It's interesting how few books about ballet feature a successful ballerina. Perhaps they are too busy dancing to write autobiographies.

Siena began dancing on the beach as a child and it quickly becomes her dream and passion. Everything is going well and she's at the top of her class until an injury crops up and introduces self-doubt. As a teenager, Siena has to rediscover herself and face the ghosts of the dancers she has become. Full of beautiful depictions of dancing and thoughtful insights on growing up with a shaky family life, this book is perfect for middle grade to young adult readers who love and admire dance as well as those picking themselves up from a shattered dream. Purple was definitely the right color.

I particularly loved the last few pages. Thank you, Mama Siegel, for insisting on saving all those scrapbooks ;)

A compelling look at a ballerina's life as she confronts her burnout and struggles to figure out her life. As a former music student, I relate to the protagonists struggles with never feeling perfect enough to succeed, insecurity, and feelings of depression.

3.5 stars, rounded up

This graphic novel memoir follows an elite student ballerina’s career, from loving dance to struggling with self-doubt and injury. It is both an ode to the art of ballet and a critique of the profession of ballet.

I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Tiny Dancer is the follow up graphic memoir to Siegel's earlier work, To Dance. Tiny Dancer focuses on Siegel's experiences as a teenage ballet dancer in New York City as well as, in the background, the collapse of her parents' marriage and her own apparent estrangement from her father. The story takes place between Siena's 7th grade year of school until her start at college, and charts her early success, injury, and ultimate decision to move away from ballet as a dedicate profession.

A key point for readers is that this is a memoir. It makes you look at it through a different lens than a fiction ballet graphic. It did a great job of taking us through this ballerinas journey in childhood. It was also showed us a lot of her vulnerable points that most of us can relate to on different levels. The only part that I wish was different was the very end. I loved the very last scenes that were symbolic but I felt we needed a disclaimer either before or after of what she ended up choosing to do or where she ended up. If had been recent than that ending would be fine as we wouldn’t know yet. However the timeline shows that it has been years since and it would be nice to just see a glimpse. Other than that quick read but very heartfelt! Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC copy!

I really enjoyed this coming-of-age novel about a ballet dancer. Many of her struggles, esp the voice of "you're not good enough" is deeply relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed the colors and softness of the illustrations, and the realistic characters. I highly recommend for any teen, esp those interested in the arts.

This was a sweet coming of age graphic novel memoir of a dancer who has a change of heart and decides to pursue a different path in life. I enjoyed hearing her story and how difficult ballet training can be. I was proud of her choice at the end to find a life outside of dance that led to her happiness.

Siena's story is one that many can relate to--a deep passion for an activity, self-esteem issues, friendships made and lost, and family life. Her passion for ballet is beautifully relayed in the art--wonderful watercolors with graceful limbs, expressive faces in close-ups, and emotion coming through the lines and shading of the art. Cherson Siegel's writing is equally expressive and honest. The daily lives of ballerinas, New York City, and her family and friends come alive.

Highly recommended to anyone interested in ballet (or dance in general), memoirs of childhood and teen years, and emotional struggles.

This book was ok. I was excited for its classic themes, but this fell flat for me. The color palate and ballet focus is way too close to Tillie Walden's Spinning. I don't have any idea what the author/character did with her life after dance other than go to college and write a memoir.