Goodbye Gemma (by Noel Streatfeild)

(Amazon UK link)

The 'Gemma' series of four books are some of my favourites by Noel Streatfeild. She wrote many books for children, several of which featured talented ballet dancers.

'Goodbye Gemma' is, unsurprisingly, the last in the series. Gemma, now a young teenager, is an excellent actress. She has an amazing chance to play Juliet in a University production of 'Romeo and Juliet'.

Meanwhile her shy cousin Ann, who has a fabulous voice, is 'discovered'. Ann has to make some difficult decisions about her future. And Ann's younger sister Lydia risks everything for ballet...

Family relationships are explored fully, and there's even a hint of romance. Indeed, this book was later re-published as 'Gemma in Love', perhaps trying to appeal more to the young teenage audience.

I thought this book made excellent light reading. It's best to be read after at least one of the previous books in the series, however.

Highly recommended for older children and teenagers, though it would probably appeal mostly to girls.