Billy's First Dance

by Veronica Randolph Batterson

Thirteen-year-old Junie dreams of becoming a writer. Her youngest brother, Billy, afflicted with Spina Bifida and confined to a wheelchair, dreams of dancing. Their quirky but loving family finds a way to stay together.

Set in the southeast in the 1970s, Billy's First Dance unfolds with attention to family bonds, special needs and coming of age. Junie wants desperately to become a writer but must deal with the unusual circumstances of her family. She and her three half-siblings live with their grandmother and aunt, and none of the children know where their mother is.

88 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2010

About the author

Veronica Randolph Batterson is the author of the novels, WILLIAMSBURG HILL, and DANIEL'S ESPERANZA, and the middle grade books of fiction, BILLY'S FIRST DANCE, and FUNNY PAGES. She is also a visual artist and photographer. After living many years in Chicago, Veronica now resides in Memphis, TN.

Her artwork can be viewed at www.veronica-batterson.pixels.com. Follow her on Twitter (@VRBatterson), and Instagram (@veronicarandolphbatterson).

Reviews

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book. This is a short story and a very simple read. It was so refreshing to read a new book that didn't have a Mary Sue. The characters are very real and you can't tell if this is a fiction or biographical. So great job with the characters. You get the pieces of a girls summer with her brother who is in a wheel chair. The ending was moving. It's written in such a way that all the events could have happened because they are so common. Even with that the story stays interesting and you want to know what happens to the characters. The Finally chapter was done too quickly and could have been expanded. I liked how the book was very descriptive of the setting and the large print meant I didn't have to wear my glasses.

[Patricia Puddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this book for a present for a niece and decided to read it before giving it to her. The story has many wonderful characters and is about the love and kindness a thirteen-year-old girl has for her invalid younger brother. The boy, Billy is in a wheelchair and would love to dance.

Real family dramas and comedy happen and the story will make you laugh as well as cry. It's a coming of age book, so young girls will love it and maybe even some boys. Reading this story brought back many wonderful memories of when I was thirteen.

The writing was perfect and I enjoyed the unique descriptions of all the relatives, especially the old woman. Read the whole book in one day.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone who recently read this book compared it to the children's book BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE by Kate DiCamillo. It isn't the first time I've heard that comparison. Perhaps it's the southern theme of the story that aids in that likeness. I also think it's the point of view. Junie tells the story with humor, sarcasm and a "matter of fact wit" that probably reminds some of the heroine in Winn-Dixie.

While I'm not giving my own book a review, I wish to share this comparison because it is an honor to be named in the same company with such an established and best-selling book.

[Book-shelf Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I thought this book had been written from the point of view of a young black girl, but then the red hair of Junie stops that line of thought. The sure thing of the southern voice is compelling as the story of a summer in Junie’s life is told from her young mind.
I loved reading this with young readers in mind and think that it really shows the simplicity of life in the 1970’s and as a child of that time can certainly relate to what Junie felt as woman hood hits her with full force. Although i think it is a beautiful story that any age would enjoy.

[Kme_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a sweet read!! It is for middle school age. This book has many different and unique characters, that happen to be in a family. I love the main character of Junie as a strong will but sweet girl who loves her family and writing. She is from a small southern town. She deals with many major issues such as growing up , the judgment of the town about her unusual family and helping her physically handicap. It teaches kindness and love for others. I would recommend this book to middle school age kids or people who enjoy southern lit.