Review by Booklist Review
*Starred Review* Lake's follow-up to In Darkness (2012) shares two distinct traits with that Printz Award-winning novel: a Cormac McCarthy style of nonattributed dialogue and a canny ability to generate sympathy for those who are ostensibly villains. Still smarting from the suicide of her mother, Amy, 17, is unenthused to be spending months aboard her wealthy father's yacht, along with the stepmother and a small crew. Their edgy boredom is torn apart when the ship is overwhelmed by Somali pirates or coast guard as they prefer to be known who have nothing personal against Amy's family and wish them no harm. What they want is simple: a few million dollars in ransom. But until they get it, there are rules, guns, secrets, and nerve-shredding negotiations with the navy. Right away, Amy feels a connection with 25-year-old Somali translator Farouz, who soon returns her attentions. Lake doesn't play this as Stockholm syndrome, so readers' mileage will vary on their ability to believe in such a sudden and intense emotional affair: It was like our skins spoke to each other, moons Amy after an accidental touch. With a verisimilitude that recalls Mal Peet, Lake illustrates how pirating is the best hope Farouz has to get his brother out of prison and forge a real life for himself. Like Amy, readers will be torn. Intelligent, empathetic, and eye-opening. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The Printz Award brought overdue attention to Lake, and the result should be significant curiosity in what he's cooked up this time.--Kraus, Daniel Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-6-This first title in a new series features a dance team made up of five tweens and a seven-year-old gymnast-turned-dancer. The story revolves around the group's internal bickering and friendships and an external rivalry between its director, Miss Toni, and her former co-dancer/archenemy whose team is the Divas's greatest competition. There are stereotypical aspects to the characterization-the requisite stage moms, an Asian mother who threatens to pull her daughter out of competition if she doesn't keep up with her schoolwork, the ultramean studio director, and a sabotaging competitor. Also, there's no mention of male dancers, and fathers don't play a prominent role. The unique plot twists and detailed descriptions of the world of choreography, including actual steps and costume design, will appeal to young performers, whether they simply love the art or participate in similar competitions. In an unlikely turn of events, a dancer joins her stage-fright-stricken sibling during her very first solo, and they end up winning a duet prize. The rest of the novel, which centers on the team's failings and successes, is quite realistic and plausible. Despite its minor flaws, the book's easy, fluid writing and relatable characters will make it a satisfying read.-Maralita L. Freeny, District of Columbia Public Library (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
The members of a pre-teen competitive dance team get caught up in a rivalry with the City Feet team. The Dance Divas engage in some not-entirely-ethical behavior (and catch City Feet cheating, too) but ultimately find success comes with hard work and creative risks. Message-heavy and light on dramatic tension, this series opener nevertheless offers humor and plenty of choreography and costume details. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Dance competition is fierce for four preteens and one little sister. This series opener introduces four girls from New Jersey who belong to the Dance Divas studio and take part in individual and group contests. Scarlett has talent, divorced parents and a little sister who is whiny but acrobatic. Liberty has an over-the-top stage mother and is a snob. Rochelle hates toe shoes and loves hip-hop. Bria has a family of Chinese heritage that values educational excellence. The focus of the story is on costumes and routines that will give them an edge in the judges' ratings. After coming in second at a competition, their drive to win accelerates, spurring intrigue. The coach and choreographer of that winning team used to dance in a ballet company with the Dance Divas' coach, and they have not spoken in years, so the four girls use the Internet and a fake email account to uncover the cause of the feud. The little sister is sent into a studio to spy on the competition; they've brought in a ringer, an older girl. While not surprising, the tactics are certainly questionable. Berk's writing is action-driven, stereotyped and predictable. For those who dance to win--all others can skip the show. (Fiction. 8-12)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
