About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the labels others place on people, or when they are struggling with the allure of fame and the reality of hard work. It is an excellent choice for kids who feel pressure to perform or who are beginning to compare their own 'ordinary' lives to the polished images they see in media. Jessi, a talented Black ballerina, discovers that the town's resident child star is not the bratty diva everyone assumes him to be. As Jessi considers her own dreams of stardom, the story explores themes of empathy, the importance of seeing past reputations, and the value of staying true to oneself. It is a gentle, relatable read for the 8 to 12 age range that models how to build authentic friendships based on character rather than status.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with social labeling and prejudice in a secular, direct manner. It also briefly touches on the pressures of child labor and the isolation that can come with being different (fame). The resolution is grounded and realistic.
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