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thestoryowl's review against another edition
5.0
What a beautiful story about making the best out of what makes you different! I love love loved the illustrations. I always wished I was the appropriate shape for ballet!
liftyourheavyeyelids's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVE the art in this. Each ballerina has a differing level of skill, which is depicted in the artwork. Through this you can see how the main character is objectively more skilled than everyone else. So awesome!
carolineinthelibrary's review against another edition
4.0
Sassy wants to be a dancer, but her classmates pick on her because of her long legs and big feet. When a dance instructor comes to town to pick one dancer to send to dance camp in Washington, DC, Sassy has to find the confidence in herself to do her best and not worry about what anyone else thinks.
I thought the story was sweet and inspiring to anyone who feels different, but I didn't love how mean the kids are to each other. Obviously I know kids can be that way, but I don't love to see it depicted in stories where our protagonist dishes it just as much as she takes it.
I thought the story was sweet and inspiring to anyone who feels different, but I didn't love how mean the kids are to each other. Obviously I know kids can be that way, but I don't love to see it depicted in stories where our protagonist dishes it just as much as she takes it.
bookgirl4ever's review against another edition
5.0
Because Sassy has long legs and big feet she's not your typical ballerina. When a representative from a Russian ballet school comes to scout out dancers for a show in Washington, D.C. for the next summer, Sassy signs up. Her classmates laugh, telling her it was a long shot with her height and big feet. Sassy's Uncle encourages her stand tall and do her best and Sassy delivers. She is only dancer from her school to be selected for the show. This is a story of perseverance and following one's dream.
Recommended grades 3rd-5th.
Recommended grades 3rd-5th.
beths0103's review against another edition
4.0
Inspiring story of a young dancer and beautiful illustrations from Kadir Nelson as always.
allmadhere106's review against another edition
3.0
For: dance lovers; readers wanting a book about striving to accomplish great things, even when you feel out of place.
Possible red flags: bullying; sibling teasing; feeling awkward/alone; the slang makes this a little dated at this point.
Possible red flags: bullying; sibling teasing; feeling awkward/alone; the slang makes this a little dated at this point.
ljacksonga's review against another edition
I don’t remember much about this book, but I was just thinking earlier today about what the first library book I ever checked out was. I remember being so excited because my family never went to the library, so when I got to check out a book at my school library for the first time I was elated. Since it was a pretty thrilling event for me I remembered a little bit about the book, too; that the cover featured a Black ballerina doing an arabesque and that there was a pretty distinctive illustration style. I remember thinking it was the prettiest book I’d ever seen and being amazed that I was allowed to take it home. Now I’m a library worker and regular patron, and I love getting to introduce people of all ages to the library for the first time and watch them react the way I’m sure I did all those years ago. I’m so happy that somehow my memory provided enough info for me to find this book again, I’ll have to give it a reread next time I happen upon it!
jkribbit's review against another edition
5.0
I started taking ballet classes when I was 3 years old and have loved it ever since! And I have always been the tallest girl anywhere I go. In kindergarten, I was mistaken for a fifth grader! I have almost always loved being tall—except for ballet. Being tall (and big boned—nothing about me is petite) is not an asset in ballet. I stuck with it until I was 14, but it was just never meant to be. So imagine my glee when I discovered this book about a tall ballerina! I instantly fell in love with Sassy! I love how she owned her height, made her mark, and followed her dream! The illustrations are gorgeous. I loved how well the ballet poses and posture were captured. I love the writing style—Sassy’s voice really comes through! This is a favorite book in my collection!
witchofthemountains's review against another edition
5.0
Books about young girls who want to be ballerinas are very common. Books about young black girls who are able to pursue their ballet dreams are far less common, and this one is very, very good. The story is moving, the writing is perfectly formed for a younger audience, and the art is beautiful. I will be adding a copy of this to the collection for my own children and strongly suggest that other parents do the same!