Dancing Shoes

I've always adored books set in England ... and it started with the Noel Streatfeild books that I devoured as a child. Of all of the Shoes books -- and believe me, twenty years ago I read every single one I could get my hands on -- this is still the best. The two heroines are so likable and yet so different from each other; Rachel is introspective and quiet, Hilary is vivacious and fun-loving. What this means is that every little girl reading it can identify with one or the other. Streatfeild is at her best when it comes the book's character development. Rachel's reaction to her mother's death, and her changing relationship with her sister, are very well-drawn and utterly convincing. Best of all, this book has Dulcie -- the character you love to hate. And every single person gets her comeuppance in the end; the reader's desire for poetic justice is fufilled in a most suprising but totally convincing way. It's a wonderfully satisfying read, and the kind of book that you can read again and again ... even as an adult.

Perhaps I have a bit of sentimental bias towards this book. I received it at age 5 to read-- my first-ever "chapter" book. It took me about six months the first time around, if I recall correctly. I'd just begun dance classes myself, and so the book gave me a sense of a connection to something that I enjoyed doing. Because it was about two young girls that were taken in by their aunt, I also connected it to adoption--something that also was extremely close to home for me, as I am an adopted child. Since that time (in 1980) I've nearly worn my copy out from reading it so many times-- even now, as an adult, I find it to be a fantastic read. I think that it might sound a bit dated at times, but no more so than any of the Beverly Cleary books that are also great for young readers, particularly little girls.

Do you remember when the Meg Ryan character walked into TomHanks' FOX BOOKS store and the customer asked about the"Shoes" books, and a monologue about the wonders of Noel Streatfeild's "Shoes" books ensued, touching on Dancing Shoes, Ballet Shoes, and Skating Shoes, which is absolutely wonderful? That scene made me break down crying, because I had never heard anyone other than myself talk about these terrific books, and the fact that it is tragic that they are mostly out of print and hard to find. This book is a wonderful story of working hard for a goal, and accomplishing it, or at least getting on the road to achieving a reasonable, yet magical, goal. If you want a great book for your favorite elementary school girl, buy this one - then buy the other "Shoes" books (and get a copy of Tennis Shoes for your favorite boy too!)

Ever felt misunderstood? Or that you did't fit in? Ever had great plans for another's future...that they didn't share? Dancing Shoes is a well-crafted classic, about three girls we can all relate to. Rachel hates dancing, and struggles to find herself in a dancing school. Her sister Hillary is all mirth, and no work. Dulce is their insufferable, spoiled cousin, who meets her deserved fate. An exasperated teacher, a homey nurse, and evil aunt, and a oblivious but gentle hearted uncle round out the cast. Superb all around, sensitively told. Buy it now!

Dancing Shoes is one of Noel Streatfield's most enchanting books. Rachel and Hilary, Pursey, Uncle Tom, Aunt Cora, Dulcie, Mrs. Storm, and the Little Wonders combine to create a delightful world. Loveable characters and a vivid plot, never saccharine; I read it over many times each year. Splendid for children and adults.