Hope in a Ballet Shoe is the emotively uplifting, coming of age autobiography of ballerina Michaela DePrince. The book begins with her childhood growing up in Sierra Leone, where the war left her orphaned and at the disposal of her cruel uncle. Unafraid to shy away from the horrors of war, it contains descriptions of victims of the conflict, alongside the many personal tragedies that took place in Michaela's own personal life - both in Sierra Leone and once she was adopted and had begun a new life in America.
Having been adopted at the age of four, alongside her best friend Mia, Michaela initially finds life in America difficult to adjust to. The cultural differences, as well as the impact that war and abuse had on both girls created fears that would appear unfounded to the onlooker, and that were overcome, in time, by the help of their family. The book is very much focused on family ties, and how in spite of the effects past events can have on young children, love and patience can overcome these obstacles.
This philosophy is also repeated in Michaela's struggle to become a professional ballerina, due to the racial prejudices held not only in the world of dance, but also those in modern day America. She writes of the importance of understanding differences, and overcoming ignorance, and we are shown, through Michaela's eyes, how hope can blossom in the most unlikely of circumstances, enabling even the most underprivileged person to beat all the odds. The straightforward way in which both Michaela and her mother, Elaine tackle racism and other issues is novel, and shows that when strengthened by family, even the most cutting of remarks can't stop someone great from reaching their full potential.
The only slight downside to the book was that it was quite simply written, and although the author used descriptive language, parts of it seemed more suitable for a younger age group. It is a truly inspiring read that I would recommend to anyone over the age of eleven, for an insightful peep into culture, prejudice and ballet!
• Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop.
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