Ballerina Dreams: A True Story
Inspired by a 2006 New York Times article,this poignant photo-essay taps Thompson's (Polar Bear Night ) storytelling talent and Times photographer Estrin's behind-camera skill to chronicle a ballet recital given by five unlikely young dancers. The performers, ranging in age from three to seven, all have various disorders such as cerebral palsy; for them, raising their arms, holding themselves upright and maintaining their balance can be feats requiring very hard work. Thompson frames their story as one of a dream come true (the performance incorporated “When you wish upon a star...” to make the same point), and in describing the girls' work with their teacher, New York City physical therapist Joann Ferrara, the author stresses what these girls might have in common with the audience—their excitement, their delight in their tutus and tiaras, their last-minute jitters, their unmistakable pleasure in dancing. With similar effect, close-up portraits introduce the five girls, all shown beaming, before readers see full-body shots revealing their leg braces and the teen helpers who support the dancers onstage. An especially attractive design breaks each spreads into blocks of text, solid pink panels, and group and individual photos. The insightful presentation encourages readers not only to identify with the dancers, but to draw inspiration from them as well. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Ferrara's Dancing Dreams program. Ages 5-8. (Oct.)
