Sing if you can’t dance

Talia

I enjoyed “Sing if you can’t dance” I thought it was a much easier read than other books I’ve tried, and I liked how it was on sora, as I could listen to it as well. I think that Ven was my favourite character as even after she wasn’t able to do the thing she loved so much she persevered and found something else she loved. It shows that even if you’re in a dark path there is always light at the end of the trail. I loved the drama in the book as well it was very entertaining. I would recommended this to anyone who loves drama!

Gabriella Ardingly College Y8

Sing if you can’t dance was an amazing book, which I really enjoyed reading. Once I had picked it up, I just could not put it down. Ven was my favourite character, she was by far the funniest and she was also quite sassy. She also showed that just because she was disabled, does not mean she is any different from any other teen. It also must be really hard for her, as she is bullied a lot by people and made fun of by people like Abigail Moss. I liked the Romantic theme the book as well, and Ven and Ren were a perfect couple. Overall, I really liked this book and would recommend it to others.

Toby St Paul’s

Sing if you can’t dance is a compelling story about how, despite a life-changing accident, the protagonist, Ven perseveres and learns to accept the difficulties. I am not a fan of romance stories, but the themes of friendship and resilience made this an enjoyable read nonetheless. Furthermore, the constant turns in the relationship between Ven and Ren kept me guessing and represent the hard truth of relationships sometimes.

7/10

Lucy – Ardingly

Sing if you can’t dance was defiantly a book that showed compassion and courage. From the beginning to the end of the book, Ven is a character who shows courage and bravery and despite her condition; she is still a strong character and when asked if needed help she politely declines and solves the problem herself. Personally, this for me isn’t normally the type of book I would read but after I got into a couple of the chapters, I actually began to really enjoy it. I think it gave me the message to never give up no matter how difficult it is and that if you believe in something you can do it! Overall I would definitely recommend this book to early teenagers. The heart warming story of how Ven’s life changed so quickly showed that you might not be able to do some things but you can tweak them to fit into something that you can do- if not better. This was a very enjoyable book!

Matilda-year 7-The cavendish school

This book was full to the brim with emotion and shows that you can do anything if you put your mind to it .
I loved this soo much.
8/10-for anyone that loves drama and believes in never giving up.

Isabelle – Year 7 – Cavendish School

Sing if you can’t dance was a rollercoaster ride of emotions which follows Ven, a teenage girl, with a passion for music. When her disability prevents her from dancing, she turns to singing instead. This is a powerful book which shows that anyone can do anything if they put their mind to it.

Flo year 8 Cavendish

This book was about a girl called Ven who cannot dance anymore and her relationships with her friends from her old dance group and the new boy at the school. In the book she gets her singing group into the music festival that her family hosts. I would recommend this book.

Lottie – Year 7 Cavendish

A heartfelt book following the story of dancer Venn and her journey to recovery. Romance, tragedy and a fantastic plot entwine in this beautifully-written tale.

To be more specific, I adored the determination and courage of Venn and how Alexia Casale has given us, the readers, a heart-breakingly real book of trials overcome and magnificent friendships.

Vanshika, Ardingly Collage, Yr8

I loved Sing if you can’t dance even though I was a bit sceptical at first because I had never read a romantic drama before but I think I will try and read a few more of this genre as I really enjoyed it. I love how Ven is so sarcastic and has lots of attitude because I think it shows us that she is just a normal teenager but unfortunately has this condition. I love how the author managed to tell us the positives about the condition whilst also letting us know how painful it can be. Overall I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would!

Evie

This book is one of my favourite books I have ever read. This was the first book I ever read that didn’t involve murder on every page. It is so sweet and heart breaking at the same time. I was moved by every word. I have never felt feelings while reading a book but with this one I did

Lizzy, Year 8, Cavendish

This was a really good book with a lot of romance. It was very well written as it made a really annoying main character at the start end up as a good person who wants to help others, not hurt them.
It is about a girl who wants to become a dancer and then she is not allowed to dance anymore. She loses the one thing that makes her get up in the morning and it’s about her trying to have singing as her thing. Her family rum a music festival in the summer and her music group sing in it .
I would really recommend it if you like romance.

Arwen

I found Sing If You Can’t Dance a really engaging read as it brought out many emotions and encourages readers to persevere. This is by a landslide my favourite book to read and I have enjoyed it thoroughly. I 100% recommend this enchanting read.

Eliza

I thought Sing if you can’t dance brought out many different emotions. Sadness for Ven after not being able to dance. Anger, when Ren treated Ven poorly. And happiness, at the concert and when Ven and Ren ended happily. I thought at times it was slightly confusing as the mood of the book changed so quickly. Ven had a powerful personality which was inspiring, but sometimes annoying because she was incapable of asking for help. In the end though, it was nice that she grew to make good friends such as Maddie, Roks, Orla and the rest of the Singing group.

Jessica – Ardingly College Year 9

Sing if you can’t dance is an amazing book, following a character having a disability that prevents her from doing what she loves.

As soon as I started reading this book, I immediately loved it. It’s not a thriller or fantasy like some of the other books on the short list, meaning it is easier to immerse yourself in it. I also loved how sarcastic and funny Ven is, which made her feel like a real person, rather than just a character in a book.

I enjoyed reading how Ven learnt to rely on others at times and accept peoples’ kindness, and how Ren learnt to accept his scars as part of who he is.

I found it heart wrenching in the scenes where Ren’s brother feels guilty every time he sees the scars on Ren’s face, and I was glad that he went on his own journey, and realised that his brother still loved him despite what happened.

In conclusion, I adored this book, I found it beautiful and devastating at parts. I loved how human the characters felt and how they all had things to embrace about themselves.

Ciara Yr9 St.Paul’s

~Sing if you can’t dance~
7/10
This book really knows how to pull on your heartstrings. Ven’s journey throughout this book is just quite extraordinary, through the struggles and hardships she faced, she found a way to emerge from the darkness and overcome her doubting mind. She thought her life was all over but really the whole ‘Sing if you can’t dance’ is a beautiful message that can inspire many people. Story wise ,although it was good I think it wasn’t fully my cup of tea. It was written quite well but was a bit repetitive and not super interesting , at some points I couldn’t really understand what was going on but overall it was a nice, warm hearting book.

Aidan Y11 St Paul’s Catholic College

SPOILER ALERT:

This was the last book I read out of the shortlist, and was really good. The characters were extremely well fleshed out, and had realistic and unique flaws that not only made them feel real, but also contributed to the story, for example Ven being commanding and authoritative being important to her dance group, and when she is no longer present it beings to fall apart. I thought that the cyclical structure where she falls on stage at the start and end, but the second time she recovers with her friends’ support, which shows everyone’s character development. My main complaint is that it was pretty predictable – we know that Ven and Ren will get together the moment he is introduced. Other than that, fantastic book – one of my favourites on the shortlist.

Charlotte

I really enjoyed reading this book because of how it shows how people with these disabilities aren’t different to everyone else but just as normal. Ven is 100% my favourite character it shows how she never gives up and continue going even when life is hard and she is facing challenges. I adore to see Ven grow from really not wanting to ask for help but then eventually realising it’s ok to ask for help. The love interest of Ren really captivated me as it did for Ven and I loved to see their relationship flourish. If you enjoy romance then you would enjoy this book. 7/10

Esmé Y8 Ardingly College

5/5 stars
In this book, I found the words running smoothly like a stream of conscience in my mind. I found her writing different to lots of authors that I have read and the use of sarcasm made me laugh so hard in different sections of the book. I felt a huge empathy towards Ven in all different parts of her life. From her longing to be able to dance again, and how people look at her and treat her in school and public. One of my favourite parts of the book was when Ren and Tai grew closer and you find out more about their backstory and you learn how much guilt Tai has towards his brother and how you grow to like him, even if you think he is a horrible character at the beginning. I also found myself feeling so much love towards Ven at the end when she finally realises that asking for help is not a weakness but it shows her strength. It was amazing for me to find how the author was able to make me hate certain characters so much, whether that be incompetent doctors, Abigail Moss, or just the whole health system in general. I also found that this is the first time a book has made me feel so angry, but in such a good way, especially when Abigail Moss does her nasty trick near the end, or when a doctor says that she should not do anything that is pain inducing, but everything for her in her life is painful. I don’t really know how to explain this book to someone who has not read it, but all I will say is that it will be one of the most fun reads of your life and you are very likely to read it in one sitting and want to read more after. I will find that I may read this book lots after this and relish it equally each time.

Skye St Paul’s

I really loved this book. I loved her personality and how the author showed it, for example in the beginning she says, “ you’re probably wondering why you’re here but I don’t care about that either stay or go your choice, I would stick around out of interest but then I’m smart and you might as be dumb as a rock”. I really liked how the Author on the first few pages made the book interesting with her collapsing on stage which makes you really want to read on I liked this book a lot .

Sophie at Burgess Hill Girls

I think SIYCD is a new and upcoming YA book that features a independent heroine who in spite of her physical challenges, perseveres and wins on her terms!

I like how it represents a group of teens who often don’t see themselves in books – very refreshing! I do wonder however, if the author being quite an ‘over achiever’ herself, saw the YA market had a big gap in characters with disabilities and decided to step up to the plate?

Kate, Ardingly

I really enjoyed Sing if you can’t dance! Watching Ven grow from someone who would never ask for help to her actually asking for help was really moving and you could really tell she grew as a character. Maddie and Ven’s friendship started as not really a friendship but grew to become a strong bond that really melted my heart. I enjoyed reading about the dynamics in their group and how in the end they all worked together to get what they wanted out of the music festival. I loved Ven’s relationship with Ren and how the book ended on a high really summed up how I felt about the book. I definitely recommend!

Phoebe

I enjoyed reading Sing if you can’t dance, I thought it sent out a message to make people think about how hard it is for people that struggle with these sorts of disabilities. I also really liked learning about Venn’s character and how she acts towards her struggles. She showed a strong character who doesn’t want to give up on her future dreams. Overall I really liked this book and I would definately recommend!

Coco Ardingly College Year 8

I thought that overall, it was a good book. I enjoyed seeing Ven’s attitude towards other people change for the better as I progressed through the book, as well as watching Ven and Ren’s relationship flourish. However I found at times the plot moved a bit slowly for my taste and things sometimes became repetitive. But, I thought that it was a nice and somewhat refreshing change to what I normally read as I really felt like I was standing in Ven’s shoes during some parts of the book. Overall I thought that this was a great book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes romance and I guess what you would call teenage drama.

Elicia J, Year 9 Ardingly

Sing if You Can’t Dance by Alexia Casale was a really great book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved Ven and her personality, how even though she was struggling and in pain everyday, she was always cheerful and making others laugh. I liked how in the book it wasn’t just about Ven and her not being able to dance, it was about her school life, her friends, her love-interest, etc. I felt the pages were easy to read and there were a lot of chapters which I found quite interesting, but encouraged me to read on. I liked the festival part, and how her friends wanted to help her as much as they could, and even when Ven collapsed on stage, she still carried on and kept fighting which emphasises what a strong character she is. I loved how Ven learnt to accept her body and its quirks or struggles as the book went on and how she didn’t want anyone’s help and wanting to do it on her own, which shows that she is stubborn, but also that she wants to get used to it as she will be living her life with her body dislocating at random points everyday for probably the rest of her life (or so she thinks). In conclusion, I loved this book and loved reading it, and I would definitely recommend it to others.

Amelia St Paul’s

SPOILER ALERT !!!

Ven has her future all planned out with her dance team. But after collapsing on stage during a competition, Ven discovers that she has a medical condition that means she won’t dance again. It’s tough on her, but still, Ven doesn’t want pity and is determined to live her best life. This book is quite slow paced but think it’s an easy read, great for first time readers .

Rose

I really enjoyed reading Sing if you can’t dance and found it very intriguing and interesting. I really enjoyed learning and reading about Ven’s struggles and mishaps as it made me think deeper into how hard it can be for people with disabilities to endure everyday life. The think the meaning and truth behind the book is very effective, powerful and interesting as it expresses a different person’s point of view on, as at the being of the book Ven has a tragic experience which creates curiosity in how she is going to resolve it and what has happened to her. I love Ven’s character as she is very resilient and doesn’t want to give up on her dreams even in the rough times and when she is faced with challenges. In general, I loved reading this book and would recommend it to others.

Katie

Sing if you can’t dance was one of the most heart warming books I have read. Ven finding out about her medical condition made me tear up, she could no longer do what made her happy, her passion. I couldn’t imagine what that Would feel like. She could no longer even hang out with her friends because all they talked about was dance. Her walking from classroom to classroom was even painful to her, it’s like walls were put up stopping her from moving. However as soon as she met Ren she realised she was capable of happiness again, even if she was still in pain. He made her realize she wasn’t the only one insecure and embarrassed, and that there were other things to focus on in the world. When Ven felt sick and was ill she didn’t think it was important and didn’t think anyone would care but she was wrong her illness affected others as well. Her best friend Maddie constantly reminded her of how much Ven meant to her but she kept pushing her away because deep inside she didn’t think she could feel better. She could of just dwelled in her illness but instead she took charge, of the festival, her singing group and most importantly herself. I think the message in this book is however many times life pushes you down you always get back up even if it’s in a different direction of what you were thinking.

Lara y8 St Paul’s

I believe this book was great; I liked how the ending was just a better version on the start that really was very heartwarming. Also I would say that this type of book isn’t my favourite as I like to see romance in books but I mainly like when it is not the centre of attention. Some authors do actually do this well and that is when I love to see it which is what this author did.

Darcy, Year 8, St Paul’s Catholic College

To be completely honest, I wouldn’t have picked this book up in a book shop but since it was from my library, I decided to give it a try. Now, there aren’t that many books about disabled teens and at first I didn’t think this would be a good book. Boy was I wrong! If you’re looking for a heartwarming read, this book is definitely one you should look out for. I’d be careless not to admit that it can be hard to read in places and may break your heart. But by the end of the book, it’ll have been glued back together, and you’ll be filled with warm fuzzies.

Elsie – Ardingly Collage

I really enjoyed reading this book as the way the writer captivated all of Ven’s feelings and captured that although she had a rough and feisty shell she was quite soft inside. Ven’s character was such a strong and capable character however she pushed herself so much until she couldn’t any more which shows how headstrong and resilient she is. This book illustrates how hard it is having a disability and having to give up things that you love, however in the duration of this book Ven learns to overcome lots of struggles while also finding other things she loves. Overall I really enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it.

Jauhara Ardingly College

This book is a rollercoaster! I love how the author truly ties you up to the main character, injecting all her feelings into you. Personally I loved how we were given both the good parts and the bad, relating to her condition. However, I must comment that I thought the ending was slightly unspectacular as it doesn’t move the audience.

Alexis

Personally, I think Sing if You Can’t Dace in a very powerful book as it shows how friendship and love can push someone to overcome their struggles even in the harshest of times. My favourite part of the book is probably when Ven and Ren made up with each other and their relationship was patched, despite all the differences shown by Alexia Casale between them. I love how Ven went from being a bossy and toxic girl who thought her life was ruined to transform into a loving leader and mentor, even teaching herself that life should be cherished and not wasted.

Jasmin

Sing if you can’t Dance

Was a bit confused at the start but eventually got the hang of it. The book follows Ven’s life (and love life!), her disability and the struggles that come with it, her dreams of dancing are crushed but she finds a new interest; singing. She makes new friends from different backgrounds where we delve deeper into who they are in her singing group… including a love interest; Ren.

I love how the author took it from the perspective of Ven, and how the love life and friend life was very relatable, love how Ven eventually finds her small community where she belongs. Only 1 criticism; most of Ven’s friends have quite depressing and similar backgrounds, could have been a bit more diversity there?

Overall a good read, definitely recommend it if you’re into romance. 7.5/10

Vala – Year 8 – Ardingly

Sing If You Can’t Dance – Review

This book was captivating and very good, I enjoyed it because of its theatrical and dance elements. This book was unique because of how it shows how Ven’s struggles and how she copes with her disability. I love how Ven is so independent and strong and it really shows how being a girl who loves dance is so much more than just moving in time to the music but the struggles of an everyday life as a dancer. Sing If You Can’t Dance if probably one of my favourite books and Alexia Casale is a very talented author so I can’t wait to read it again!

Louisa Ardingly College

I really enjoyed reading Sing if you can’t dance, and found it very fast paced. I really enjoyed learning about Ven’s struggles as it made me think deeper into how hard it can be for people with disabilities to endure everyday life. The structure of the book is very effective, as at the being of the book Keely has a tragic experience which creates curiosity in how she is going to resolve it and what has happened to her. I love Ven’s character as she is very resilient and doesn’t want to give up on her dreams even though she is faced with challenges. Overall I loved reading this book and would recommend it to others.