This ballet story offers the reader example of determination, hard work, and some ballet vocab. That a swan is the main character is cute. The illustrations are nice. The story's a little clunky... it feels a little forced, but I know there are students in our school who will enjoy it. ( )

I love that this book was written by a real ballerina. Like many of the ballet books in my library, I probably would not use this book for a classroom lesson, but it will definitely be a part of my classroom library. This book has a great message. It teaches young girls that what you look like shouldn't stop you... someone will notice your greatness. I also loved the addition of multi-cultural dancers in the book, as well as a swan protagonist--then all children can relate without the barriers of race, etc. ( )

This book taught about how not everyone is perfect. Sometimes, there are things that you have to work harder on than other people. Even though a swan is known for their grace, Sophie was not great at every dance move that she was being taught. This teaches students that it is fine not to be amazing at something, they just need to keep working on it to make themselves better. ( )

Summary:
This picture book was about a swan that loves music and loves to dance and happens to watch little girls practice ballet and wants to join. Although she loves the class because of the dancing she is afraid to join in because she does not look like the others in the class. Eventually she cannot seem to resist joining in and she begins to participate on learning ballet techniques , she had a difficult time at first but due to continuous practice she becomes very good. The dance instructor sees how hard Sophie (the swan) worked and asked her to audition for a annual performance of Swan Lake, which she was shocked to find out she made it when she didn't think she did. She continued to prepare herself for the show to mark sure that she was completely ready.

Personal Reaction:
I liked that although the story was about a swan it was very realistic about brung fearful of trying something new & with others. Even though she was afraid she could not hold back and not try because of her passion for dance abs took a chance to see it through. I loved the underlying message in this story about being different but still going after what she wanted in spite of it all.

Extension:
1. Have a group of children draw their favorite part of the book & explain what it was about that part that was the best part for them.
2. Ask children to specify in a short journal entry a similar situation where they felt too different amount others when wanting to pursue something new ( )

Grades K-2

Students who love all things ballet will enjoy this story of Sophie, the swan who wants more than anything to be a part of the ballet classes that she watches from her pond. Her initial attempt to join the class ends in embarrassment when the stern Madame Myrtle shoos her back out. But soon Sophie notices a different teacher in the classroom, and when she tries to join in again, the younger, jollier Miss Willow encourages Sophie's love of dance. Sophie works hard, and when the students audition for parts in Swan Lake, her diligence is rewarded with a special part. While the text is a little choppy, the beautiful watercolors from Emily Arnold McCully make this book a visual treat. Sharp-eyed readers will notice that, on the final page, Sophie has her own fans cheering her own at the play's performance. ( )