This is the author’s own inspiring story of how he was chosen to train as a ballet dancer in Maoist China and how he became an international star and fulfilled his dream of seeing the world. Information about Li’s China.

I love this story about the young dancer. I actually had no idea that Mao Zedong cared for the arts. This resilient young boy is a great example for young people and adults who pick up this book. ( )

Dancing to freedom is an inspirational story about a small boy named Li Cunxin who lived with a very poor family in a tiny home in China. Even in the bleak-difficult life, Li believed that someday his hope and wishes will come true. One day, Li was selected from millions of children by his teacher to study Ballet. His family supported and encouraged him to take his chance and follow his dream. Li went far away from his home and he encountered hard and challenging times in Beijing Dance Academy. The worst feeling he had is the feeling of loneliness and missing his family. After two years, Li finally had best friend and a great teacher who told him stories of courage and hope and helped him to practice hard to achieve his goal. He became one of the best dancers in China. His life changed after the famous ballet master asked him to go and study in his country, America. When was twenty-one , he became a famous dancer, and he traveled to dance in many cities such as Paris and Mosco. After years of homesickness, his greatest dream finally became true when his parents were able to come to U.S. and attend his performance to see him.
Spudvilas successfully used the dark blue and gray color to illustrate the somber part of Li’s life. The paintings make the book an attractive story ,and the chines style typing would give the reader an idea about chines language and culture. Children may learn how to be patient and work hard for their dream .However, the author missed some important details in the story which could made confusing gaps for the reader, such as the reasons why the teacher chose Li from millions of children to dance??. Also while Li became a famous dancer, why he could not go to China to see his family? Does he love to dance or was he forced to do that? These questions could easily emerge in the reader’s mind when he/she read the story. ( )

My personal response to the book: This was a great book about dance and determination to rise above ones circumstances.
Curricular connections: The curricular connections include China, history and dance. A TL could easily use this book when teaching about the future or living ones dreams.

This is a picture book is an adaptation of Li Cunxin's autobiography.

I really like this book. The story is beautiful, and Li Cunxin's voice is sincere. His storytelling is simple, yet emotional and inspiring. He does a great job with characterization.

Curricular connection - I would use this book to teach character values to grades 3 and up - preserving, hard word, self-sacrifice. I would also use this book if I were teaching a social studies unit on China