Author(s): Fleur Beale

New Zealand titles - children

DoP October 2009, Auckland 168pp Softcover Lacey and her best (and bossy) friend Vanessa do everything together, including dance lessons. But after Lacey's trip to Perth to be a flowergirl (wearing the dress from hell!), their friendship starts to crack up, especially when a new girl at school, Belinda, suggests that the girls' dance teacher doesn't know what she is doing. Lacey must choose between her friendship with "drama queen" Vanessa, loyalty to her dance teacher and her growing knowledge that Belinda might be right. She just wishes everything could return to normal. Perhaps the fantastic theme for her 11th birthday party will help smooth the waters. This engaging story for 7- to 12-year-olds is full of the dramas surrounding ballet, friendships, jealousies and learning to stand up for yourself. It is the prequel to Lucky For Some, in which Lacey's family move to the countryu, and will appeal to girls who love Jacqueline Wilson's and Jean Ure's novels.