Common Sense Media Review
By Terreece Clarke
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ballerina's frank, inspiring tale of perseverance and hope.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Born Mabinty Bangura, Michaela became known as the "devil's child" because of her skin condition known as vitiligo. She was a loved and cherished child until rebels killed her father and her mother died of starvation. Shunted to an orphanage, Orphan #27 has little happiness to cling to as war rages and abuse dogs her, until she finds an old magazine with the photo of a beautiful ballerina on the cover. From that moment, she sets out to find the happiness she believes is onstage in a pair of pointe shoes.
Is It Any Good?
Horrifying, sad, soaring, and hopeful, this autobiography captures the imagination of the reader from the first few pages. There are times when little Mabinty's abuse is too much too bear, but her hope helps readers turn to the next page. After suffering through loss, illness, neglect, and outright contempt, Mabinty becomes Michaela and begins a journey that seems like a fairy tale but in reality is a story of the strength of the human spirit and the hope that comes with finding loving support and a passion for your calling.
Parents and kids will love the novel for its dynamic pacing and triumphant message. It's heavy on ballet jargon, which may be difficult for readers unfamiliar with dance to understand, but it shouldn't get in the way of most readers' enjoyment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about following your passion. How did Michaela's dedication to ballet lead her to make significant sacrifices to pursue her dreams?
What's "different" about each one of us? How do you overcome insecurities about your physical appearance?
How important is it to have a positive body image in dance -- and in life?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Autobiography
- Topics : Arts
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : October 14, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 256
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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