Siegel, Siena Cherson.  To Dance:  a Memoir.  Illustrated by Mark Siegel.  New       York:  Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2006.  ISBN:  978-0-689-86747-       7  Dewey 741.5.
Summary	Tells the story of a ballerina, including her dance school experiences, performances and personal life.
Media	Graphic novel – watercolor panels.  Art captures ballet movement.  The pictures often show emotion without words needed
Literary     Devices
Curriculum Connection	Careers – shows the reality of a dance career. English – autobiography Grades 5-8
Rating	5Q  5P
Theme/extra	Based on the life of the author, pictures by the husband. “Dancing fills a space in me.”

Mary Smartt 8/2/09 

 

++++

To Dance: A Ballerina's Graphic Novel, by Siena Cherson Siegel, Mark Siegel ill.  New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 2006.

 

Summary: The authors tells the story of her childhood dancing with the School of American Ballet, in New York City.  Originally from Puerto Rico, Siegal had the opportunity to meet Balanchine and Baryshnikov during the 1970s.

 

Rating: 5Q, 5P

 

ISBN: 1416926870

 

Medium: Watercolor/ink

 

Curricular Opportunities: 

• Great for independent reading, English curriculum

 

Age Group: 5th-6th Gradess 

 

E.K. 7/16/09 

++++

Siegel, S.C. (2006). To dance: A ballerina’s graphic novel, Siegel, M., (ill). New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

 

ISBN: 1416926879

From a flat footed novice to the New York City Ballet, Siegel conveys the passion of a young dancer and her journey to adulthood.

Rating: 4Q/4P

 

Ages: Grades 4-6

 

Subjects: Ballet, New York City, Divorce, Family Challenges

 

Media: Pen, Ink and Watercolor

 

km 7/14/09

 

To Dance: A ballerina's graphic novel by Siena Cherson Siegel, Mark Siegel, Ill. NY: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, 2006. ISBN 13:978-1-4169-2687-0. Q5/4P

This is the story of a young girls experience in the School of American Ballet. She takes refuge in the art of ballet; helping her deal with the powerful emotions she is having about divorce and family challenges.

-Christina Gendron

 

 

 

 Siegel, S. C. and Siegel, M. (Ills.) (2006). To dance: A ballerina’s graphic novel. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-0-689-86747-7

 

Annotation – A memoir of Siegel’s dream to become a member of the American Ballet Threatre.

 

Media – ink and watercolor

 

Rating – 3QT and 3QI and 2P

 

Comments – This memoir recounts just a small portion of Siegel’s life when as girl she determined to become a serious ballet student. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in New York City, she built upon her family’s sacrifices and opportunities to fulfill her aspirations. The writing is somewhat stilted and uninspiring, however, the author may have been trying to capture her own voice when she was years younger.

  Nancy

APA Citation	Siegel, S. C. and Siegel, M. (2006). To dance: A ballerina’s graphic novel. New York: Antheum.
ISBN	978-0-689-86747-7	Rating	5Q/5P	Top 10	no
Media	Watercolor, ink		Grades/Subject	All
Annotation	A woman remembers her discovery of dance and the joy and passion that occurs with movement.