Who Was Maria Tallchief?

Although I purchased this book for my children, I could not put it down. I had never hear Maria Tallchief's story. We get a very balanced view of her life. It tells of the hardships she endured without overemphasizing them. It is a very honest book and does not hide what some might find to be the uncomfortable events of her life. Yet, while the authors include hardships, they focus on her successes and how the various choices and people in her life had a part in helping her succeed. Her father was an alcoholic, but they portray him as a whole person. Her mother was very driven in her desire to see her daughters succeed, but the reader still has compassion for her. I love how Maria remained friends with Balanchine after their divorce. I admire how she did not let prejudice stop her from trying to build a bridge between the two cultures in which she lived. Due to some of the content, you may want to read the book to your younger children. This way you can discuss some of the difficult events together. But there is no way the information is written in a rough or gratuitous manner. I highly recommend this book.