Fish Feet

by Veronica Bennett

"All's fair in love and war and ballet." Fifteen-year-old Erik Shaw loves dancing. He doesn't care that he's the only boy in his ballet class or about the remarks people make. Coping with these is as natural to him as the turned-out fish-feet stance from which he gets his nickname. But now Erik wants to audition for the Royal Ballet School, which means making some tough decisions - such as giving up the Falcons football team and letting down old friends like Richard. This is further complicated by Erik's growing feelings for Richard's twin sister, Ruth, a fellow ballet dancer. Then there's Erik's dad who has his own ambitions for his son and being a ballet dancer isn't one of them. Has Erik got the strength of will as well as the talent to achieve his goal?

Genres: Childrens, Young Adult

238 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Veronica Bennett is a children's novelist. Until recently, she worked part-time as an English Lecturer; she now writes fiction full-time. She graduated from University College, Cardiff in 1975 with an Honours degree in English. She began her writing career as a freelance journalist, but soon moved into fiction. Her first book, Monkey, was published in 1998 and was acclaimed by The Times Educational Supplement as "an impressively well-written and audacious debut". Veronica Bennett is married to a university professor and has two children, and currently resides in Middlesex.

Reviews

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Billy Elliot-esque just with more typical teenage love. The story encapsulates every dancers dream to one day dance on stage and attend the Royal Ballet School whilst trying to navigate the world at 16. A quick read and a sweet little love story.

[Elin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Eddie Owens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pleasant and quick read for young adults.

The basic plot is about a boy who wants to go to the Royal Ballet School.

However, as with most, if not all YA, it is really about boys and girls growing up and falling in love, (lust) for the first time.

Some big themes are touched upon and not really developed, such as domestic violence and teen depression. I didn't think these issues fitted in very well with the aspirational story, as it wasn't really "A Boy Called It" kind of book.

[Rosie Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much probably just because i love to dance but you know its a very good book

[Helen Borlase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some people who aren't dancers might not be as interested as I was but I love how not only is 'Fish Feet' entertaining but gives real, authentic truths and advice on ballet!

[Jaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Not bad but not amazing