Recasting her privately published memoir Still Dancing (2009) into a shorter form, Ford offers a clear-eyed self-portrait of a teenager in furious denial after a devastating diagnosis of the degenerative neuromuscular disease Friedreich's ataxia ended her dreams of becoming a professional dancer. In a narrative punctuated by checklists, bulleted points, recommendations for additional informational resources, and thank-you letters (and photographs) from teens, Ford describes how her stubborn refusal to use artificial aids set her up for sustained bullying in high school and how, after graduation, a coonhound named Izzy o developed a physical disability strangely similar to hers lled her out of the denial stage and led to her becoming a nationally known motivational speaker with an antibullying message. "I'll never be a prima ballerina," she finishes, "but I am still dancing." Salutary reading for young people with developing disabilities, as well as those who bully or are bullied.

When Gabe was twelve, she developed a debilitating, degenerative muscle disease called Friedreich's ataxia and was severely bullied in school. Media attention surrounding a fundraiser for surgery for her beloved dog companion, Izzy, led to her becoming an anti-bullying spokesperson. Interspersed with moving letters from students who have heard her speak, the story is interesting but marred by repetition and unpolished prose. Websites.