Nova in New York: Orca Limelights
Katherine Richards
Series: Orca Limelights
Publication Date:
29 Jan. 2019
Format:
Paperback / softback
ISBN 9781459820296
Seventeen-year-old Nova Abbott grew up dancing barefoot in the backyard with her aunt Ivy, whose dreams of becoming a professional ballerina were cut short by cystic fibrosis. Nova is invited to attend a prestigious ballet school's summer intensive program. She is a bit overwhelmed by New York City: the bustle of people, the talent of the other dancers, the demands of the instructors, and being separated from her beloved aunt, whose health is deteriorating rapidly.
With a coveted apprenticeship up for grabs, Nova isn't sure she'll make it in the big leagues, and now she's not even sure she wants to.
Information
Book Type: Junior ChapterAge Group: 10 to 15 years
Traffic Lights:
Class Novel: Yes
Good Reads Rating: 5/5
Literary Rating: 5/5
Review
Ever since Nova's father and aunt Ivy took her to see Swan Lake for her eighth birthday, she has known that she is meant for ballet. Ivy, who is also passionate about dance, has been her biggest cheerleader. When Nova is invited to participate in a prestigious pre-professional summer program at the Joffrey Ballet School, she knows it's the chance of a lifetime.
At first, Nova hates being in New York. She finds the other dancers too competitive and the instructors too harsh. The pressure increases when the class is told that three apprenticeships with the company are available.
Meanwhile, Ivy is sick -- possibly dying. She has cystic fibrosis and her lungs are struggling. Suddenly, Nova has to make the choice between her future on stage and her past with her aunt.
Nova goes back home to visit Ivy after the program ends. In the hospital, she realises that dance is not just her dream, but her aunt's -- and that the best thing she can do is follow their shared dream. As she realises this, she finds out that she's got an apprenticeship with the Joffrey Ballet school. Nova's life on stage is beginning!
Nova's struggle to choose between her bright future in dance and her love for her family drives this highly enjoyable story. The discussion of travel, homesickness, dreams, and self-belief gives Nova's story a broad appeal. The focus on dance will make this a great choice for lovers of Dance Academy and ballet.
Themes
family, dreams, self-belief, ballet, opportunities, homesickness, travel, illness
Content Notes
Ivy has cystic fibrosis and is in hospital throughout the book. She sometimes struggles to breathe.
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