Tiny Pretty Things by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton
It all
started the day “The Nutcracker” cast was announced. Bette knew she would be
the Sugar Plum Fairy, just like her sister. And besides she is the best dancer
at the American Ballet Conservatory. The chances that Mr. K would choose
someone else for that role are slim to none. June feels the same way. She has
been at the conservatory since she was 6. She knows all about how Mr. K chooses
to cast his ballets, and that’s why she knows she won’t be cast as the Sugar
Plum Fairy, because June is half-Korean and none of the Asian girls ever get a
lead role. Needless to say, everyone was shocked when Gigi, the new girl from
California, got the role. Especially since she is the only black girl in the
class. Now Gigi unknowingly has a target on her back.
So this
book is really intense! I was expecting something along the lines of
“Centerstage” with some dramatic flair. What I got was a surprisingly diverse
group of characters, a stark look at race and drama ranging from an alcoholic
mother, drug use, eating disorders and back stabbing. Including the three POV
characters, there was wide range of personalities and lives that intersected
daily. Charaipotra and Clayton did an amazing job with creating an environment
that was devoid of stagnant characters. These stories breathes dance and it
breathes emotion. I got swept away in the day to day activities of the girls
and the drama present. It was definitely a plot that was easy to get lost in.
This
book does have a sequel which I will definitely be grabbing. I want to know how
things continue for this characters. I know who I am rooting for and I know who
I am hoping will choose a different career path and gain some damn humility. I
definitely recommend this book. It’s fun and worth a read. I give this 4 out of
5 stars.
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