
Parents should reach for this book when their teenage daughter begins expressing frustration with her body shape or feels she does not fit the rigid aesthetic standards of her chosen hobby or sport. It is a vital resource for navigating the intersection of physical development and professional aspirations, particularly in high-pressure environments like competitive dance. The story follows Kayla, a talented ballerina whose curvy physique contradicts the traditional, lean ballet ideal, leading her to question the industry's narrow definitions of beauty. Through a blend of humor and heartfelt realism, the book explores themes of self-acceptance, censorship, and standing up to institutional sexism. It is highly appropriate for ages 12 and up, offering a sophisticated look at body autonomy and the courage required to be oneself when the world demands conformity. Parents will appreciate how it validates the awkwardness of puberty while empowering teens to advocate for their own identities.
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Sign in to write a reviewMentions of physical attraction and a scene involving a nude art model.
The book deals directly with body image, the sexualization of the female form, and artistic censorship. It touches on physical anatomy in a clinical yet frank way (including a scene with a nude art model). The approach is secular and realistic, with a hopeful resolution that emphasizes agency over perfection.
A middle or high schooler who feels like an outsider in their own community, specifically an athlete or artist who feels their physical self is being judged more than their talent.
Parents should be aware of the frank language regarding anatomy and the mention of a nude model in the first chapter. It provides a great opening for a discussion on art vs. modesty. A parent might see their child wearing baggy clothes to hide their body, or hear their child say they aren't 'built right' for their favorite activity.
Younger teens (12-13) will relate to the embarrassment of changing bodies, while older teens will connect with the themes of institutional sexism and the professional pressures of the arts.
Unlike many 'body positive' books that focus solely on dating, this book focuses on the intersection of identity and professional craft, using the high-stakes world of ballet as a microcosm for societal control over women's bodies.
Kayla is a junior at a magnet arts high school, born with a hip defect that led her to ballet for therapy. Now a serious dancer, she faces a major obstacle: her body has developed curves that the ballet world deems unacceptable. While her sister Paterson expresses herself through edgy art, Kayla struggles with the physical requirements of her craft and the sexism inherent in dance traditions. When the school tries to enforce restrictive standards, Kayla and her friends must decide whether to conform or spark a revolution.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.