LitPick Review
17-year old Marta Selbirth is a 1950's ballet dancer; at least, she thinks so. Unfortunately, no companies have hired her. After her last audition, the Intermountain Ballet Company in Billings finally hires her. She is elated until she arrives days late without dance-wear for her first practice. She manages to catch up to the others and a kind girl lends her clothes, but problems continue to follow her. From a broken ankle to a boyfriend problem, things just keep going wrong. Even the director, Madame Cosper, is upset with her. Will Marta be able to keep up in ballet, or will she go home in defeat?
Opinion:
84 Ribbons is a thought-provoking book that shows how difficult it often is to grow up. Marta deals with many challenges that young adults face today, including the fact that sometimes it is hard to talk to someone of the opposite gender. It was encouraging to read about someone who faces challenges like me. 84 Ribbons really made me think about what and who I am going to be when I am older. Will I try to do things my own way or listen to others' advice? In 84 Ribbons, Paddy Eger has created a great book for older readers. I really enjoyed 84 Ribbons, and I think you would too.
