The story is set in the poor, working-class dominant, lower east side of New York City. And apparently, it is sometimes called Alphabet City because all of its streets are titled Avenue A and Avenue C and so on. When outsiders think of Alphabet City, they think of drugs and violence and prostitution. And that is true at night when the streets become sinister, but it is a whole different world, filled with music in the daytime.
Marisol is a Puerto Rican American living in Alphabet City with her father and her older brother. She has always loved to dance, especially to the salsa rhythms heard on the street. Then one day at school, she is invited to try out for a dance scholarship to a prestigious dance academy in the City. She and another girl, a Haitian immigrant named Desiree, both win! But just because you win, doesn't necessarily mean that you can make it happen. Marisol has to find a way to get to the academy and she also has to purchase her dance clothes and shoes. Fortunately, Desiree and her mother are able to help with transportation, at least for a while.
Marisol discovers dance in a whole new way. A very structured type of dance that requires a dancer to develop her muscles in very special ways. It requires hard work and commitment and Marisol realizes that she lives to dance. But at the same time, things are not going so well at home. Her older brother, Luis, is being pressured to earn more money for the struggling family. And Luis sees an easy way to earn big money, working for Tito who happens to be in the business of selling drugs.
Desiree and her mother live in a shelter, but are finally able to move into a new home. When they move, Marisol is faced with new problems. Her best friend transfers to a new school and now her transportation is gone. It is not safe for a young girl to be on the streets at night. But this book is all about family and community and sacrifice and problems are solved. Not without a bit of danger and suspense, but the family realizes what is most important to them. They ask for help from their friends and are willingly supported in their endeavors.
Any girl who loves ballet, will recognize the weekly exercises that Marisol and Desiree must practice. They will know what it is like to want to please a strict teacher, and yearn for her praise, while shying from the "no, no, no's". And they will know the hard work that is required to be a really good dancer. They will long for a break or a rest, but when they are prevented from attending class, they will be wilted with longing.
Of course, I enjoyed the book like I usually do. It's great, short, summer reading.
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