I WANNA BE WHERE YOU ARE

Chloe's determination to be a professional ballerina is palpable in Jeanette Illidge's narration of this realistic YA romance. Against her mother's wishes, Chloe drives from New Jersey to Washington, DC, so she can audition for a dance company that welcomes dark-skinned dancers like her. When her former crush, Eli, joins the road trip, Chloe decides to admit her true feelings for him. Illidge imbues both Eli and Chloe with relatable teenage emotions--from nervous excitement to anger to anguished embarrassment. Her correct pronunciation of French ballet terms lends authenticity to the ballet plotline. Dancers and non-dancers alike will enjoy this romance and root for Chloe and Eli to get together. S.C. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2019]