Parents' Guide to

Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina

By Terreece Clarke, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Ballerina's frank, inspiring tale of perseverance and hope.

Book Michaela DePrince Autobiography 2014
Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 16+

Based on 1 parent review

ksmccc
ksmccc Adult
December 28, 2015
age 16+

Not for middle schoolers

This book is marketed to be for middle school students who enjoyed "I Am Malala." It is an important book that I think should be read, but not by middle schoolers. I gave this book to my niece and daughter. Now, I'm reading it and would not have bought it had I read it. The detail of war is too much. I am very much regretting buying this for the middle schoolers in my life.

This title has:

Too much violence
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

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

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