For those who like the fine arts mixed with a little spookiness and magic, Tonja Drecker’s new MG fantasy is a page turner. Twelve-year-old Lindsey McKay and her younger sister, Bridget, dream of musical futures. Talented Lindsey loves ballet. Bridget is a prodigy with the violin. But Mom and Dad have moved them from Nebraska to New York because Bridget has been accepted into the prestigious Julliard school. They can’t afford Julliard for both girls, so Lindsey has to content herself with ballet lessons at a community center, and she tries hard not to resent this.
Her life is changed when, on the way to her ballet class, she encounters Madame Destinée, who, after a short conversation, offers to teach Lindsey for free. But the lessons must be in secret. From the very first, Lindsey can appreciate Madame Destinée’s expertise, and she can see her own growth and improvement. But there are strange aspects to this school: Not only must the lessons secret, but they are late at night, so she has to sneak out of the house to attend. Performances are at midnight for a mysterious audience. From fragments of conversation, Lindsey’s new classmates seem to be from other places, even other countries. Yet here they are all at the same school. Madame Destinée also has a collection of music boxes, all of them with charming little figurines of ballet dancers inside. The music boxes are similar to the one Lindsey’s grandmother gave her, which was created by a toymaker with a mysterious legend about his disappearance.
And Madame Destinée’s collection is growing.
I liked this book for so many reasons. I like anything to do with ballet and the musical world, and this author really knows her ballet. Her descriptions of moves and positions and performance highlights were spot on. Her characters were believable and sympathetic. I found it easy to care about both sisters and some of the other dancers in this mysterious school. Setting details of the theater and school were nicely drawn. And the plot built with just the right amount of intensity to keep me engrossed at each point. No spoilers here, though.
Here is a trailer to pique your interest: Go Here
Click on these sides to find her book:
How about you? Do you like fiction that involves one or more of the fine arts? Do you like ballet? Do you like music boxes? And . . . do you like spooky magic?
Thank you so much for taking the time to read Music Boxes, and I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed this so much. The school sounds so mysterious and creepy. I'm excited for Tonja and hope to read this soon.
ReplyDeleteTonja, It was pleasurable read for sure! Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteNi, Natalie, I think you'll like it. I know you read a lot of YA and MG novels. And the atmosphere in this one struck me as so original.
ReplyDeleteThis book is getting a lot of buzz. Thanks for your thoughts. I will look for this one.
ReplyDeleteI saw review of this intriguing novel elsewhere, and I am determined to find it and read it.
ReplyDeleteMirka, find it. It's a nice read. I totally got into it.
ReplyDeleteRosi, I don't know what kind of fiction your granddaughter likes, but this might be nice for her school library.
ReplyDeleteThis really piqued my interest. I was quite impressed because I have two teens and a tween who visit me each summer. I'd love for them to read it, after I do, of course! Good luck to Tonja on the sale of her book.
ReplyDeleteYour teens are just the right target audience for this book, Elizabeth. And I know how much teens like the spooky stuff. Enjoy the book! Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteSounds like something right up my alley! Congratulations Tonja!
ReplyDeleteHi, Kate. It really is a good read. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteLooks cool:) I think music can always play a special role in any book or art form :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Mark. It sure does in this one. I love fiction that pulls in music in any form, ballet, opera, folk, etc. Thanks for stopping by.
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