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Book Review of Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina

Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina
reviewed on + 1438 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


What an inspiring read! This is the story of a young girl, an only child who was born to loving parents in Sierra Leon. However, her life is smashed apart when war spreads through the country. Her father who worked in a diamond mine is murdered along with all other workers and her mother dies of starvation as she strives to keep her daughter alive. This spirited youngster finds herself living with an uncle who tolerates no such behavior so he takes her to an orphanege.

When the rebels take over the orphanege the children and their keepers are forced to migrate with the hope of being adopted by couples from the United States. This young girl cherishes a printed photo she found of a dancer. It becomes her dream to dance like the woman she keeps next to her heart.

The road to professional dancing is not easy and is more difficult if one is black. Her talent, determination, stature and dedication take her step by step into her dream. I enjoyed this read very much. It's a quick read but a charming and encouraging one to people who have a dream. The theme might simply be "Don't give up."