Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday (#MMGM) Book Review: Music Boxes by Tonja Drecker

Lindsay McKay and her family moved to Manhattan from a very small town in Nebraska. She dreams of being a prima ballerina, while her younger sister, Bridget, has been accepted into Juilliard, at the age of eight, to play the violin. Lindsay is happy for her sister, but not thrilled about living in a new place. Luckily, she brought her prized possession, a special music box given to her by her grandmother. At least it givers her some comfort. Lindsay’s first ballet lesson at the local community center does not go well, and she can’t hide her disappointment that no one in the class takes dance seriously. When she stumbles into Madame Destinee’s Dance Studio, it’s like a dream come true. The dancers are amazing! Madame offers for her to dance with the others and Lindsay feels herself move like never before. All she has to do to pay for her lessons is show up at a nightly performance. This sounds like a dream! She knows that here she can be a star and dance like she’s never danced before. But when Lindsay starts to notice that things aren’t quite as they seem and that Madame Destinee may be doing something to enchant the dancers, she becomes nervous about what will happen to her and her family. Is it possible to break the enchantment? Are the music boxes in Madame Destinee’s office important in some way and why do they match the one she brought from Nebraska? Can she help the other dancers? Read this enchanting story to find out.

Music Boxes by Tonja Drecker is a read that grabbed me from the start and pulled me in. It’s a story for people who like a good spooky mystery! I could easily relate to the main character, Lindsay. She is passionate about ballet and wants to be the best. I admire that type of dedication. When she noticed what Madame Destinee was doing to the dancers I felt both nervous and excited. The music boxes had quite a story behind them—I was definitely spooked, but in a good way. There's suspense and interesting relationships that keep the reader guessing. I think this book would be great for anybody in fourth grade and up who likes a story that gives them the chills.

Has anyone else read Music Boxes? Or have you read another book by Tonja Drecker? We’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy Reading!
~L

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Answer to Fairday's Riddle: Right On Pointe!

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! This week we're dancing out of the box. Tune in on Monday for Lizzy's book review and find out how the answer ties into the story. See you all around the book block. ~ F

Fouetté sauté center stage—pirouette, plié, promenade. Structure in movement, pas with grace. Léotard lines entrelacé. Tchaikovsky feathered sweet Odette. Balanchine spun Apollo's set. Piqué grande! Feast your eyes when dancing spirits do arise. 

What am I referring to? Answer: Ballet!

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 

Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations

Fairday's Riddle: Flic-Flac, Fondu...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? I don't have these skills, but it's beautiful to watch. ~ F

Fouetté sauté center stage—pirouette, plié, promenade. Structure in movement, pas with grace. Léotard lines entrelacé. Tchaikovsky feathered sweet Odette. Balanchine spun Apollo's set. Piqué grande! Feast your eyes when dancing spirits do arise. 

What am I referring to? Stop by Friday for the answer. 

I gave you a clue!