Alex Ko: From Iowa to Broadway, My Billy Elliot Story

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