
Reach for this book when you notice your adolescent daughter becoming increasingly perfectionistic, particularly regarding her body image or a high-pressure hobby like dance. It is an essential choice for families navigating the 'invisible' middle child syndrome or those struggling with the ripple effects of a sibling's rebellion and a parent's emotional absence. Thirteen year old Delia is a gifted ballerina who uses the discipline of dance to cope with her motherless household and her sister Pearl's erratic behavior. As Delia spirals into an obsession with weight and control, the story explores the heavy burden of trying to be the 'good child' in a fractured family. It is a poignant, realistic look at eating disorders and sisterhood for mature middle schoolers, offering a mirror for those who feel they must be perfect to be loved.
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Sign in to write a reviewDelia's physical health declines significantly due to starvation.
Explores the complex, sometimes harmful behaviors of a rebellious sibling.
The book deals directly with anorexia nervosa and disordered eating. It also touches on parental neglect and the death of a mother. The approach is realistic and secular, offering a stark look at the psychological toll of perfectionism without a tidy, magical resolution.
A mature 12 to 14 year old who is involved in competitive sports or arts and feels the weight of family expectations. It is particularly resonant for 'quiet' children who hide their struggles behind achievements.
Parents should be aware that the descriptions of Delia's calorie counting and body checking are very detailed. This may require a discussion about health versus performance. Cold reading is possible, but post-reading check-ins are recommended. A parent might reach for this after hearing their child make self-critical comments about their body or witnessing a high-achieving child become withdrawn and obsessive about their performance.
Younger readers (11-12) will focus on the ballet and the sisterly conflict, while older readers (14-15) will better grasp the nuances of the eating disorder and the father's emotional negligence.
Unlike many 'ballet books' that focus on the glamour of the stage, Porter exposes the gritty, psychological cost of the art form when used as a shield against trauma.
Delia is a dedicated thirteen year old ballet student living in a house defined by silence and discord. Her mother is deceased, her father is emotionally distant, and her older sister Pearl has been sent away for rebellious behavior. Delia finds a sense of control in the rigorous world of ballet, but that need for control manifests as a dangerous obsession with her weight. When Pearl returns, the sisters must navigate their different ways of coping with grief and family expectations.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.