"Ballerina Dreams: From Orphan to Dancer" tells the inspiring story of Michaela DePrince, an orphan from Sierra Leone who dreams of becoming a ballerina. After experiencing hardships and challenges in her early life, including the loss of her family and life in an orphanage, Michaela's life changes when she is adopted by a loving family in the United States. With unwavering determination and passion for dance, she overcomes obstacles to pursue her dream. This heartwarming narrative highlights resilience, hope, and the transformative power of love, encouraging readers to follow their dreams regardless of their circumstances. [Generated by language model - please report any problems].

This book is part of a book series called Step Into Reading .

This book is aimed at children at US 2nd grade-4th grade.

This book has been graded for interest at 7-9 years.

There are 48 pages in this book. This book was published in 2014 by Random House USA Inc .

Michaela DePrince was born in 1995 in Sierra Leone. After the deaths of her parents, she moved to an orphanage from which she was adopted and taken to the US in 1999. Elaine DePrince, her new mother, noticed Michaela's obsession with ballet and allowed her to begin lessons. Michaela is now a professional ballerina, who danced principal with The Dance Theatre of Harlem, in guest principal roles in South Africa and The Netherlands, and is now just starting with The Dutch National Ballet. Frank Morrison is the award-winning illustrator of many books for young readers, including Jazzy Miz Mozetta , winner of the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent; Little Melba and Her Big Trombone , a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor book; Muhammad Ali ; and How Sweet the Sound. Before becoming a children's book illustrator and fine artist, Morrison toured the globe as a break-dancer. He lives in Georgia with his family. Michaela DePrince was born in 1995 in Sierra Leone. After the deaths of her parents, she moved to an orphanage from which she was adopted and taken to the US in 1999. Elaine DePrince, her new mother, noticed Michaela's obsession with ballet and allowed her to begin lessons. Michaela is now a professional ballerina, who danced principal with The Dance Theatre of Harlem, in guest principal roles in South Africa and the Netherlands. She now dances with the Dutch National Ballet.