Ballerina Dreams

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2015

Review

This is an early reader biography of a ballerina, Michaela DePronce. Michaela was an orphan in Sierra Leone who dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer. She gets that opportunity when an American, Elaine De, adopts her. Michaela's story is inspiring for anyone hoping to become a ballerina but it is also unique because she is one of only a few professional African American ballerinas. The book uses real photos and drawings of Michaela to illustrate her life. These are on the whole a wonderful way to get a feel for Michaela and her life. It would have been helpful if some of the illustrations had been labeled, especially for people unfamiliar with ballet. There are several ballet terms that might be difficult for a new reader but the pronunciation of those words is given in parenthesis right in the text, which is really helpful for new readers. Overall this is good biography that will appeal to readers interested in learning about a young person that was able to achieve her dream.

Overall Book Score: good