Li Cunxin’s journey succeeds by detailing the grueling physical grit and culture shock required to transform from a rural peasant into a world class athlete. Readers connect with the high stakes of his government audition and the vivid descriptions of his training. Books in this family share a focus on underdog perseverance and the dramatic tension of navigating unfamiliar worlds.
Reach for this book when your child is facing a daunting challenge or feeling limited by their current circumstances and needs to see the power of relentless perseverance. This memoir follows Li Cunxin from a childhood of extreme poverty and political indoctrination in rural China to the high-stakes world of international ballet. It is a story of grit and the bittersweet reality of leaving everything you know to pursue a dream. While it touches on the harshness of the Cultural Revolution, the narrative focuses on the beauty of discipline and the universal longing for freedom. It is an inspiring choice for children who are beginning to understand the complexities of the wider world and the sacrifices required for excellence.
