Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina

Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina by Michaela DePrince tells Michaela's story from her birth in war torn Sierra Leone to her debut as a professional ballerina in her late teens.  I really enjoyed Michaela's humor and her ability to convey such an incredible journey in such a personable way!  After losing both of her parents as a toddler (her father to the war and her mother to illness), Michaela is left at an orphanage by her uncle because he does not want the responsibility of caring for her.  At the orphanage, Michaela is known only as "number 27," the least favored child because of a skin condition she has called vetiligo.  One day, she finds an American magazine, which features a ballerina on the cover. Without even knowing what ballet is, Michaela keeps that cover photo of a ballerina and vows that she will become just like her someday. Soon after, Michaela and her closest friend at the orphanage are adopted by an American couple, and Michaela's aspirations to be a ballerina start to take form.  This is a great read for anyone with a big dream, and really shows what is possible through courage and determination!