Just Dance

Written by Patricia MacLachlan

A young girl uncovers family secrets while reporting on her small town's events.

3.8 Goodreads · 575 ratings

128 pages· 11,273 words· Est. 1.5 hour read· 510L

$6.99Save 7%

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Bookroo's summary

Sylvie Bloom seeks adventure beyond her family's farm by taking over a local newspaper column. As she reports on her Wyoming town, she grapples with her mother's past as a renowned opera singer. When an old duet partner reappears, Sylvie wonders if her mother will return to the stage, leaving her and her brother behind. Can Sylvie find her own voice amidst the unfolding drama?

From the publisher

“[A] memorable story.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) From Newbery Award–winning author Patricia MacLachlan comes a “quiet tale about finding your own voice” (Kirkus Reviews) while learning to understand the people you love the most. Sylvie Bloom wants to find something new and exciting this summer—at least more exciting than the cows, goats, and chickens on her family’s farm that she’s become accustomed to. Luckily, Sylvie’s teacher Mrs. Ludolf has the perfect idea. Sylvie can take over her husband Sheriff Ludolf’s column in the newspaper for the summer, reporting on all the important events that happen in their small Wyoming town. Sylvie is thrilled to have a new challenge, but she’s not sure she’ll actually see anything amazing. At least nothing like the things her mother saw when she traveled the world as a famous opera singer. Sylvie can’t figure out why her mother would give up singing in front of thousands of people. Have she and her brother Nate been holding her mother back? And when her mother’s old duet partner James Grayson writes that he’s coming to perform nearby, will she be tempted to return to the stage, without them?

At a glance