Tiny Dancer by Siena Cherson Siegel, Illustrated by Mark Siegel

Published on May 06, 2022

Tiny Dancer Book Cover.jpg

Reviewed by Kerrin Graul

Tiny Dancer is an autobiographical graphic novel about the author growing up a dancer in New York City. The author was an accomplished dancer who trained at the School of American Ballet. The story starts with her childhood in Puerto Rico, and what caused her to relocate to New York City. She discusses the training that went into her dance classes and the friends she made along the way. Finally, it talks about how her passion changed her path in life.

Tiny Dancer is a story about how a person’s favorite activity can still be stressful, and how one event can make or break a career. Ballet is not an easy sport and takes a large toll on the human body. This story shows the reader how dancers can feel the strain physically, but they still love ballet more than anything. Her passion for the sport is easily understood when she elaborates on the skill and technique of famous dancers, and how she envies them. Sometimes our passion can be painful and this book beautifully explains that to the reader. Multiple performances and famous names are mentioned but are not central to the story.

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