The book “Girls Have to Dance!” is a heart-breaking story about a Russian girl who wanted to dance the ballet. It is a story of a teenage girl entering ballet training at a late age thirteen and taking it to the level that she is accepted into the acclaimed ballet academy (the Bolshoi “Big” Ballet in Russia). Despite the lack of support from her family, the young girl believes in her big dream and more than anything else – she wishes to dance! But fate throws her a cruel twist. The book explores many contemporary and critical teenage girl issues: bodily changes and self-image, teenage hormonal issues, father-daughter relationships, fighting and overcoming depression, setting high goals and having to adjust them through life, as well as using the arts (music and dance) to cope with harsh life circumstances. A highly recommended book for pre-teen and teen girls (ages nine to eighteen) and any age reader interested to learn about what it was like growing up in Soviet Russia. The book is written from the perspective of a thoughtful teenage girl. It is easy to read and is written in a simple, sincere speaking voice.