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Ballerina Dreams
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
About the Book
Author:
DePrince, Michaela
Illustrator: Morrison, Frank
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Random House
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: biography / autobiography
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780385755153
Price: 3.99