After losing her mother, Clara tries to get used to her new life -- shopping for clothes with dad; Tess' chocolate chip cookies (instead of the sugar cookies Mama made); and more responsibility with her little brother Calvin. Hardest of all, Clara doesn't know how to tell her Dad that dance is just not for her. Mama was a great dancer. But, with the help of her good friends and caring teacher, Clara learns how to grow up without leaving the memory of her mother behind.
Fry Reading Level - 3.2
Like Harley's mother, BETH POLLOCK keeps all of the Christmas tree ornaments that her children have made. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two daughters. She is also the author of Harley's Gift.
"Short, simple sentences are infused with the quirky logic and concerns that plague the minds of eight-year-olds all over Canada. The Next Step is a bittersweet read with an inspiring young protagonist that young female readers will love."