Another great historical fiction novel from the Rebel Girl series. This one focuses on Alicia Alonso who dreams of being a ballerina. Alicia had to fight visual impairments to fulfill her dream, but she succeeded in becoming a great prima ballerina.

Rebel Girls does a great job with this series of chapter books following amazing women in history. This book is no exception. Alicia Alonso was a ballet dancer from Havana who became a prima ballerina in New York City, as well as a teacher to many esteemed ballet dancers. She became partially blind from detached retinas and was put on bed rest for a year. Despite that, she came back to dancing at the professional level in NYC and accomplished more than ever, starring in her dream role.

This book connected with me, not just because of the beautiful illustrations and inspiring story, but because I also had a retina detachment at a young age. I understand how painful and frustrating it can be physically and mentally to lose even part of your eyesight. The determination she showed was simply amazing. Coming back to ballet after an entire year of bedrest must have taken so much determination and passion. I am so happy to have read this book and learned about Alicia Alonso.