vanessa_issa's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to Rebel Girls for the ARC!
This novel is based on the life of Alicia Alonso, one of the most wonderful ballerinas from Cuba. People could see how talented she was since childhood, but her life wasn't easy. At some point, it seemed like she would never be able to dance again after losing her sight. How could she dance without seeing the stage? But her love for the dance was bigger than her fear. She practiced a lot and never gave up on her dream. And by doing that, she was able to help others too.
The Rebel Girls books are intended for children, but I always read them when I have the chance. They always bring inspiring, positive messages. I love how they tell stories about women from all around the world, exploring the different aspects of our cultures and presenting them to the children. For example, some words from "Alicia Alonso takes the take" were written in Spanish.
And also, the illustrations are absolutely beautiful.
This novel is based on the life of Alicia Alonso, one of the most wonderful ballerinas from Cuba. People could see how talented she was since childhood, but her life wasn't easy. At some point, it seemed like she would never be able to dance again after losing her sight. How could she dance without seeing the stage? But her love for the dance was bigger than her fear. She practiced a lot and never gave up on her dream. And by doing that, she was able to help others too.
The Rebel Girls books are intended for children, but I always read them when I have the chance. They always bring inspiring, positive messages. I love how they tell stories about women from all around the world, exploring the different aspects of our cultures and presenting them to the children. For example, some words from "Alicia Alonso takes the take" were written in Spanish.
And also, the illustrations are absolutely beautiful.
mehsi's review against another edition
4.0
I received this one from the publisher/Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I definitely don’t know this girl. I love these books. I wonder what other inspirational girls I will discover thanks to this series. In this book we meet a girl named Alicia who loves loves loves to dance. From Spanish dances when she lived in Spain to learning ballet when she returns to Cuba. Only her parents just think it is a fun pastime but not something to do as professional job, and my heart just broke for her. She is so good at it, has so much joy from it, but then this. We see her continue on, dancing for all her life, getting better and better. And finding love. I just loved that part! I was a bit sus about her hubby, I don’t know why, so I am happy that they were so happy.
And we see how she finds love and luck and joy in New York, I just enjoyed reading about her performances, about all the opportunities she got. But then. OH NO. I was just crying. That is just horrible. Many people would have given up. Just lain in bed and not do anything. But no Alicia. She kept on going. Dancing in her head, thinking of all the dances. And I loved that her husband was there for her to support to. To help her. And then comes the rest, what after this all? I was just so excited and now I want to see if there are photographs of that performance!
And I loved that Alicia decided to inspire other girls and boys and went to teach them. She had a studio, a new dance school. Love it. Plus, like all the other books we get an afterword, I loved that those are added!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I definitely don’t know this girl. I love these books. I wonder what other inspirational girls I will discover thanks to this series. In this book we meet a girl named Alicia who loves loves loves to dance. From Spanish dances when she lived in Spain to learning ballet when she returns to Cuba. Only her parents just think it is a fun pastime but not something to do as professional job, and my heart just broke for her. She is so good at it, has so much joy from it, but then this. We see her continue on, dancing for all her life, getting better and better. And finding love. I just loved that part! I was a bit sus about her hubby, I don’t know why, so I am happy that they were so happy.
And we see how she finds love and luck and joy in New York, I just enjoyed reading about her performances, about all the opportunities she got. But then. OH NO. I was just crying. That is just horrible. Many people would have given up. Just lain in bed and not do anything. But no Alicia. She kept on going. Dancing in her head, thinking of all the dances. And I loved that her husband was there for her to support to. To help her. And then comes the rest, what after this all? I was just so excited and now I want to see if there are photographs of that performance!
And I loved that Alicia decided to inspire other girls and boys and went to teach them. She had a studio, a new dance school. Love it. Plus, like all the other books we get an afterword, I loved that those are added!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
lisa_hewett's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing book telling the story of Alicia Alonso and the development of ballet in Cuba.
Together with the rest of the Rebel Girls books I can definitely recommend you read these!
Together with the rest of the Rebel Girls books I can definitely recommend you read these!
eramhussain's review against another edition
4.0
I love the idea of rebel girls books about women who worked hard and have rebelled to get to where they wanted to be, and it is fun to learn about women who were famous in their time, but are now largely forgotten.
This novel is based on the life of Alicia Alonso, one of the most wonderful ballerinas from Cuba. People could see how talented she was since childhood, but her life wasn't easy. At some point, it seemed like she would never be able to dance again after losing her sight. But her love for the dance was bigger than her fear.
This novel is based on the life of Alicia Alonso, one of the most wonderful ballerinas from Cuba. People could see how talented she was since childhood, but her life wasn't easy. At some point, it seemed like she would never be able to dance again after losing her sight. But her love for the dance was bigger than her fear.
penn_and_paper's review against another edition
fast-paced
5.0
This is the beautiful story of a dancer, Alicia Alonso. What I enjoyed most about this story was that she had the opportunity to leave her home to grow as a dancer. She has numerous opportunities with ballet companies to show her skills and talents and eventually took this back to her hometown to train dancers. When a situation makes it harder for her to dance, Alicia finds a way to keep dance in her life.
This is a wonderful read for the young dancer in your life.
Thank you Netgalley and Rebel Girls for the opportunity to read this story.
This is a wonderful read for the young dancer in your life.
Thank you Netgalley and Rebel Girls for the opportunity to read this story.
ddnreads's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
It tells a story of a legendary ballerina who didn't give up on dancing. She's into dancing from day 1 and never really stopped. Despite her struggle and illness, Alicia kept going and she actually lived a long happy life as a dancer. Her contribution to the ballet world was highly noticeable, especially in her hometown, Cuba. It was eye pleasing inspirative story. I enjoy this a lot!!!
thepolishedbibliophile's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
Alicia Alonso wanted to be a dancer and this story is the tale of her life and accomplishments. Alicia grew up in Cuba before moving to America to pursue dance. Even when faced with a medical issue, she did not give up her dream. This book was full of inspiration and hope, along with the biography of a strong woman. Thank you NetGalley and Rebel Girls for a copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!