The Last Dance

By Carmen Agra Deedy

Book Overview

A beautiful picture book for older readers about life, death, and the enduring power of love from award-winning author and storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy.

Bessie and Ninny are the best of friends. Sometimes on milk-moon nights, Ninny throws buttons at Bessie's window. When Bessie peeks outside, Ninny sings: "Bessie, oh Bessie Come dance with me For I hate to dance alone..."

Down the drainpipe Bessie slides to visit Ninny, and off they go. Most nights, they visit the grave of Ninny's grandfather, Oppa. It was Oppa who taught them three things that they will never forget: to dance, to sing, and to tell stories. Oppah's wisdom ultimately inspires a pact between the two young friends--a pact that binds them together through love and marriage, war and separation, birth and death.

In this simple but extraordinary story, New York Times best-selling author Carmen Agra Deedy speaks to readers about the value of promises and the limitless power of love even in the face of death.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1561451096
• ISBN13: 9781561451098
• Release Date: October 1995
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 7.0" x 12.4"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Have Tissues Ready!

This is a very touching story. I was surprised that a child's book would have me in tears LOL! Carmen Deedy is an excellent author and once again she has written a brilliant book! Beautifully written with gorgeous illustrations.

a beautiful book

I have read this book repeatedly. It is beautifully written and beautifully illustrated. It also always makes me cry a little. The Last Dance is a good book on living life to the fullest. In our local library, they keep the book in a separated section from the other children's books, but I think that the children that could read it (or the ones with parents that would) could handle the reality of life and death.

I wanted to dance

I was given this book about 3 years ago by my Grandfather. I was searching for it to try and buy it as a gift and found that no review had been written. A book this good needs 5 stars. My husband and I met dancing so it was very appropriate. It is tender yet also very happy. It also ends with a very good moral about dancing, singing and laughing. The watercolors are beautful and I enjoy the unique size of the book. A must have.