HarperTeen. 2008.
ISBN: 9780061429286.
$16.99. Hardcover. 272 pages.
Readers Annotation
Rosie’s wants to give her father one last gift before he dies. She wants to learn to dance for him like her grandmother used to do.
Plot Summary
Rosie’s widowed grandfather is dying of cancer, and her mother hasn’t spoken to him in years. Her mother is also having an affair with a married man. It is only the beginning of summer and Rosie told by her mother to see to her grandfather’s needs. Rosie loves spending time with him. Together they decide to go through his belongings and decide which items should be thrown out, given away, or kept ‘in trust.’ In performing this task Rosie sees and hears her grandfather’s life. While listening to her grandfather’s collection of LPs, Rosie discovers that her grandmother loved to dance the foxtrot. She comes to know him better, and as a final gift she decides to throw him a party. Rosie notices a dance studio on the second floor of a building she passes everyday. As she watches she decides that she will take ballroom dance lessons so that she may dance for her grandfather as her grandmother once did. The dance studio has some quirky characters, and she makes new friends while learning to dance. Yet, Rosie gains more from her lessons than a few dance moves, she also gains self confidence.
Critical Evaluation
This is a beautifully written novel. It is filled with lyrical prose that is laden with descriptions of the natural world. A literary novel, this book focuses on the emotions of losing someone you love, while pulling your family together again. Rosie tells the story in a poetic first person narrative. Kephart’s character development of Rosie and her grandfather are nearly perfect. There relationship is loving and sentimental. Rosie’s mother treats her as if she was an adult already, and her relationship with a married man is creepy. While she both loves and derides her mother’s romantic decision-making, it is her relationship with her grandfather that gives her emotional sustenance. A budding romantic relationship between Rosie and the boy next door is never fully realized, but you wouldn’t expect it to be in this type of novel where the focus is on the passing of a loved one. The story is slow, and drawn out, just as Rosie wants her remaining time to be with her grandfather. This book is for a young adult reader who has a budding love of literature, and wants to read a sentimental story.
Information about the author
Peg Kephart currently teaches advanced fiction writing at the University of Pennsylvania. Although she doesn’t have a permanent web address, she has a blog that you can find at http://beth-kephart.blogspot.com/.
Genre
Contemporary fiction
Curriculum ties
None
Challenge Issues
None
Challenge defense ideas
There are no apparent challenge issues associated with this book. In the case that a challenge comes up, there are some things that you can do to start. You could read the book and become familiar with the content. Refer to the library collection development policy, and get reviews from reputable sources and teens that have read the book. You can find out more about this book on Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/House-Dance-Beth-Kephart/dp/0061429287/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_5.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss why Rosie is helping her Grandfather go through his possessions.
2. Talk about Rosie’s relationship with her mother.
Reading Level/Age
Young adult, ages 13 and up.
Why I included this title
I discovered this book last summer and it stuck with me. It is a lovely read.
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