves and what should children do when faced with a hopeless looking situation. I wasn't completely taken by the characters, Olivia was a little hard to like and Katie was extremely bratty. I also found that it got a bit repetitive towards the end - Katie does something bad, Katie gets away with it - and I found myself hoping that it would resolve quickly. However, in time it did and overall I think it’s a good starting point to discuss things like bullying, lying and other such behaviour with kids.
October 13, 2018
Surprisingly good opening book to the series sees the characters introduced as well as the setting and the plot, some good characters, sometimes a little two dimensional, but there will be time hopefully to grow as the series progresses The story itself was involving and you really felt like you wanted to know what was going to happen. looking forward to book #2.
February 21, 2018
This is a brilliant series for children/teenagers.
Olivia and her sister Eel have been brought to London by their dad to go to a stage school without their consultation. Eel settles in quickly but Olivia struggles to fit in and to enjoy all the dance lessons. She is also worried about her father and what crazy stunt he is planning to do.
I loved this book and have already bought the next one in the series. This really reminded me of Noel Streatfeild's Ballet Shoes but it is more updated. It deal with issues such as bereavement, moving and the usual social problems being a teenager can bring. I liked the fact that it also pointed out that being a good human being is very important. It was well structured, made me laugh and had great characters.
An excellent book if you like books about dancing/Theatre/the Circus.
Olivia and her sister Eel have been brought to London by their dad to go to a stage school without their consultation. Eel settles in quickly but Olivia struggles to fit in and to enjoy all the dance lessons. She is also worried about her father and what crazy stunt he is planning to do.
I loved this book and have already bought the next one in the series. This really reminded me of Noel Streatfeild's Ballet Shoes but it is more updated. It deal with issues such as bereavement, moving and the usual social problems being a teenager can bring. I liked the fact that it also pointed out that being a good human being is very important. It was well structured, made me laugh and had great characters.
An excellent book if you like books about dancing/Theatre/the Circus.
February 8, 2023
Although it took me a while to enjoy reading Olivia's First year at Swan Academy. I do appreciate the little references to popular shows and training techniques used by the students at Swan Academy. I am looking forward to reading Olivia's next hair raising adventures.
I found Katie to be the ultimate villain I imagine her silently ploting her revenge in the background. She is annoying one of the best developed characters on the story. I found most of the story to be quite repeative with lots of backgrounds characters rather see more of Georgia and Tom rather than Ell and Olivia.
I found Katie to be the ultimate villain I imagine her silently ploting her revenge in the background. She is annoying one of the best developed characters on the story. I found most of the story to be quite repeative with lots of backgrounds characters rather see more of Georgia and Tom rather than Ell and Olivia.
August 6, 2024
I reread this series earlier in the year, but missed the first 2 so am rereading now. As I’ve said, I have such a love for this series, how accurate the theatre aspects are, how imperfect yet likeable the characters are, and how much I adored them as a child. This is a great first book in a series, sets things up fantastically and perfect for any young theatre lover. Always a joy to read!
October 1, 2025
I’m 19 years old and, although I discovered these books when I was younger, I have come back to them over and over again as I’m grown up.
This may be a middle-grade/school book following a girl who is (as far as I remember) only 11 years old, but it’s writing holds a much more mature undertone that makes it an exciting read for all ages.
This may be a middle-grade/school book following a girl who is (as far as I remember) only 11 years old, but it’s writing holds a much more mature undertone that makes it an exciting read for all ages.
September 19, 2018
i loved reading it and i couldnt imagine being in olivias place.
April 18, 2021
Около 2.5/3
Просто явно е твърде детска за мен!🌻
Просто явно е твърде детска за мен!🌻
October 3, 2024
Nice story about a Dancing and Drama school. Enjoyed ot 🙂
December 24, 2020
The perfect combination for book- and musical theatre- lovers! For a 21-year-old, I read a lot of middle grade books, and few have been so compelling. It made me want to pick up the next book immediately, and I'm so glad there are a whole seven books in the series. Looking forward to reading Olivia Flies High!
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September 2, 2021I thought that this book was awesome. I think that Olivia's Grandmother (Alicia) really was only trying to help Olivia settle in but I don't think Olivia noticed. Either that or she turned a blind eye. I also think that Tom and Olivia really make a good pair. That made Olivia love acting as much as tightrope-walking. There was the same daring, fearless feeling for both. I think that when Jack and Alicia say that Olivia really is like her mother, it's true. I think that Olivia takes more after her mtoher than she realises but she defintiely has her father's steady foot on a wire. My favourite charcter is Tom, Gerogia and Abbie because they were all kind, espicially to Olivia. Georiga was nice and friendly and warm, een if she went along with Katie. She couldn't help herself. She was too rude and domineering and bossy. I liked Abbie because she was kind and supporting, no wonder a popular head girl. I like Tom because, even when Olivia was being accused of stealing Katie's earrings Tom stayed with Olivia. He also was her dance partner and I think that Tom helped Olivia build her confidence of acting. I recommend this book to everyone as it is awesome and amazing. It truly engaged the reader, the first few chapters were a mystery. You have to work out what's happening and then become enthralled into the story.
July 7, 2016
This book was okay. I rated it 3 stars because I liked the story line but it wasn't written very well. There were parts where it seemed that Ms. Gardner wanted to end the chapter or section and get on with the next. There were also many unfinished bits. That being said, I enjoyed the book because it was simple and not too deep. Not to say I don't like those type of books, but this just seemed carefree and footloose. I would recommend this book to anybody who is a young girl and who likes a quick and easy read.
January 16, 2015
Interesting characters and a colourful stage-and-circus setting. Olivia, the heroine, though rather sulky and temperamental, is still a sympathetic, very human character and you want to know what happens to her. Her little sister Eel is cute and funny, as is Tom. Between them they provide a foil to the intense Olivia. Katie Wilkes-Cox is satisfactorily dislikeable as the villain. Took me back to the schoolgirl comics of my youth, a thoroughly enjoyable read!
November 2, 2012
Olivia's first term has its ups and downs. Going to stage school is a horrible blow for Olivia who only ever liked life in the circus. But as Olivia makes friends things are not so bad. While on the other hand Eel[Olivia's little sister] is greeted happily because of her love and talent of dancing. A perfect start for the Olivia series. Interested? Carry on reading Olivia Flys High and Olivia and the movie stars.
September 16, 2014
This is the best book in the whole entire world, it gave me tears half-way through the book. Katie Wilkes-Cox was so mean when she put her earrings into Olivia's suitcase, I was so mad I wanted to punch her. Olivia is so naturally gifted, she's such an emotional character. I'm 9, and I enjoy reading Lyn Gardner books, I just finished reading Olivia's First term Stage School today, I'm SOOOOO looking forward to reading Olivia Flies High! :)
March 31, 2013
I remember reading the Sadlers Wells ballet series when I was way younger and absolutely loved them. To me this a modern day version - set at Stage School, with all the drama you woud expect when a whole bunch of taleted peforming arts students are thrown together. Defintely a worth while read for 9 to 12yr olds who dream of stardom themselves
May 28, 2013
Everything is to SAFE. It would've been more exciting if Olivia was a little but more daring because it would make it a bit more interesting if she kept on sustaining horrific injuries from falling of a tightrope. All the kids at the school are a little bit posh because they're all mini stars from this fee paying stage school. However, Katie Wilkes-cox makes an excellent baddie.
February 8, 2014
Perfect for fans who want an updated Ballet Shoes, with a dash of Chalet Fan style school like. Pretty much guaranteed I reckon to make you want to see some tight rope walkers. And the first of 7 books so great if you/your kids love a series.
January 7, 2014
A great Series!!
March 3, 2014
It was great and she wasn't shy after all.
June 2, 2014
The book gave me the same joy that I got from the Malory Towers series 20 years ago!
http://www.varshaseshan.com/blog/oliv...
http://www.varshaseshan.com/blog/oliv...
August 17, 2024
That was very readable - a little too Mallory Towers for me with the petty feuds between the students but some great passages as well. It ain't no Trebizon, but it'll do.
November 6, 2017
still good to be perfectly honest, although if it wasn't a nostalgic book for me, I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed it much.
May 1, 2017
This was a lot of fun. Hooks at the end of every chapter that had my daughter begging me to read more. We had a lot to talk about in terms of how the characters behaved and why. The messages of hard work, team work, and being kind were all great. There was a lot to talk about with the bullying story, which was engaging and not patronising.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews