Recasting her privately published memoir Still Dancing (2009) into a shorter form, Ford offers a clear-eyed self-portrait of a teenager in furious denial after a devastating diagnosis of the degenerative neuromuscular disease Friedreich’s ataxia ended her dreams of becoming a professional dancer. In a narrative punctuated by checklists, bulleted points, recommendations for additional informational resources, and thank-you letters (and photographs) from teens, Ford describes how her stubborn refusal to use artificial aids set her up for sustained bullying in high school and how, after graduation, a coonhound named Izzy—who developed a physical disability strangely similar to hers—pulled her out of the denial stage and led to her becoming a nationally known motivational speaker with an antibullying message. “I’ll never be a prima ballerina,” she finishes, “but I am still dancing.” Salutary reading for young people with developing disabilities, as well as those who bully or are bullied. Grades 6-9. --John Peters --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Very good….inspirational!
