Sorrel, Mark, and Holly enter the exciting new world of theater and become the newest branches of the well-known Warren family tree. After their father goes missing in WWII, siblings Sorrel, Mark, and Holly Forbes move to their grandmother's large but shabby house in London. Their grandmother is the matriarch of the well-known, prestigious Warren family, all of whom are actors and actresses. She enrolls the children in a Dancing School and they receive scholarships.
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The children gradually adjust to their new life. Held in awe at first by the other pupils because of their Warren blood, the siblings struggle through the unfamiliar dancing, singing, and acting classes. Although she was not crazy about acting and has trouble in the beginners dance class, Sorrel perseveres and acts a small role in a show. Mark, on the other hand, excels at singing but could not care less about the Dancing School, wanting only to be a sailor. Holly is an adequate dancer, but not the prodigy the teachers hoped she would be.
They meet members of their large family and spend Christmas together. Although their cousin Miranda is a wonderful actress and dancer, her haughty, standoffish air prevents the Forbes children from bonding with her. On the other hand, dedicated dancer Miriam and her parents are warm-hearted and caring. Grandmother, who bosses everyone around, is a lively, shrewd soul who embodies the family's star-studded reputation of actors.
After Christmas, Miranda and Grandmother star in a play and as a result, Miranda's head becomes even more swollen. One day she talks back and as a result, Sorrel takes her place for the show and finds that she really enjoys acting.
As the war drags on, money is scarce. This is especially hard on Holly, who lacks enough money even to buy necessities, like a leather briefcase. Furthermore, Sorrel's dress is old and ratty but she cannot afford to buy a new one. However, family and friends rally together and support the children, who gain a sense of belonging and acceptance.
The story ends happily for the siblings. As Sorrel blossoms, she is given the star role of Ariel in Shakespeare's The Tempest, much to Miranda's dismay and envy. Mark, although admired for his amazing voice, stubbornly asserts his wish to be a sailor, and Grandmother yields to him. As for Holly, her scholarship is taken away and awarded to the more promising Miriam, but she does not mind much, and continues playing supporting roles. At the very end of the book, their father returns on Christmas day and surprises them all.
Best part of story, including ending:
Sorrel's journey from a struggling dancer to a star actress was inspiring and heartwarming.
Best scene in story:
In order to persuade Mark to sing, his teacher describes the pianist as a flea-ridden monkey. Later Mark is disappointed because he expected a costume to be made.
Opinion about the main character:
Sorrel was non-assertive and let people treat her unkindly and boss her around, but she learns to stand up for herself and speak her mind.
