By Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton

Published: 2015

Word Count: 117,203

AR Level: 5.0

AR Points: 18.0

I suggest 8th through 12th grade.

I first learned about Tiny Pretty Things through the Netflix series (why do I feel that every YA novel makes a pass through that network now?). This series interested me because I’m a former competitive figure skater who has a deep knowledge of the fierce atmosphere created by females vying for the top position–a world where you must be both strong and beautiful (and encouraged to take measures to “look” a certain way). In fact, reading this book was only a struggle because it triggered some of my past anxiety.

But that’s why it’s important.

Why this story is relevant

A more general audience continues to call for better representation of women in all media, and we see actresses of all shapes and sizes landing prime roles. However, the world of dance feels very similar to that of ice skating. The expectation of grace and beauty is acceptable–except that when that world is all a teen girl knows, all that she focuses on, well, things get tricky.

In the story, Gigi, Bette, and June navigate the drama and their own demons at an exclusive Manhattan ballet school. The book shows how gossip, lies, and manipulation create challenging situations and mold each character’s decisions. While you’ll need to read Shiny Broken Pieces to round out the full story, the first book gives insight not only into the domain of ballet, but into the way females can come together–or tear one another apart.

This is a thoughtful piece of work that the TV series just can’t quite do justice.

Why this story will interest teen readers

Many young girls will take at least one dance class early in their life. I remember a dance recital where my daughter, Annie, age 4, stared at me in the mirror with a look that said, “I’m not doing this. This is not for me.” I totally respect that.

But many of us have dreams of dancing across the floor as if on air, the audience applauding our grace and skill. I found that feeling in ice skating (it was more forgiving of my lack of flexibility, and boy, do I love jumping!). But any girl will feel Gigi, June, and Bette’s desire to stand out, while simultaneously contemplating the decisions they make to do it.

What writers need to know

Writers–this is a long one! At more than 100,000 words, this book breaks the YA contemporary novel rules just a bit. However, in order to tell three stories, the space is worth it. I felt a few areas could have moved faster, but I’m an impatient reader, so that should be taken with a large grain of salt. Because honestly, these authors take such care to treat every story with the depth it needs. So, get out a notebook while you read it and think about how this book balances these three narratives with a great deal of its own grace and skill.

Then you can watch the series.

Here’s a link to the book at Barnes and Noble.