Girl on Pointe

by Chloe Lukasiak, Nancy Ohlin (Contributor)

Chloe Lukasiak is a big believer that things happen for a reason. She knows that life would be easier without disappointments, bullying, and medical issues-but sometimes it takes challenges to inspire you to achieve big things. From her status as fan favorite on the hit reality television show Dance Moms through her life as a social media star with millions of fans, Chloe has found that self-acceptance and kindness are the key to getting over the rough spots in life and realizing your passions. This full-color, heavily designed book featuring never-before-seen photos, inspirational quotes, and Chloe's own doodles offers exclusive insight into Chloe's world as well as a message that will inspire all readers to be their very best selves.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Audiobook, Childrens

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 23, 2018

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I DID NOT give this book 5 stars because Chloe is my granddaughter! It was because it was a good story with a good message. It had poetry that I could only shake my head at because it was way beyond creative and original. Even though I already knew the content of Chloe's life I got to know her in a new way. I had already evidenced her "life" but with this book I learned how she assimilated all that has happened (thus far) in her childhood. When the book is released in January I think it will be a success. I can't wait to read her next one!

[Alexandra Elend Wolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 awesome stars.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. It totally defied me to be better and take some risks.

First of all, I had never before read a book of this style, autobiographical? And the whole experience made a bit jittery. Still, as I reasoned with myself "Chloe wrote it and I like her, so I may as well like the book, right?" and that helped.

The book is basically, as is to be expected in this kind of stories, a bunch of personal memories and experiences that are used to deliver a message, and even though is not exactly the kinda things I usually enjoy, Chloe´s humor, sweetness and personality all around made this quite enjoyable to me.

I always admire her, which feels a bit funny since she´s younger than me, isn´t it quite something to admire someone younger than you? But the thing that has always drawn me to her is her humbleness and simplicity to take life.

The book treats subjects of self-esteem and bullying quite expansively and gives us tips on how to address life in a better way towards ourselves. }

The fact that I related so much to her was a bit of a surprise, a nice one. I felt overwhelmed and so afraid to try things that I´ve always wanted to do, so yeah, hearing it from someone else was nice and a good reminder to keep pushing forward.

This book is dripping with self-love and little tidbits to help ease your life, given in the most respectful and lovable way.

Honestly, though, the part that I enjoyed the most were the little stories that Chloe included. Her little poems or short stories made my day.

Ok, now that all the good aspects of this reading are done with I need to address the little details that didn´t let me give this book a glorious five stars review.

I think the biggest issue that I had was that sometimes it would get too monotonous and bore me. What exactly bored me? I´m not sure. Maybe it was the fact that I heard the Audiobook?

Another little detail was in one particular part she´s giving advice about bullying and starts giving a bunch of numbers that you can call if you need help sites that you can go to. Yes, I believe that this kind of information is important and should be given, but maybe at the end of the book or like a note somewhere? Because I honestly didn´t need to read them all.

Aside from that I really enjoyed this book and I´m glad I took my time reading/hearing it.

P.S. Chloe reads the book in the Audiobook version, how cool is that?

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chloe was always my favorite girl on dance moms, and I have no shame. (Well, her and Nia) I'm usually not one to buy celebrity biographies because I typically think they are a scam for money, but because I love Chloe, I had to read this book. I knew of her love for reading, and genuinely feel she has been interested in writing, and me as someone who wants to publish a book someday wanted to support someone with the same dream.
Now even though I admire Chloe, I can't ignore that realistically, this isn't a five star book for me. Was it cute? Of course it was, it was written by one of the most adorably pure human beings on the planet, but it wasn't perfect, which makes sense since this is Chloe's first book.
The organization of the little stories/ information didn't make tons of sense for me. Now this was clarified, so that makes it a bit more tolerable for it to be organized the way it was, but I didn't like the " hear more later". Either mention what you want to mention now, or just later without using that phrase. This is only a little issue, though, it's just something small that bugged me.
I do like Chloe's voice. Her writing definitely has potential. You can definitely tell this was written by Chloe, and even gave me a better understanding of who Chloe was.
I wish the topic of anxiety was discussed more. Chloe mentioned her anxiety and I think this could have related to more teens, especially me as someone who deals with the same issue. It seemed too fluffy, and almost too fast paced. Most topics were brushed over and underdeveloped, and I think with a bit more meat to it, it could be a lot stronger.
Overall, this book was fun to read and cute, but it wasn't the best structured. Still love Chloe though, and if she writes something new I'll most likely check it out.

[Orla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chloe's voice is clear through the pages of this book, unlike so many celebrity autobiographies, particularly those by young people. She also acknowledges that she had a ghostwriter helping her at the end, which goes in line with the transparency she has as a whole. Still my Dance Moms favourite (I love them all though), she's as honest, sweet and likable as ever. It really seems true that this girl appreciates kindness above all else, and wants to change the world for the better. She's very, very mature for her age.

I also appreciated the openness with which she talked about the other girls from Dance Moms. Being the cheerleader of inclusion that she is, she even includes Vivi-Anne in her little passage about the girls, complimenting them all. She also mentions that Asia and Kalani were amazing dancers (WHY IS SHE SO SWEET). She really is an open book. Anything she doesn't tell, she explains the reasons for not doing so.

Some of the writing did annoy me slightly, just because of the layout and the way it split between pages. I found myself flicking back and forth a lot. But, hey, it's a debut and she's a teenager! If it was flawless it'd be disconcerting.

I loved the message of the book and even as a twenty-one year old I found myself taking in some of her tips. Again, she's so very mature and wise for her age.

Overall, I enjoyed the book :)

[birdie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is cute, and I love the pictures in it. It has sort of a bloggy feel to it, and was fun to read, but I feel like the book repeats things to much. And I could kinda tell that this was the authors first book. I think my favorite part was the photos and side notes and stories that she put on the side.
Her life is VERY busy and I don’t think I would enjoy it or even be able to LIVE with a life like that, but I think Miss Chloe L does a good job of dealing with her crazy busy life.
I would recommend this book if you like blog type things and scrapbook type things. And the whole “Guide to taking On the World” thing was good, but was only really mentioned once.
If your a fan of her this is a great way to learn about her life!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the second book I’ve read by one of the Dance Moms alum. This one, however, goes deeper as Chloe explores how anxiety has impacted her career so far. It’s still a very light and short read, and her younger fans will appreciate it.

[Milly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book all about self belief and motivating and of course Chloe’s life

[Tegan Stettaford · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a follower of Dance Moms from day 1 I was really excited about the prospect of my favourite Dance Moms star writing a book about her life!
Chloe is just an exceptional person in everything she does and this book is no different. For a 15 year old, this was a commendable effort.
The messages of kindness and anti-bullying were clearly from heart felt experience and getting some insight into her day to day life was really intriguing!

For me, I genuinely felt uplifted from her motivational talk.. to just keep going. If you’ve been struggling with future decisions (like me; university can cause a lot of self doubt and contemplation of choices), motivation, hard times and you love Chloe then this book is for you.

Congratulations on your first book Chloe!

[Ashley]

I think my favorite parts of this book are Chloe's poems and short stories. Another thing that I loved was Chloe's openness about her struggles with being bullied, the dance metaphors and that it was fun to read.

[FlowerMae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was great! Although,she used some cheesy metaphors. But I love the lists and tips and pictures! I think this is good for Chloe Lukasiak’s first book. Her life seems crazy! I wouldn’t like that life, but I feel like she made good decisions when it came to fame, and I suggest you read it!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. As a Dance Moms fan, Chloe was always a favorite. After reading her book, I realize she is every bit as sweet and kind as she appeared on television. She is an excellent role model for younger girls and I recommend this for the pre-teens in your life.

[M.P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so great!! Chloe is my role model and this book is awesome, she tells funny stories and shares how she deals with some of her life struggles! <3

[Courtney Whetten · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do I even say?!
I felt so close to Chloe reading her story. I felt like she was speaking to me and that I knew her so well. From the first chapter I almost felt like I was reading my story and Chloe's story kind of helped me realize that just because she is famous and does acting and traveling, doesn't mean that I can't relate. How we can all kind of relate to each other despite the different experiences we might have been through.

For example, the bullying. I've had severe cystic acne since about 6th grade and even though the bullying wasn't too severe it still made me hate myself and the way I looked.

From the beginning of the book, I could see myself in Chloe. Her being that introverted, shy, bookworm that stayed in the corner and had a hard time making friends. Who's best friends were her teachers. And how she cried when her fifth grade teacher had to leave for a better position. All that has happened to me. Reading has been my refuge for as long as I can remember. I can relate to the characters in books and books help me be able to see why people act the way they do because of experiences they've been through.

Chloe says that acting for her is all about the journey of becoming someone else and processing the world through that person's lens. Figuring out who other people are by living through their perspective. For her it's acting and books for me it's books and my empathetic nature. I think it's amazing how we can relate so closely even after having different experiences to get us there.

One of the things Chloe says she struggles most with is being accepted by her friends and not worrying about being made fun of behind her back. She has had issues like that in the past and it makes her have trust issues like that now and I can relate. Chloe has dealt with so many insecurities and self-acceptance issues. I have too. But I think the most important part is that Chloe never gave up. Sure she had days where she gave up but she always lived by the principle that everything happens for a reason and I've lived by that principal for a very long time. I know that I've had days where I almost gave up for good but something kept me going and it's because of those experiences I've been through that have gotten me to where I am today. and it's because of experiences I've been through that make me want to help others going through the same thing. Just like Chloe.

I think it's amazing how despite the anxiety that Chloe deals with all the time she doesn't let it stop her from doing what she loves. She doesn't let her stop her from doing what she wants to do with her life. I take inspiration from Chloe for that because that's something that I have a really hard time doing.

An important thing that Chloe describes is that it's so important to take time for yourself. And to be patient with yourself. I feel like a lot of times I don't get anything done because I worry about the big picture. I don't take those baby steps when really those baby steps will get me to where I can be someday. Chloe has inspired me to take those baby steps and has inspired me to remember that I can't do it all today and I have to believe in myself. I can do this day.

I love how Chloe always tries to find ways to help others. That despite what she's been through she wants to help others know that they are loved. I love how she's able to share her experiences to get that out there and to inspire other teens that they are worth it.

Can I just say that when Chloe said that she expresses herself best through writing and that English is her favorite subject I honestly felt like we were twins.

I think something that's so cool is Chloe always tries to remember that the people that may act like bullies in the world probably acts that way because of something that has happened to them. I've how to learn that lesson myself and it was a hard one but ever since I learned that, I just feel so much happier being around those people because I know that no matter what they say to me, it's not true. And it just makes me want to help them because obviously they're going through something hard right now.

T Swift has also been one of my favorite singers of all time for as long as I can remember.

There were just so many small and big things that Chloe described that she went through that I've also been through. And it's not just the challenges we've been through it's the things we love to do, it's how we see the world or at least try to and how we grow from the experiences we have been through that just made me realize that I'm not alone in what I've dealt with. There are so many people like me that deal with the same things daily. And it's not the challenge that makes us who we are, it's how we deal with it that really makes us into the person we are. And maybe we give up sometimes. That's okay. It happens to the best of us. What matters is that we get back up, believe in ourselves and be true to who we are.

[Kat Ice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed most of this book. Chloe was my favorite in Dance Moms so when I saw she was writing a book I needed to get my hands on it. It was good but could have been way better. I am guessing the book layout did not transfer well onto Libby on the phone because it seemed to have different parts together. I loved how positive everything was and that she loved telling stories. I will say the editor should have looked things over a little better though. There were a lot of errors as well as so many times she repeated herself. Worth the read if your her fan but probably not if you are new to jer and Dance Moms.

[kylajaclyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe is the literal best. I’m 31, and I still loved this book. I always felt like Chloe was the underdog on Dance Moms, so I always rooted for her. She has emerged as a super kind and compassionate person (extremely rare for those who spent a significant amount of time on a reality TV show). Chloe, you are awesome! Keep doing you, girl!

[Liralen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know nothing about Dance Moms (although I assume it's full of Drama) and about as much about Lukasiak (can't speak to whether there's Drama there), but I picked this up because I have a thing for books about dance. Unfortunately for me, there isn't much dance to be found within. There's also not a lot of Drama (or drama, for that matter)—this was written when Lukasiak was fifteen, and there's a clear intent to be squeaky-clean, present as a relatable good role model. Perhaps consequently, there's almost nothing specific from her time on reality TV, nothing about dance competitions, etc.

I'm disappointed that there's so little about dance competitions in particular—as I understand it, it's an entirely different world from the more traditional dance world I've read so much about, and I'd really have enjoyed learning more. Instead this is...well, lists of things Lukasiak likes (or liked when she was fifteen), and short stories that were definitely written by a teenager, and a rather tone-deaf section about how unglamorous her life actually is but that's full of things like '[I] wake up whenever jet lag lets me wake up' (177) and photos of her having her makeup done (179) or doing a fully staged, multi-person team photo shoot for social media (180).

I don't want to be too harsh here: again, she was fifteen when the book was written, and I have no doubt that Lukasiak has worked hard to turn her childhood fame into something more long-lasting. But I also expect that she'll be able to write something more interesting when she's significantly older and is willing and able to talk more directly about the ups and downs of a childhood spent on camera, in a context designed to create drama; when she has a better understanding of the ways in which parents renting 'a little apartment in Los Angeles so we could live there part-time and I could audition for roles' (146) is not just about supportive parents but also about wealth and privilege; and when she (or her publicist) doesn't feel the need to present as squeaky-clean and inoffensive.

[Kelly Gagne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book I'm definitely not the intended audience for. I literally only read it because I loved dance moms and she was my favorite little dancer. She was like 8 or something so it's like I watched her grow up.

I think it have a nice overview of Chloe's life thus far, and it reminded me a little if myself as a teen so I gave it an extra star lol.

Really though, I think it'd be a good book for teens and I definitely would have loved this at the age to see someone so relatable.

I liked that she has some poems and snipits of short stories, those were super cute.

Some of it was a bit repetitive, but it has a good message.

I don't know if it's because I was reading it on the Kindle, but some of it seemed disjointed. like there's random pictures that don't fit with what she's talking about and there's parts where she skips to another topic, but then she comes back to it. Kind of annoying, but I wonder if in the printed version it's separated on different pages.

My favorite review of this book is from her grandmother, who promises it didn't get 5 stars because of that. It made me laugh.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This “guide to taking on the world” does just that. You can learn some pretty sweet relaxation tips, organization skills, and how Chloe tackles the world in general – literally everything I would want to know about her is in this book! She talks about a side of Dance Moms that I never knew about, which is one of the main reasons why I wanted to read this book. I just knew I would get the Dance Moms fix I needed, and there’s not one, but TWO chapters! Yay!

What I love the most about Girl on Pointe is how real Chloe keeps it. I genuinely enjoyed this book, and I personally think it’s the best biography to-date amongst other similar titles. Dance Moms fans won’t be disappointed, and I think new fans who are curious to learn more about Chloe will benefit from reading this book.

Full review on my blog, ReadingMaria: https://mariazuppardi.wordpress.com/2...

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I really enjoyed this book! Chloe is a very down-to-earth, wise soul (and I think she had a wise ghost writer). She didn't say the name Abby Lee or do any name calling. She acknowledged her faults and weaknesses and repeatedly expressed her desire to be better and goals to make it happen. Her advice is practical and not preachy. Her dreams are big but realistic and not materialistic (unlike Maddie's braggy book). I loved her chapter on dealing with bullies and shared that advice with my kids. She writes like a well-read, yet somewhat insecure teen (which is exactly how she describes herself). I enjoyed learning about her life so far and appreciated all her pointers. She is a good role model for my kiddos. I hope life treats her well. Also, I now think I might have silent sinus syndrome.

[Sarah Gonzalez · Rating 1 out of 5]

As I watched the author on Dance Moms, I was excited to read the book. I loved all the side notes, and the extras that were added into the book. For example, the poems. Throughout the book, their were poems, which is beyond creative, and must have taken a lot of hard work and dedication to do. In all honesty, I didn't really like the book. It was very repetitive and was mainly about how she overcame the people that doubted her. It was also very jittery, to the point that you can tell that this was the authors first book. I would have stopped reading, but I needed to finish the book so I can make this review for my 10 points extra credit. Over all, I would not recommend this book to anyone, mainly because it was boring.

[Gemini · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all this book was amazing!! It was so inspirational to young teen girls and as I am one I feel so inspired. Chloe and all of her team who helped has made something so amazing that words cannot describe it. Between all the quirky photos and the little dorky moments it was something special. Throughout the book you could really connect with Chloe and I believe that is a job well done. It didn’t get the 5 stars only because I think some things were a bit repetitive but apart from that I was wanting more as I got closer to the end. It is definitely something I would recommend to others my age.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways. Overall, this was a well-written debut by Chloe Lukasiak. She kept it light and positive, writing in a way to make it relatable and enjoyable to read by audiences young and old. She writes about her childhood memories, her journey on Dance Moms, her friendships, but also discusses important topics such as bullying, mental and physical health, aspirations, and kindness. This book is perfect for Chloe Lukasiak fans, but also for anyone needing some inspiration to seize the day and follow their dreams!

[Samu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a lot like Maddie Ziegler's "memoir" Maddie Diaries. There's plenty of life advice and what am I going to do with my life pondering. The emphasis is on having a positive outlook on life despite the obstacles it throws your way. Chloe, just like Maddie, is hardly a disadvantaged kid from a poor neighbourhood and this book is not a literary masterpiece but it is probably interesting to girls her age and does tackles actual issues such as illness and bullying. For all Dance Moms fans, definitely.

[Anneliese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. There was so much great advice about living life and overcoming adversity. As a woman in my 20s I took away so many key messages about overcoming my insecurities and overwhelming thoughts. Chloe has an incredible amount of young supporters and I know that they will gain something out of this book too. Maybe even more than I did. I liked the original pieces that was included throughout the book, and there were tons of photos which is a must in memoir/celebrity self-help type books.

[Ken N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike a lot of celebrity autobiographies you can tell this was definitely written , but her. It is just so pure and to the point. Always thought she was one of the sweetest on the show this book proves just how correct that was. In it you get to learn some about her life, her family, what it was like on the show, how she was bullied growing up and how she dealt with it.She was only 15 when she wrote this book and it shows besides being sweet she is also a very strong girl. I hope we have a chance to read more books by her in the future.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably would do more like a 3.5 This was my favorite Dance Moms book I've read so far (I recently read Mckenzie and Maddie's). Chloe was 15, almost 16 when it was written, and I think I liked it mostly because she had a ghost writer so it flowed much better than the other two. It was a fun layout with lots of pictures, different fonts, stories, recipes, book and movie recommendations, it was a mix of a lot of different things, but went together really well. If you are a Dance Moms fan, I think you'd like it.

[Kimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I have always been a Chloe fan. This book proves how kind, and down to earth she really is, despite her youth and fame. I loved learning more about her as a person, and her tips are so realistic and should be easy to implement. It was an easy to read and lighthearted book. Loved it.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book written by and for teen girls, this was perfectly cute. Girls who watched Chloe grow up on Dance Moms will enjoy this one. She seems like an extraordinary young woman. A little saccharine and cheesy for adults, but I still recommended it to a friend for her 13 yr old daughter who dances. 3 stars.

[The Emersons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi, an Emerson sister. This book was exactly what I was expecting, a book about a girl facing troubles as she becomes famous. Since my expectations were low, I was happy with what I read and got some inspiration out of it. The book size (Not page number, actual size of book) was bigger than a normal book, but I liked that. 5 stars, cute book.

[Abigail Censabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved chloe on dance moms even back when I was ten wishing I was her. I think I love her even more now after reading her perspective on dance, relationships, self love and life. I truly think people should read this book if you wanna learn to love yourself more because she gives some great tips about it.