Taking Flight by Michaela DePrince

 
          Michaela DePrince was born in Sierra Leone during the war, she was an orphan and lived in an orphanage where she was mistreated. She was referred to as "devil child" because she had a skin condition that caused her skin to appear spotted. One day as a young child she found a magazine, on the cover there was a ballerina, in shiny pointe shoes. From that point on DePrince knew she wanted to dance. She was told she would never be adopted and watched as many American families visited and wrote to her friends. Until one day two parents adopting another girl from Sierra Leone, noticed she didn't have parents yet, so they adopted her as well. Once home she was able to take dance.                      
                  Michaela began to take ballet back at home. She was part of a small dance class, half tap and half ballet with ten little girls. It was easy for her, and at home she had even memorized one of the numbers from the Nutcracker ballet. This story is very moving and incredible. It shows how some one starting with a big dream went on to achieve big things. DePrince joined many big ballet companies. She was able to achieve her dreams. And was even part of a documentary, in which she competed for a scholarship to a ballet company. It is a very interesting tail, managing to squeeze in many important moments and it follows an inspirational journey.