Alex Ko
From Iowa to Broadway, My Billy Elliot Story
فرمت کتاب
ebook
تاریخ انتشار
2013
Lexile Score
780
Reading Level
3-4
ATOS
5.3
Interest Level
4-8(MG)
نویسنده
Alex Koناشر
HarperCollinsشابک
9780062236067
کتاب های مرتبط
- اطلاعات
- نقد و بررسی
- دیدگاه کاربران
نقد و بررسی
March 18, 2013
Ko opens his autobiography on a dramatic note, ushering readers into his Broadway dressing room on the October 2009 evening when he first appeared in the title role of Billy Elliot on Broadway at age 13. He then steps back in time to chronicle his first forays into dance and gymnastics in Iowa City, Iowa, detailing his instruction, accomplishments, and setbacks due to injuries. Ko’s prose is crisp and heartfelt, with effective end-of-chapter foreshadowing. Most affecting is his description of his rapport with his father (to whom he dedicates the book), who died of cancer two years before Ko’s Broadway debut, but remains a guiding influence in his life. The book’s pace accelerates after Ko arrives in Manhattan to audition for the part of Billy. Theater and dance aficionados will especially appreciate his candid revelations about the rigors of auditioning, rehearsing, and performing. Though Ko’s devotion to his craft is at the heart of his story, he also shows his playful side (in one funny scene, he filches toilet paper for a souvenir while performing at the White House). An ingenuous, enlightening memoir. Ages 8–12.
March 1, 2013
Broadway lights beckoned bright for a boy from Iowa who leapt into the title role of the long-running Billy Elliot. In his own words, Ko recounts his longtime love of gymnastics and dance. With the support of a loving family, he was able to take part in gymnastics competitions and study ballet. The death of his father was a terrible blow, but Ko used prayer to overcome his sorrow and choreographed a solo dance to honor him. Despite financial difficulties, he found his way to Broadway, where, at 13, he became the first replacement within the original trio of Billys a year into the run. He shared the role with two other boys; it was a difficult one, requiring ballet, singing and acting. The journey was grueling, filled with hours of practice and classes and marked by a serious injury. Readers will gain an insider's knowledge of a Broadway production and share in the great thrill of Ko's first Broadway performance. His winning personality, drive and strong faith come through on every page. Kudos to his mother for managing the fine line between good mother and stage mother. Alex is currently studying ballet in New York City with an eye on more star turns in the future. Black-and-white photographs (not seen) illustrate the text. An enjoyable and fast-paced read for not only star-dreamers, but also the star-stuck. (Memoir. 9-14)
COPYRIGHT(2013) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
June 1, 2013
Gr 5-8-Ko focuses on the two main events in his young life: the loss of his dad from cancer when he was 11, and his subsequent foray into ballet, leading to a starring role, at age 13, on Broadway. After being sidelined from gymnastics to work through an injury, Ko finally received his father's blessing to pursue dance. His passion for it, both as an athlete and as an artist, is evident. Despite his family's financial hardships and many setbacks, Ko never lost his upbeat disposition. He describes in heartbreaking detail his father's struggle with cancer, including a failed liver transplant and their last family trip to California. Ko's father remained very much on his mind, and he connected to his dad in nightly prayers. A dance choreographed in the man's memory became the audition piece that won Ko the starring role in Billy Elliot. Ko experienced equal parts camaraderie and competition with the two other boys who shared the role. Readers will be fascinated by the backstage details of working on Broadway and impressed by Ko's humble nature. Even after appearing on Broadway, he remains starstruck by some of the celebrities he meets, including Rosie O'Donnell and President Obama. An appealing memoir.-Madigan McGillicuddy, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library, Atlanta, GA
Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
June 1, 2013
Grades 4-6 Ko, one of the many dancers to play the title role in the Broadway production of Billy Elliot the Musical, tells his personal fairy talelike story: how he, an Asian American 13-year-old from Iowa City, Iowa, became a Broadway star. Ko feels a special affinity for the Billy Elliot character because he, like Billy, caught the ballet bug early and dreamt of a dancing career while facing similar obstacles: an environment not particularly nurturing to boys interested in ballet, an unsupportive father, and the loss of a parent. Although Ko's story is partially a case of being in the right place at the right time, his struggles are not overplayed. Injuries and bad luck plagued Ko throughout his brief career; however, his upbeat, can-do attitude carried him through and carries the reader right along with him. With lots of behind-the-scenes action and a fair amount of celebrity encounters, Ko's heartwarming success story will be relished by aspiring performers and those who enjoy seeing others make it in the limelight. Photos not available for review.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)
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