Just Dance
Patricia MacLachlan, Author
Margaret K. McElderry Books, Fiction, Sep, 12, 2017
Suitable for Ages: 7 and up (Grades 3-5)
Themes: Families, Country life, Singer, Reporter, Newspaper writing
Book Synopsis:
Sylvie Bloom does not understand her mother. She used to be a famous opera singer and Sylvie can’t figure out why she would give up her singing career in front of thousands of people for life on their small Casper, Wyoming farm. Sylvie wants something more exciting than that for herself this summer. She wants an adventure.
Sylvie’s teacher, Mrs. Ludolf, notices her writing talent and suggests that Sylvie take over Sheriff Ludolf’s local newspaper column. Her job will be to report on the local happenings and follow the sheriff on his rounds. But even as she starts writing about town events, Sylvie can’t help but wonder if she and her younger brother, Nate, have been holding their mother back from doing the same. Nate is more philosophical and tells Sylvie she has “too many preconceived notions.” And when her mother’s old duet partner James Grayson writes that he’s coming to perform nearby, will she be tempted to return to the stage, without them?
Why I like this story:
Just Dance is a cozy book and a perfect summer read. MacLachlan has written a heartfelt and lyrical story about family love, community and music, in her signature minimal style. The setting is so vivid that it makes you want to go live on the prairie near Sylvie’s small town.
Throughout the story, Sylvie’s mother’s beautiful voice is heard in the background — a mystery for Sylvie. Her mother sings in the shower, while her family gathers outside the door to listen and name the music. Her mother sings a different song to the cattle, sheep and chickens and they stop to listen. As do the passing neighbors who hear her lilting voice across the fields — even the crows.
MacLachlan’s characters are memorable with emotional depth. Sylvie, like her mother, has her own talents. As she travels about town with the local sheriff reporting the daily news, she admires his wisdom and compassionate approach to solving problems. She meets a kindred spirit in Tinker, who lives very simply with his wolf, Bernie. Tinker is a poet, artist and observer of life and encourages Sylvie, who writes her columns in free verse or as a Haiku poem. Here’s a sample of Sylvie’s artistic way of reporting for the paper, which the community enjoys:
Sheep in the meadow
Blue-eyed man and a sweet friend
A good day of peace. (Meeting Tinker)
_____________
Boys too young to say
Build a fire on windswept day
Sent home, ponder deeds. (Boys playing with fire)
________________
Wily crowd of crows
Back to plunder Elmer’s corn
Maybe try sweet song?
Just Dance is a quiet novel to savor. It’s about how Sylvie finds a way to express her own unique voice, while she tries to understand her mother’s choice to leave the lime light for a prairie. This is a good book for kids moving into middle grade books. With short chapters, it can also be read out loud to young children.
Patricia MacLachlan is the celebrated author of many timeless novels for young readers, including Newbery Medal winner Sarah, Plain and Tall; Word After Word After Word; Kindred Souls; The Truth of Me; The Poet’s Dog; and My Father’s Words. She is also the author of countless beloved picture books, a number of which she cowrote with her daughter, Emily. She lives in Williamsburg, Massachusetts.
Greg Pattridge hosts Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Check out the link to see all of the wonderful reviews by KidLit bloggers and authors.
*Reviewed from a library copy.
Sounds like a joyful book that will give children something to think about. Many don’t often think parents have lives beyond being their carers.
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This is a fun read. I love MacLachlan’s gentle touch in her storytelling.
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Hi, Patricia. This sounds like one I would like. Thanks for telling us about it.
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I am delighted you enjoyed the review. I thought I’d read most of her work, but there are still a few other stories I haven’t.
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Patricia MacLachlan is such a great writer. This sounds like another book to enjoy. Sylvie sounds like a cool female character.
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I loved Sylvie and her relationship with her brother, who is younger and wise. Nice balance to a lovely story.
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I love just about everything Patricia MacLachlan writes. I’m glad to know about this one. I like the idea of exploring empathy and dreams through the girl’s perceptions of her mother.
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I think we are all fans and marvel at how she tells stories so simply but with such depth.
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I’ve enjoyed many of Patricia’s books, but somehow missed this one. I already liked the main character just based on your thoughts. It may be a quiet story but one that should fit into my summer reading. Thanks for sharing.
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It’s a feel good story. I don’t know how I missed this story. Also so another one I missed.
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We love a book about a writer – even if it’s a little girl writer. This is on Mom’s TBR list for sure.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
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Me too. This story has a lot of intrigue. I love Sylvie’s spunk and interest in writing.
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This looks like the perfect read for me! Thanks for bringing it to my attention… I love books about kid journalists, fiddles, and Wyoming.
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It will be an enjoyable read. I like books about prairie life.
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I love Patricia MacLachlan’s books. I haven’t seen this one. I absolutely love the cover. I will check it out. Thanks for the tip.
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Everyone who has commented has missed this book. I thought it was just me. Such a cozy read.
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This sounds like…well, music to the ears! 😀 I love the cover, too. I’m going to see if I can get my hands on this one as a summer read–thanks for the recommend!
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It is a fun book to escape into — especially when it is a MacLachlan book.
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Sounds like a fun read for summer. Hadn’t heard of this one. Thanks.
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It is a perfect summer read! I missed it too.
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Sounds lovely, thank you 🙂 I will get it!
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Thanks for visiting. This is a great summer read.
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