Barbie: Ballet Buddies

Barbie

by Barbara Richards

Amy and Michelle are dancing in "The Magic Butterfly." Amy has the lead. But then she gets hurt, and no one knows the part--except Michelle. Can she dance it for the show? Maybe...with a little help from Barbie!

Mile 3 Road to Reading books contain longer sentences and more complex plotlines for the increasingly confident reader.

Genres: Picture Books, 2nd Grade

48 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 17, 2000

Reviews

[Cindy DeLong · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first glance, this book seems all happy and encouraging, but the reader soon discovers the underlying message. It teaches humanism as the absolute answer. Geared toward impressionable young girls, it encourages them to "believe in themselves" and "have fun" and everything will work out. Even if a person doesn't believe the Bible's teaching in Philippians where it is explained, "I can do all through Christ who strengthens me," hopefully they will at least be able to see that humanism is empty fluff. The child Michelle, in the book, succeeded because she practiced, was focused, and determined, not because she channeled some inner power that made her every wish a reality.

[Sara Bland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barbie is the classic girl's doll for any child. This is a cute story of two friends who are going to be in the school dance performance. The one girl really wants the leading role, but she is not good enough. So, she and her friend practice day after day until one day her friend breaks her foot and cannot play the lead role anymore. The first little girl is so excited because now she can be the star, but she needs help from Barbie to teach her how to dance. The pictures are cute because Barbie is featured, but the moral of the story seems a bit abrasive. I would recommend this book to children in grades 1-3.