has anyone read the book mamma let's dance?

Just like Papa did years before, Mama has gone off and left 16-year-old Ariel, 11-year-old Mary Belle and seven-year-old Callie to fend for themselves in rural North Carolina. Ariel's gas station work earns them just enough for food, but keeping their situation a secret from the county welfare people is a job in itself. Mary Belle runs the household sternly, refusing charity from even her good friend Amarius and his niece Dearly. But when Callie falls ill with measles, Mary Belle must finally ask for help. She is rightfully hardened and bitter, though her narrative occasionally sounds wise beyond her years. Callie's spirited naivete helps add sparkle to this emotion- filled and depressing tale. Disappointingly, Mary Belle's final redemption evokes neither triumph nor joy, but readers will appreciate her discovery that what constitutes a family has not much to do with genetics and everything to do with love.

This book is about three kids: Ariel, Callie, and Mary Bell. About six weeks ago their mama left them them alone. She left them only 50.00 because that's all she could afford. Soon, Callie gets sick, really sick and is taken to the hospital. She doesn't make it and Mary Bell is so upset! I loved this book and I encourage you to read it!

I read this book when I was in Middle School, quite a few years ago now, and I found that I related well to the main characters attitudes and feelings. Besides that, I never forgot the story even though I wasn't able to find it again until years later. I never gave up searching for the book that left such an impression on me. It is a shame it is out of print and is so hard to find.

The characters become real as you read about them and their circumstances. The book is read through Mary Belle's point of view and Patricia Hermes makes it real and believable because although Mary Belle, along with her brother Ariel, are incredibly mature and responsible for their ages, they don't know more than someone their ages should. Plenty of authors have written through children who are way more advanced for their age than they should be. It's not a bad thing if there is a reason for it, as in the case of Artemis Fowl, for example. Reason: Genius. No more explanation needed because that is part of the story. Having a younger main character completely knowledgeable about things outside of their world and experience doesn't make sense without a reason. Anyway, I digress. We feel for Mary Belle and Ariel because we can see that they are learning as they go and are forsaking normal kid things to to help keep house so they can stay together.

I would encourage everyone to read this book, as it is a very good story. Especially children 8 years and older. It has very good lessons about what being a family means. The three siblings do not always get along, but they always work in the best interest of one another. They're also responsible children who make good choices, or who always try to.

Ariel is a good role model for young men. He takes care of his siblings by earning money and still studies hard to achieve good grades. He shows kindness to his sisters even when he is under stress.

Mary Belle works hard to support her working brother by carefully managing the money he earns. She figures out their priorities and none of the children complain about not having new clothes or toys. She also looks after the youngest child Callie and works to shield her from their tough times.

Callie, at seven years old, has a lot to handle for her age and isn't really sure she understands the situation. She continues to hope for their mothers' return and gets annoyed by Mary Belle's insistance that she keep it quiet, but she tries to be helpful as well.

Perhaps this story isn't written in the style of many other children's books, but the writing is effective, the characters believable, and the story is good.

***those are from amazon.com

i haven't read the book but often i read about books from amazon to see if i'm interested. the customer reviews are usually very helpful. hope this helped you out.

no, i havent read it.........sry