Aunt Cora is determined to turn two orphans, perky Hilary and sullen Rachel, into members of her dance troupe. But Rachel wants to keep Hilary from...
read full description
reviews
Sep 13, 2011
Carly
rated it: 
Enjoyable middle-grade British children's novel from the mid 20th century. Like all of the Shoe books, this centers on a group of children (conceited Dulcie, sensitive Rachel, and comedic Hillary) training for a profession, in this case dancing (modern, musical comedy style, not ballet). This was great fun to listen to and reminded me of how much I enjoyed these books as a child. However, revisiting the book as an adult I was much more aware of how times have changed since the book was originall
More...
Oct 12, 2010
Esther
rated it:
In the movie "You've Got Mail" there is a reference made to the Shoe books by Noel Streatfeild. I happen to see this one while perusing shelves at the library and picked it up curious.
The writing was charming and I can see why it is a children's classic. I probably would of loved it as a girl. I enjoyed it as an adult but I think because of the movie I had expectations that were a little too high for it.
Also one of the girls in the story is adopted and at firs More...
The writing was charming and I can see why it is a children's classic. I probably would of loved it as a girl. I enjoyed it as an adult but I think because of the movie I had expectations that were a little too high for it.
Also one of the girls in the story is adopted and at firs More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Nov 18, 2010
Sue
rated it: 
More children's fiction from one of my favourite juvenile authors. Hilary and Rachel are orphaned, and go to live with Aunt Cora and Uncle Tom. Cora runs a stage school, teaching all kinds of dance and drama, and has a daughter - Dulcie - who is very conceited. Hilary was training to be a ballet dancer, but finds herself enjoying other kinds of dancing more, much to Rachel's dismay. Rachel is not a dancer at all, and doesn't in the least want to train in her aunt's stage school...
More...
More...
Aug 30, 2010
Marisa
rated it:
Unlike most of Streatfeild's books, this one contains characters that the reader doesn't really like. I wasn't sure I liked that, since one of my favorite aspects of her writing is that all the characters contain both good and bad traits which makes them very believable. To have an actual villain-type character is a departure, but the main character Rachel is fun, spunky and very readable. The dancing descriptions, and the devotion between the sisters is enjoyable. However, this remains my l
More...
Aug 17, 2009
Marian
rated it:
i loved these books as a little girl and this one stood the test of time yesterday. nuanced complex characters - talent doesn't equal ambition, beauty doesn't equal kindness, loyalty is earned, characters are flawed but lovable. plus they are realistically 10 and they realistically age. they have complex thoughts and feelings and are eager to express themselves but frequently do so poorly.
without plot details, these are great reads for girls who are looking for role models that love p More...
without plot details, these are great reads for girls who are looking for role models that love p More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jun 27, 2008
Paula
rated it:
Even though I did like this book, I didn't like it quite as much as I did Ballet Shoes. This probably is because it was about as enjoyable to read the parts containing Mrs. W and her daughter Dulcie as it was to read the parts with Umbridge in the Harry Potter books. Then again, the fact that the relationship between Rachel and Hilary is more complex than the one among the sisters in Ballet Shoes is a positive thing.
The ending was unexpected, although I feel like it shouldn't have be More...
The ending was unexpected, although I feel like it shouldn't have be More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
May 05, 2009
Kel
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
May 25, 2011
Jenny
rated it: 
I was expecting/hoping this was a sequel to Ballet Shoes, but I was wrong, and therefore a bit diasappointed. Still, the book was ok, I'm sure a preteen girl would like it. I did notice a formula to her writing: orphaned children must learn to perform to support themselves and/or new family. One or more doesn't like the idea, but by the end is fine with it.
Aug 31, 2011
Shayla
rated it:
The librarian recommended this book, and I'm glad she did. Noel Streatfeild has a fun, easy, and entertaining way of writing that girls will love. She writes very likable and fun characters that you find yourself really rooting for. Also, there is something admirable and yet not completely perfect about all of her characters that is engaging to read about.
Oct 10, 2011
Christy
rated it:
Aunt Cora is determined to turn two orphans, perky Hilary and sullen Rachel, into members of her dance troupe. But Rachel wants to keep Hilary from being one of Wintle’s Little Wonders—is it selfishness or something else? Misunderstandings and a spoiled cousin come together for a tale full of high drama. Originally published in 1957.
Jun 18, 2009
Lindsay
rated it:
I originally got this book for my daughter to read. ONe day I was bored and picked up and started to read it. I was captivated by Noel Streatfield's writing. It took me right back to when I lived in England. I loved her style of writing and the contents of the book were sweet.
Nov 23, 2011
Emily
rated it:
The best of the 3 "Shoes" books that I've read. Ballet Shoes and Theater Shoes both divided the reader's attention among three protagonists. By focusing on just one main character (Rachel), Dancing Shoes allowed me to really get to know her and become attached.
May 28, 2011
Flora
rated it:
Very well written with endearing characters, It was a great book up until the end where I would have liked it to have been a little more depthful and certain(she leaves you to decide the details of how you want it to end, a style of writing some prefer but I don't).
May 21, 2010
"I might dance for a bit in a chorus when I'm grown up, but I won't do it for long."
"What will you do instead?"
"I'm going to marry young and have lots of children."
...
"It seems a waste of talent," she said regretfully.
"Waste nothing. What's nicer than babies?"
"What will you do instead?"
"I'm going to marry young and have lots of children."
...
"It seems a waste of talent," she said regretfully.
"Waste nothing. What's nicer than babies?"
Sep 02, 2009
Michele
rated it:
This is basically a good story, however where Rachel has to learn to let Hilary live her own life and go for her own dreams. However, I didn't like the ending to the story though it was written in the fifties for young girls and Hilary really wasn't ambitious as her adopted sister and cousin.
Mar 04, 2009
Brigitte
rated it:
This book was okay. The plot and all was good, but, Rachel kind of annoys me because she's, like, pushing Hilary and MAKING her dance, instead of just letting Hilary choose. And Mrs. W. and her daughter are both just annoying, but it's still okay.
Jan 18, 2009
dogluvers867
rated it:
I really liked this book. I liked it more then Ballet Shoes. The story was a lot more interesting, and the characters are a lot more developed. I like how everyone has such different personalities. And the problems and answers are so good. And the ending is really great.
~Audrey
~Audrey
Dec 08, 2008
Audra
rated it: 
I heard of these books from...you guessed it, "You've got mail." I was browsing in the library several weeks ago and happened to see these books. I really liked the story and enjoyed reading them. They are a nice easy read.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Apr 17, 2008
Rachel
rated it:
This was a book I have enjoyed since I was a girl (along with the other books in the series). Since I was interested in dancing and theater, I often longed for adventures like those that the characters in these books find. I especially liked the main character of this book because her name was Rachel, and she loved to read. Also, unlike her cousin Dulcie who was always seeking the spotlight, Rachel found fame without seeking for it. That was my dream--that someday some amazing movie producer wou
More...
Jul 14, 2011
i think that this was a pretty good book. i'm guessing it was british author because it was written differently than americans but it was good. its a good read for teenagers and young adults. the writing was okay, but it was overall good.
Aug 01, 2009
Kristen
rated it:
Hard to review after so long, but I loved this one so much I wore out the edges of the book with re-reading. I suppose I liked the end, where the quiet, bookish girl gets a big break.
Sep 19, 2009
Anna
rated it:
I liked this book a lot, but not quite as much Ballet Shoes or Theater Shoes. I liked the story line well enough, but I was annoyed that Hilary never wanted to practice or work at all. She reminded me of my piano students who also sometimes annoy me.
Aug 30, 2009
Kelly
rated it:
I absolutely loved this book as a young girl (elementary age 3-5). If you love dance you'll love this book. It was one of my most favorite books when I was young.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Aug 11, 2010
April a.k.a Annabeth
rated it:
I read this book after readinbg Ballet shoes and found that I loved both. This one had great, relatable characters whom I loved after the first chapter.
Feb 27, 2010
Caitlinleah
rated it:
a great re-read for feeling sad. now i actually am motherless, there is more sympathy. at least i don't have to live with a dispicable aunt cora!
Dec 19, 2008
Laurie
rated it:
Another excellent story by Noel Streatfield. She moved quickly from one thing to another at times, but the story itself is darling.
Jan 12, 2012
Rebecca
rated it:
I had a rough time reading this one. Mostly because the Aunt and her daughter were so rude to her nieces.
But a great story no the less.
But a great story no the less.
Jul 26, 2009
Fashiongirlgoldberg
rated it:
A super good book. Didn't quite match the greatness of ballet shoes but fabulous all the same. Rachel and Hilary are great characters.
Jul 20, 2009
Samantha97
rated it:
This is my favorite of the shoes books. I enjoyed the story line the best. It is a definite recommend to any young reader I know.
Dec 08, 2011
Wendy
rated it:
My children and I loved "Ballet Shoes" and "Theater Shoes," and found this one a little disappointing in comparison.
