She Kept Dancing: The True Story of a Professional Dancer with a Limb Difference

by Sydney Mesher, Catherine Laudone, Natelle Quek (Illustrations)

This warm and inviting picture book, cowritten with Catherine Laudone and brightly illustrated by Natelle Quek, takes young readers along on Sydney’s journey—through the joyous ups as well as the crushing downs—and tells the story of how through it all, she kept dancing.

No two dances were the same. Each one was beautiful because it was different—just like how Sydney’s body was also beautiful because it was different.

Sydney Mesher was born with ten toes and five fingers. But it was her toes that her mom noticed first. "I can tell she’s going to be a dancer," she said.

And it turned out Mom was right—after years of hard work, Sydney eventually danced her way onto the famous stage of Radio City Music Hall, becoming the first Rockette with a visible disability.

Genres: Biography, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens, Disability, Biography Memoir

40 pages, Hardcover

Published October 31, 2023

Reviews

[Amy Dalin · Rating 5 out of 5]

She kept dancing is an inspiring true story about Sydney Mesher. Sydney was born missing a hand. As she grew up, other kids would stare and bully her for her limb difference. However, she loved dancing and kept dancing no matter what! She went to school for dance and took as many dance classes as she could. She even got to perform at a concert for BTS! Sydney broke her foot and really struggled to use crutches. In addition to struggling with the crutches, Sydney struggled with not being able to dance. However, she remembered all the times she persevered and kept her head up high! Sydney would go on to become a Rockette and inspire young children with disabilities to continue dancing! I loved this book! Sydney's perseverance to continue when people did not believe in her is inspiring! This book shows children that any dream is possible even if it may be difficult. The illustrations in this book portrayed Sydney's emotions perfectly and I actually felt like I could see her dance across the page! I would recommend this book for any elementary student!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

She Kept Dancing is Sydney Mesher's personal story of growing up with a limb difference and becoming a dancer. I really like how it shows that most of the issues she encounters are as a result of ableism rather than her disability (people staring at her everywhere she goes and making cruel comments), although it does touch on issues many wouldn't consider that would arise from having a limb difference (when she broke her foot it was incredibly difficult to use crutches with one hand). I feel like it largely avoided being an inspiration porn narrative because it avoids the pitfalls of "overcoming" disability or "if she can you can" that a lot of biographical picture books about disabled people fall into, but this is likely because the author is writing about herself here. I also really enjoyed how near the end she addresses how much representation matters and how she loves being a role model to kids with limb differences who often meet her after shows. The note from her at the end was a nice touch.

Definitely recommended!

[Panda Incognito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book biography is very inspiring. The author is a dancer with a limb difference, and she pursued her dreams in spite of the ignorance and rude reactions that other girls had to her disability. The book shows how she embraced her passion and highlights some of her most impressive professional accomplishments, including becoming the first Rockette with a visible disability. This book is great for people who are interested in dance, and for anyone looking for an inspiring story about overcoming prejudice to fulfill your dreams.

People who liked this book may also enjoy On the Line: My Story of Becoming the First African American Rockette. That book from another boundary-breaking Rockette was published on the very same day!

[Katie BC · Rating 5 out of 5]

She Kept Dancing is the inspiring true story of the first Rockette with a visible disability, Sydney, as she grew up bullied and ostracized but still “kept dancing” anyway.

This children’s book is so important not only to teach kids empathy and awareness of others and how they can be different, but to also remind them that they can achieve their dreams no matter what obstacles come their way. Sydney has so many accomplishments that I didn’t even know about as a casual fan of hers on social media, and she has my utmost respect for her perseverance, determination, and of course incredible talent.

I had the pleasure of seeing her in the Christmas Spectacular in 2022 and this book is as amazing as she was dazzling on the great stage.

[Lilia Rappach · Rating 5 out of 5]

She Kept Dancing: The True Story of a Professional Dancer with a Limb Difference, by Sydney Mesher and Catherine Laudone, is a powerful story about Sydney Mesher, a dancer born with a limb deformity. The authors do a great job of describing how Sydney didn’t give up on her dream to dance, despite the challenges she had to overcome. The book teaches kids about the importance of hard work, self confidence, and being accepting of others differences. This book has such a positive message and great illustrations, and I would love to add it to my classroom library with hopes of inspiring my students to follow their dreams, and learn to be accepting of others.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book biography retells Sydney Mesher's story and does not shy away from the many times others judged her for only having one hand. She had a gift for dance and dreams to dance on the Rockette's stage at Radio City Music Hall.

This book is invaluable for all students to see that physical differences do not have to define us. I plan to buy this book for both of my elementary library collections.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an amazing book for kids! The story and illustrations are engaging while also providing kids with an important and impactful message. Differences should be celebrated and anything is possible if you believe in yourself. I’ve gifted this book to all the kids / soon to be parents in my life!

[Alissa Erwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an inspiring story. It’s about not giving up on your dreams, even when things seem stacked against you. I liked that it wasn’t overly dramatic; it showed Sydney’s journey with honesty and positivity. It’s the kind of book that makes you feel proud and motivated after reading it.

[Mary Courtley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant and heartwarming true story of fostering and following your dreams. It needs to be in every public library and school library!

[wildct2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent picture book

[Awjtf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book!

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad to see a book spotlighting limb differences! Sydney is a talented dancer and one readers everywhere should meet!

[Miss Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this picture book biography of Sydney Mesher a dancer for the Rockettes born with ten toes and 5 fingers. beautifully written and inspiring. elementary

[Robin Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

She never gave up.

[Quinn Peralta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic story about a dancer with a limb difference who kept dancing to fulfill her dream. It is non-fiction and written well for children

[adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book made me sob in front of children. I love when disabled people succeed

[Sara Goldenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous story and great book. Loved it !!!!!

[Stephanie Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing and inspiring read!

I LOVED the illustrations and watching Sydney grow up on the page. Wonderful use of dancing language throughout. Learned so much!