Ballet Shoes

Author: Noel Streatfeild

First line: Pauline, Petrova, and Posy Fossil are not really sisters, but they have been brought up together like one family.

Why you should read this book: An enduring tale, written and set before World War II, this is the story of three orphan girls adopted by an eccentric collector who has disappeared on a voyage to strange, uncharted islands. With no money to speak of, they are sent to an academy that trains young children to appear on stage, where Pauline becomes an accomplished actress, Posy develops into a promising ballerina, and Petrova dreams of nothing but motorcars and aeroplanes. The adventures of this intentional family as the girls struggle to support themselves and enjoy a few pleasures of a simple life have inspired generations of children interested in taking charge of their own future.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You are traveling to strange islands in search of exotic curios and you have quite lost track of time.