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Ballerina Dreams
One windy day, a magazine blew down the road. I reached out and caught it. A pretty picture of a woman was on the front cover of the magazine. She wore a short pink dress that stuck out around her in a circle. She looked very happy.At the age of three, Michaela DePrince found a photo of a ballerina that changed her life. She was living in an orphanage in Sierra Leone at the time, but was soon adopted by a family and brought to America. Michaela never forgot the photo of the dancer she once saw, and decided to make her dream of becoming a ballerina come true. She has been dancing ever since, and after a spell as a principal dancer in New York, now dances for the Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam.Beautifully and gently illustrated by Ella Okstad, Ballerina Dreams is the younger-reader edition of Michaela DePrince's highly moving memoir, Hope in a Ballet Shoe .
80 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
41 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
Michaela DePrince
3 books84 followersMichaela Mabinty DePrince was a Sierra Leonean-American ballet dancer who danced with the Boston Ballet.
DePrince rose to fame after starring in the documentary First Position in 2011, which followed her and other young ballet dancers as they prepared to compete at the Youth America Grand Prix. In 2013, DePrince danced with the Dance Theatre of Harlem as the youngest dancer in the history of the company, and, in the same year, was a soloist with the Dutch National Ballet.
With her adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince, she authored the book Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina (2014). From 2016 to 2024, she was a goodwill ambassador with the Amsterdam-based organization War Child.
DePrince rose to fame after starring in the documentary First Position in 2011, which followed her and other young ballet dancers as they prepared to compete at the Youth America Grand Prix. In 2013, DePrince danced with the Dance Theatre of Harlem as the youngest dancer in the history of the company, and, in the same year, was a soloist with the Dutch National Ballet.
With her adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince, she authored the book Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina (2014). From 2016 to 2024, she was a goodwill ambassador with the Amsterdam-based organization War Child.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 9, 2019
A true story that charms from the cover with delightful illustrations by Ella Okstad. This easy-to read-small chapter book tells the true background of the ballerina Michaela dePrince. In a matter-of-fact style, it describes how she was brought up in an orphanage in Sierra Leone, but then became one of the world’s leading ballerinas. Along with a sterling message that hard work and persistence pay off, this book highlights a young woman defying expectations and rising to the top of her field. Charming illustrations tame the harsh reality of Michaela’s early years, and later in the story the pictures demonstrate ballet moves.
July 26, 2019
Co-written by Michaela DePrince and her mother Elaine DePrince, this Step into Reading biography traces Michaela’s story from an orphan in Sierra Leone to professional ballerina in the USA. It is told in straightforward accessible language and touches on many emotional layers: being an orphan, learning what a ballerina is and her dream to do that, walking over mountains and through the jungle out of Sierra Leone, being adopted, joining a new family, learning ballet, being one of a few professional black ballerinas, being a subject of a documentary-First Position, realizing her dream of being a dancer and sharing that with kids who also have dreams. Much is packed into 42 pages!
May 9, 2017
The first time I saw Michaela DePrince was on Dancing with the Stars and I thought she was magical. This book, as the blurb says, is a younger-reader edition of her memoir.
It tells the story of Michaela was inspired by a photo of a ballerina she found. It’s about the orphanage in Sierra Leone, her friendship with Mia (who later was adopted by the same woman that adopted Michaela so they became sisters), the lessons and determination to fulfil her dream, overcoming her shyness and what it means for her to be an inspiration to others. That is a lot for a picture book to convey but it does, and it does it very well.
Ballerina Dreams strikes a good balance between telling Michaela DePrince story in a way that young readers understand what happened but it’s also filed with of love; Mia, Mama, the love of dance. The illustrations are lovely and the message that dreams are achievable is there throughout the text.
It tells the story of Michaela was inspired by a photo of a ballerina she found. It’s about the orphanage in Sierra Leone, her friendship with Mia (who later was adopted by the same woman that adopted Michaela so they became sisters), the lessons and determination to fulfil her dream, overcoming her shyness and what it means for her to be an inspiration to others. That is a lot for a picture book to convey but it does, and it does it very well.
Ballerina Dreams strikes a good balance between telling Michaela DePrince story in a way that young readers understand what happened but it’s also filed with of love; Mia, Mama, the love of dance. The illustrations are lovely and the message that dreams are achievable is there throughout the text.
April 18, 2017
This is a nicely illustrated book, perfect for anyone who has a dream, however big or small and it identifies that it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from. You ambition and dreams can come true with a bit of determination and faith.
Reading this as an adult I feel gives a totally different opinion of the story and perhaps some of these thoughts and feelings may not be obvious to children. I think this would be an enjoyable book for adults and children alike.
I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.
Reading this as an adult I feel gives a totally different opinion of the story and perhaps some of these thoughts and feelings may not be obvious to children. I think this would be an enjoyable book for adults and children alike.
I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2017
I received a copy of this title from Allen & Unwin for review.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Michaela is an orphan in Sierra Leone when she finds a magazine with a picture of a dancer on it, inspiring her learn ballet. Through being adopted and moving to a new country, she holds on to her dream and works hard to make it come true.
Ballerina Dreams is the early reader version of DePrince's memoir Hope in a Ballet Shoe. DePrince herself hails from Sierra Leone, where she lived in an orphanage after her parents were killed in the war there. Adopted by Elaine DePrince, along with her best friend and several others from the orphanage, Michaela moves to the USA with her new family and is able to pursue the dream she has fostered since finding an abadoned magazine with a picture of a dancer on the front: to learn ballet.
The story touches briefly on DePrince's struggles as a dark-skinned dancer in a world in which such dancers are scarce, before ending on her accomplishments as a professional dancer and her desire to inspire and encourage other young people of colour to pursue their dreams with hard work and patience.
The book is beautifully presented, with large print and colour illustrations throughout, appearing both as full page spreads and wrapped around sections of text. As such, the story will be accessible for young readers as both a read-alone or a read-aloud with an adult. It's wonderful to see that books - and particularly nonfiction books - highlighting individuals from diverse backgrounds are being published for this age group.
I would highly recommend this engaging tale for young fans of dance and those who enjoy true stories told in accessible ways.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Michaela is an orphan in Sierra Leone when she finds a magazine with a picture of a dancer on it, inspiring her learn ballet. Through being adopted and moving to a new country, she holds on to her dream and works hard to make it come true.
Ballerina Dreams is the early reader version of DePrince's memoir Hope in a Ballet Shoe. DePrince herself hails from Sierra Leone, where she lived in an orphanage after her parents were killed in the war there. Adopted by Elaine DePrince, along with her best friend and several others from the orphanage, Michaela moves to the USA with her new family and is able to pursue the dream she has fostered since finding an abadoned magazine with a picture of a dancer on the front: to learn ballet.
The story touches briefly on DePrince's struggles as a dark-skinned dancer in a world in which such dancers are scarce, before ending on her accomplishments as a professional dancer and her desire to inspire and encourage other young people of colour to pursue their dreams with hard work and patience.
The book is beautifully presented, with large print and colour illustrations throughout, appearing both as full page spreads and wrapped around sections of text. As such, the story will be accessible for young readers as both a read-alone or a read-aloud with an adult. It's wonderful to see that books - and particularly nonfiction books - highlighting individuals from diverse backgrounds are being published for this age group.
I would highly recommend this engaging tale for young fans of dance and those who enjoy true stories told in accessible ways.
April 12, 2017
Michaela DePrince knows exactly what it takes to make your dreams come true. When she was a little girl in an orphanage in Sierra Leone, she found a magazine picture of a ballerina and marveled at how beautiful and happy the ballerina looked. When Michaela asked her teacher if she, too, could become a ballerina someday, her teacher told her, "If you take lessons for many years, if you work hard, and if you practice every day." Michaela finally got her chance to take ballet lessons when she was adopted into a family and taken to America. Michaela worked extremely hard at being a ballerina, and after many years, she achieved her dream. Today Michaela is a professional ballerina with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Dutch National Ballet, and she shows others how they, too, can achieve their dreams.
This is a great biography for young readers who are just starting to read chapter books on their own. The book uses simple language and undoubtedly glosses over some things, but Michaela's life story shines through. Children will be able to see some of the difficulties Michaela dealt with in her life - losing her parents and living in an orphanage, being teased for her vitiligo, transitioning to life in America, lacking other black ballerinas as role models - and how she overcame them with lots of hard work and the luck of being adopted by a supportive family.
I would recommend this book to grades 1-3, especially those who like ballet, dance, or biographies. This would also be great as an example of a girly book starring an African-American girl. Readalikes include Firebird by Misty Copeland and A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina's Dream by Kristy Dempsey.
This is a great biography for young readers who are just starting to read chapter books on their own. The book uses simple language and undoubtedly glosses over some things, but Michaela's life story shines through. Children will be able to see some of the difficulties Michaela dealt with in her life - losing her parents and living in an orphanage, being teased for her vitiligo, transitioning to life in America, lacking other black ballerinas as role models - and how she overcame them with lots of hard work and the luck of being adopted by a supportive family.
I would recommend this book to grades 1-3, especially those who like ballet, dance, or biographies. This would also be great as an example of a girly book starring an African-American girl. Readalikes include Firebird by Misty Copeland and A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina's Dream by Kristy Dempsey.
March 19, 2018
2,5/3 sterren
Maak je dromen waar als je iets wil en ga ervoor. Dat is wat Michaela DePrince wil overbrengen en dat lukt!
De uitvoering van het geschreven verhaal vind ik alleen iets minder. Voor de leeftijd 8-10 jaar vind ik het net iets te kinderlijk geschreven met illustraties voor jongere kinderen.
Bepaalde woorden (bijvoorbeeld de balletpassen) vind ik weer lastiger en worden ook niet allemaal uitgelegd. Iemand die (nog) niet thuis is in de balletwereld begrijpt dit misschien niet direct? Een begrippenlijst zou in dit geval van waarde zijn.
Het grootste deel in het boek is Michaela kind en een pagina later is ze ineens tiener/volwassen.
Maak je dromen waar als je iets wil en ga ervoor. Dat is wat Michaela DePrince wil overbrengen en dat lukt!
De uitvoering van het geschreven verhaal vind ik alleen iets minder. Voor de leeftijd 8-10 jaar vind ik het net iets te kinderlijk geschreven met illustraties voor jongere kinderen.
Bepaalde woorden (bijvoorbeeld de balletpassen) vind ik weer lastiger en worden ook niet allemaal uitgelegd. Iemand die (nog) niet thuis is in de balletwereld begrijpt dit misschien niet direct? Een begrippenlijst zou in dit geval van waarde zijn.
Het grootste deel in het boek is Michaela kind en een pagina later is ze ineens tiener/volwassen.
September 15, 2025
4 stars out of 5 ⭐️ ; This was a very nice book and such an interesting story about a girl who became a black ballerina. Her story is very inspiring and beautiful! Great for very young girls to learn.
December 31, 2017
Een lief boekje, maar ik vond het toch net iets te kinderlijk en simplistisch geschreven. De tijd liep ook erg vreemd, het ene moment was ze een kind, het volgende tiener/volwassen.
De tekeningen waren best leuk, ik vond vooral de gezichtexpressies op de hoofdpersoon leuk, hoe blij ze keek toen ze de kans kreeg om ballet te doen, haar verrassing toen ze iets nieuws leerde.
De tekeningen waren best leuk, ik vond vooral de gezichtexpressies op de hoofdpersoon leuk, hoe blij ze keek toen ze de kans kreeg om ballet te doen, haar verrassing toen ze iets nieuws leerde.
January 23, 2018
Een leuk boekje, met een duidelijke boodschap over vriendschap, liefde, dromen, maar ook oorlog. Je kunt dit boek voorlezen en samen kijken naar de mooie tekeningen of door de beginnende lezer zelf laten lezen. Volledige recensie op mijn blog.
http://www.biancaschrijft.nl/2018/01/...
http://www.biancaschrijft.nl/2018/01/...
October 19, 2014
Focuses more on becoming a ballerina and just a brief beginning on her adoption from Sierra Leone. Young girls with dreams of dancing will definitely enjoy the book. Looking forward to reading the YA book she has written also.
Read
May 13, 2018A beautifully-written early reader detailing the life of ballerina Michaela DePrince. Perfect for dancers, obviously, but a super book to demonstrate the power of resilience and determination for any child.
March 8, 2022
Genre: Biography
Grade Level: 3rd-5th
The author of this story has the same name as me, just spelled differently! Her story of being an orphan to becoming one of the only African American professional ballet dancers was truly inspiring. She's been through so much hardship, yet continues to shine bright: in movies and in dance companies! I love how the author included her own pictures as well as different illustrations, it allows the reader to see what she is actually like as well as look at illustrations clearly depicting ballet moves.
Grade Level: 3rd-5th
The author of this story has the same name as me, just spelled differently! Her story of being an orphan to becoming one of the only African American professional ballet dancers was truly inspiring. She's been through so much hardship, yet continues to shine bright: in movies and in dance companies! I love how the author included her own pictures as well as different illustrations, it allows the reader to see what she is actually like as well as look at illustrations clearly depicting ballet moves.
September 6, 2019
This little book based on a true story though short packs a lot of punch. It was a sweet little tale about a little black girl who after losing both her parents and living in foster care was able to rise to the occasion and become a ballerina. I enjoyed the book and I think it would be a nice addition to any kiddie's book collection as it poses as a great example of what one can achieve if they believe 💞
July 17, 2020
Non-fiction. Easy to read for my 7yo. However, she reads beginning chapter books on her own.
Told in first person and written by young Michaela DePrince and her mother, this was an informative yet interesting read. Too often, non-fiction books lack a tone that makes new, young readers want to read them. This one was surprisingly warm and engaging.
Plus, with the mention of a documentary, it leaves the reader wanting to learn more about this talented young lady.
Not bad for leveled reader.
Told in first person and written by young Michaela DePrince and her mother, this was an informative yet interesting read. Too often, non-fiction books lack a tone that makes new, young readers want to read them. This one was surprisingly warm and engaging.
Plus, with the mention of a documentary, it leaves the reader wanting to learn more about this talented young lady.
Not bad for leveled reader.
September 22, 2017
Bought this for a ballet-obsessed student (and reluctant reader) and read it aloud to my 6 year old too. Michaela DePrince's life story is fascinating even when told in "early reader" format. The mix of photos and illustrations support the story well. A valued addition to the class library.
February 11, 2018
A sweet story about how an orphan overcame her limitations to become a lauded ballerina. I really like the use if actual photographs along with bright illustrations. Too long for a read aloud.
April 27, 2018
This is a great inspirational story for young students who are starting to expand their reading and extend their stamina. This book shows children to never give up on their dreams.
May 31, 2018
Lizzie didn't want to add a review other than a star rating, but I will say this book interested her enough to immediately search for further information on Michaela DePrince.
December 15, 2020
Great book
February 4, 2021
Heftig maar mooi verhaal
Read
September 14, 2024i am not in the age bracket for this one so no rating — just very sad to learn the news today
August 20, 2019
A Delightful Story!
What an inspiration - a dream to become a ballerina against all odds comes true. This is a story that made my heart smile.
What an inspiration - a dream to become a ballerina against all odds comes true. This is a story that made my heart smile.
December 8, 2014
Ballerina Dreams tells the story of Michaela DePrince, a ballerina born in Sierra Leone whose parents were victims of war there in the 1990s. She tells her life story in this easy reader, focusing on her life in an orphanage in Sierra Leone, her adoption by her American mother, and how she became a professional ballerina. I really enjoyed reading Michaela's story and think it will be an empowering read for African American children and other children of color who want to be ballerinas or other professions that are often seen as being "white" professions. I thought the reading level was right for second and third graders who are just about to grasp the ability and desire to read short chapter books. There were a few difficult words included in the story that I think this age group would have trouble with, however the book broke these words down in a helpful way. Although complex topics such as race, adoption, and war are explored in this book, I think the authors do a good job at discussing them at a level that 2nd and 3rd graders will understand.
February 27, 2015
Twin Text paired with: Sugar Plum Ballerinas: Plum Fantastic By: Whoopi Goldberg with Deborah Underwood
Both stories are about little girls becoming ballerinas. In the biography, Ballerina Dreams, Michaela actually wants to become a ballerina and overcomes many obstacles in order to finally become the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker. In Sugar Plum Ballerinas, Al actually isn’t too excited about being put into dancing classes but she becomes the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, too! Both girls move from one very different place to another, as well. Michaela moves from Sierra Leone to America and Al moves from rural Georgia to Harlem! Several comparisons could be made between these two stories.
Both stories are about little girls becoming ballerinas. In the biography, Ballerina Dreams, Michaela actually wants to become a ballerina and overcomes many obstacles in order to finally become the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker. In Sugar Plum Ballerinas, Al actually isn’t too excited about being put into dancing classes but she becomes the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, too! Both girls move from one very different place to another, as well. Michaela moves from Sierra Leone to America and Al moves from rural Georgia to Harlem! Several comparisons could be made between these two stories.
April 26, 2015
A beautiful autobiography written by Michaela Dupre (and her mother) for young readers. I appreciate all of the photos and drawings with her natural skin (aka: no photo shopping of vitiligo), and her hair in many different styles including a natural afro and braids, while dancing ballet. Her story, spirit, and accomplishments are very inspiring. I am glad to be able to share this book with young readers, and encourage them to reach their goals.
The AR level is 4.1, but includes pronunciation guides for French ballet terms and a few multi-syllabic/irregular English words. Students reading at an AR level 3.5 and up should be able to enjoy and comprehend this uplifting, true-life story.
The AR level is 4.1, but includes pronunciation guides for French ballet terms and a few multi-syllabic/irregular English words. Students reading at an AR level 3.5 and up should be able to enjoy and comprehend this uplifting, true-life story.
May 6, 2015
"Long before she was a professional ballerina, Michaela de Prince was an orphan in Sierra Leone, Africa. This is her personal account of achieving her dream to become a ballerina, made possible by hard work and the support of her adoptive mother. The photo illustrations of Michaela and her family will draw readers deeper into her story."
August 16, 2015
Using photos and beautiful illustrations this short book traces Michaela DePrince's path from war orphan to ballerina in clear and concise language. Ballet terminology is described with pronunciation guides provided. The book delivers a positive message, emphasizing that with hard work no dreams are too big to be realized.
July 24, 2017
This book is an autobiography of Micheala DePrince, a ballerina. Very inspiring.
February 9, 2015
Two friends from Sierra Leone get adopted by an American woman. Michaela had seen a picture of a ballerina and dreamed of becoming one someday. Her dreams come true. She breaks new ground being an African American dancer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews