Ballerina Detective

Ballerina Detective and the Missing Jeweled Tiara is a contemporary novel about a girl named Kayla. She is an American 12-year-old girl who is an only child of recently divorced parents who is searching for her identity.

Kayla has taken ballet lessons for several years at Madame Sofia’s school and must make a decision whether she can meet the challenges of taking toe dancing lessons and realize her dream of becoming a ballerina. Unexpectedly, Kayla and her friend Vicki become detectives in a mystery when Amber’s gold jeweled tiara is stolen at ballet school.

Kayla goes to her school’s 7th grade basketball games with her classmates to watch her three friends passionately play. They’re also struggling to find their new identities as they try to realize their dreams of becoming great players. Kayla also develops a crush on Jason and, to her dismay, finds out another girl likes him. Kayla also explores new things, and to her surprise, she is talented at acting.

Boys and girls in the middle grades and ages 8 to 14 will enjoy this gripping novel which takes us through the colorful adventures of Kayla and her friends.

Winner of The iParenting Media Awards, 2010
for Ballerina Detective and the Missing Jeweled Tiara
A Disney Interactive Media Group Property

Winner of The Mom's Choice Awards, 2010
for Ballerina Detective and the Missing Jeweled Tiara

You can also order the book at Amazon.com.

You can buy at Logos Bookstore, 1575 York Ave
NYC, NY 10028, (212) 517-7292

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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW CHILDREN’S NOVEL BRINGS LIFE LESSONS AND EXCITEMENT AND MYSTERY
SECOND NOVEL FOR KAREN RITA RAUTENBERG, author of LADY LUCY’S GALLANT KNIGHT

Ballerina Detective and the Missing Jeweled Tiara is an exciting mystery tale for children, preteens and early teens. Follow 12-year-old Kayla, an amateur detective, in her journey to try to uncover the mystery of the stolen jeweled tiara and her struggle to become a real toe-dancing ballerina. Watch, worry and cheer as Kayla develops a crush on Jason, supports her friends in the fierce girls and boys 7th grade basketball playoffs, and works to get over her stage fright so she can be in the drama class play. Readers will relate to and be inspired by the well-developed cast of characters. They will learn lessons in self-esteem, ethics, loyalty, and fortitude. Kayla and her multi-cultural friends utilize unique approaches in solving conflicts and addressing personal challenges. Enjoy this roller coaster adventure of mystery, discovery, fun, and transition into adolescence. An excellent read for ages 8-13.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BALLERINA DETECTIVE
and the Missing Jeweled Tiara
by Karen Rita Rautenberg

Ballerina Detective and the Missing Jeweled Tiara is a contemporary novel about Kayla, a 12-year-old girl who is the only child of recently divorced parents and who, through a series of sometimes funny and sometimes wrenching events, learns who she is and what she is capable of doing.
Kayla has taken ballet lessons for several years at Madame Sofia’s ballet school. Now it is time to either meet the challenge of toe dancing, and come one step closer to realizing her dream of becoming a ballerina, or drop out for good. Then a mystery develops at the ballet school. Amber’s jeweled tiara is stolen and Kayla resolves to find out who is responsible. Will his hurt or help Kayla’s chances at becoming a real ballerina? Who will she upset along the way?
Kayla’s journey is also played out on the basketball court as she follows her girl and boy classmates’ fierce battle for championship, the ice skiing rink where she finally gets a date with her first crush, Jason and the hilarious class play she can’t participate in unless she overcomes her stage fright. To her surprise, Kayla finds out she is talented at acting.
Kayla’s 7th grade year is full of emotions and discoveries that young readers everywhere will recognize as their own. Both boys and girls will enjoy the roller coaster ride through colorful and fast-paced adventures. Join Kayla and her friends with varied cultural backgrounds in Karen Rita Rautenberg’s second novel, Ballerina Detective and the Missing Jeweled Tiara.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BALLERINA DETECTIVE
and the Missing Jeweled Tiara
by Karen Rita Rautenberg

            When the jeweled tiara Amber plans to wear in The Nutcracker ballet is stolen during dance practice, Kayla agrees to help solve the mystery. Follow 12-year-old Kayla, an amateur detective, as she gathers clues and interrogates suspects to uncover the thief, while also struggling to become a real toe-dancing ballerina. Watch, worry and cheer as she develops a crush on Jason, supports her friends in the fierce girls and boys 7th grade basketball playoffs, and works through her stage fright to star in her class play.

            Ballerina Detective and the Missing Jeweled Tiara is an engaging mystery and adventure for boys and girls, as well as a colorful slice of life about a contemporary American girl. Providing a glimpse into the personal struggles of today’s young people but with a touch of light romance and humor, the story draws readers into Kayla’s quest to pursue her dreams and find her identity in the difficult transition from childhood to early adolescence. Young readers will relate to and be inspired by the diverse cast of characters while learning life lessons in self-esteem, ethics, loyalty, and determination.

About the Author
Karen Rita Rautenberg has been a counselor, teacher and social worker. She is currently an author of children’s books, and she lives in New York City. When she’s not writing, she enjoys acrylic painting, taking trips in the U.S. and other countries, going to the theater, and attending the New York City Ballet and American Ballet. Find out more about Karen at www.karenritarautenberg.com.