Chicago, 1941. Ruby has problems with her mother, her sister, and her whole life in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Ruby hates working in the meat-packing factory, and she desperately wants to catch the eye of cute 19-year-old Paulie. When Paulie sets her up as a "taxi-dancer," a girl who dances with men for 10 cents per dance, Ruby knows that her mother would kill her if she found out -- but Ruby thinks it's the only way to relieve the family's grinding poverty. Along the way, Ruby grows up fast: Men want more than a measly flirt for the good money they pay.

Ruby's struggles in Ten Cents a Dance could be the problems of any 15-year-old girl today, forced to help her family make ends meet. Ruby wants excitement, money, cute guys -- but she wants to be part of her family, too. And when her younger sister starts following in her footsteps, Ruby has to make some fast decisions.

Morals of the story? Growing up is tough and you'll make mistakes. Sometimes you trust the wrong people. But you know what? You'll get through it. ( )

One year in a girl's life in 1941 takes her from school, to meat-packing to taxi dancing and beyond. The story was fast-paced and fascinating. Ruby is a bit of a jerk, but she's a 16 year old in way over her head. It's a YA novel, so things get tied up a little too neatly, but it was a tasty and satisfying read. ( )

If you love reading an amazing book with an accurate historical twist then you will love this book. It has a storyline that is amazing and touching. The only thing I didn't care for is the ending. To me it could have ended better with more details but overall an amazing read. ( )

The secret life of Taxi Dancers is unveiled in this story set during 1941 - right before America is plunged into World War II. Ruby is tired of living in poverty, struggling to make ends meet for her little sister and her family. When she lands a job as a dime-a-dance instructor at a "dance school," she thinks she's stumbled into the proverbial pot of gold. Unfortunately, its seamy underside has other plans for her and Ruby will be hard pressed to keep herself from being sucked under and losing herself in the process. ( )

Its been a while since I have actually read this book, but from what I remember it was very cool. I use cool in the sense that it was not only a great book, but it really created that world, a world of mystery, and danger, and thrills. The main character was put into such a difficult position that you really feel for her and her family. I think it really shows what life was like back in those days while presenting the reader with a point of view they would have never thought of. It is really hard not wanting our heroine to be with the bad boy, you really root for them while you scream at her to stay away. The conflict between wanting Paulie to shape up and being skeptical of him felt like a weight that the reader carries up until the end when it becomes clear how you feel about the man. ( )