Ballerina Dreams: questions to ask and activities to try
At three, an orphan in Sierra Leone found a photo of a ballerina, and never forgot it. Ballerina Dreams is Michaela DePrince's true story of following a dream.
What age is it for? Ballerina Dreams is best for ages 5–8. Good for: Following a dream against the odds.
Ballerina Dreams (Michaela DePrince and Ella Okstad)
- Age
- 5-8
- Best for
- Following a dream against the odds
Read it gently; it mentions war and losing her parents. Focus on her dream and how hard she worked for it.
What it helps with
- Following a dream
- Hard work and practice
- Adoption and new families
- True stories
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Where did Michaela grow up?”
- “What did she find?”
- “Who adopted her?”
- “How did she become a ballerina?”
- “What was hard for her?”
- “What’s your dream?”
5-minute activities to try together
Dance practice
Learn one simple ballet move together and practise it every day for a week.
Dream picture
Cut out a picture of something your child dreams of doing and stick it up.
Free printables: Ballerina Dreams worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
Amazing Grace (Mary Hoffman and Caroline Binch)
- Best for
- You can be anything you want to be
- Age
- 4-8
Giraffes Can’t Dance (Giles Andreae)
- Best for
- A child who measures themselves against what other children can do
- Age
- 4-7
Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion (Shannon Stocker and Devon Holzwarth)
- Best for
- Deafness, determination and finding your own way
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.