Girl on Pointe

December 1, 2017

Gr 6 Up-Lukasiak, of reality TV show Dance Moms and YouTube fame, writes about how to be strong, courageous, and compassionate in this memoir that doubles as a guide to growing up. Lukasiak is a likable, upbeat, and relatable writer who offers earnest, positive messages and advice on everything from body image to motivation to dealing with bullies. The book includes Lukasiak's poetry, short stories, doodles, and photos, plus inspirational quotes from famous people. While Lukasiak's backstory is noteworthy and she has faced some adversity, readers should keep in mind that she was just 15 years old when she wrote this text, and may not be the best resource for wisdom. For example, writing about her time on Dance Moms at a younger age, she says "I look back at that time, and part of me wishes that the 15-year-old me could tell the younger me everything I know now." Nonetheless, Lukasiak is an admirable and worthy role model, and her fans-the target audience-will eat this book up. VERDICT A breezy guide from a popular culture star that will be in high demand from the author's large tween and teen fan base.-Melissa Kazan, Horace Mann School, NY

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2017
With an assist from Ohlin, dancer-turned-reality star-turned-actress-turned-internet sensation Lukasiak offers advice for conquering bullying, overcoming shyness, following dreams, and growing up in the spotlight.Packaged in pastels, purples, eggshells, and generous photos, all chapters begin with motivational quotes from various sources, including philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, actor Michael J. Fox, singer Taylor Swift, and the author herself, among several others. Speaking in first person and in nonlinear fashion, Lukasiak begins the book declaring, "I had a different path ahead of me--a shiny, wonderful, yet-to-be-revealed path." Many readers will note that a white teenager pens this remark and wonder whether she fully comprehends its undertone of unearned privilege. The perpetually bullied and self-proclaimed shy dork delves into the hardships she has endured under the camera's lens and advises peers how to best take care of themselves. Personal anecdotes, listicles, short stories, memories, social media posts, and poetry are interjected generously, often breaking up the message in each chapter. Though the presentation emulates the storied distractibility of the book's audience, it is not idyllic for focusing on messages of betterment. A positive, informative account best suited for the author's more than 1 million YouTube subscribers and social media followers; others can give it a pass. (photographs, epilogue) (Memoir. 12-16)

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July 1, 2018
With Nancy Ohlin. In this blend of memoir, advice book, and journal, reality-TV teenage star Lukasiak (Dance Moms) opens up about life, dreams, and insecurities. Lukasiak's conversational narrative is interspersed with poems, short stories, photos, and quotes (from Oprah to Taylor Swift), showing that girls contain multitudes. However, these pieces interrupt chapters, creating an overall chaotic, jumbled effect.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)