Alex Ko’s moving autobiography will inspire tweens to dare to dream big.   Alex Ko: From Iowa to Broadway, My Billy Elliot Story follows Alex’s journey from small town Iowa to becoming a famous Broadway performer in New York City. Despite all the odds he had to overcome—facing his father’s tragic death from cancer, financial difficulties, countless auditions, and serious injuries, Alex triumphantly lands the starring role in the musical Billy Elliot at age thirteen.   For theater fans who want an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the world of backstage Broadway to kids determined to achieve dreams of their own, Alex Ko’s story, told in his own words, is powerful and personal.   A collection of black-and-white photos from both Billy Elliot productions and Alex’s childhood brings his world vividly to life. 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, GAα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Ko, one of the many dancers to play the title role in the Broadway production of Billy Elliot the Musical, tells his personal fairy tale–like story: how he, an Asian American 13-year-old from Iowa City, Iowa, became a Broadway star. Ko feels a special affinity for the Billy Elliot character because he, like Billy, caught the ballet bug early and dreamt of a dancing career while facing similar obstacles: an environment not particularly nurturing to boys interested in ballet, an unsupportive father, and the loss of a parent. Although Ko’s story is partially a case of being in the right place at the right time, his struggles are not overplayed. Injuries and bad luck plagued Ko throughout his brief career; however, his upbeat, can-do attitude carried him through and carries the reader right along with him. With lots of behind-the-scenes action and a fair amount of celebrity encounters, Ko’s heartwarming success story will be relished by aspiring performers and those who enjoy seeing others make it in the limelight. Photos not available for review. Grades 4-6. --Randall Enos "Readers will gain an insider's knowledge of a Broadway production and share in the great thrill of Ko's first Broadway performance. His winning personality, drive and strong faith come through on every page. An enjoyable and fast-paced read for not only star-dreamers, but also the star-struck." - Kirkus Reviews "An ingenuous, enlightening memoir." - Publisher's Weekly He could be a star for all we know We don't know how far he can go He could go and he could shine Not just stay here counting time, Son, we've got the chance to let him live. These are lyrics from Billy Elliot , the show that made young Alex Ko's incredible dream of performing come true. And just like the character of Billy, Alex beat all the odds to land the starring role in Billy Elliot on Broadway at age thirteen.This is his powerful true story. Alex's personal firsthand tale of his journey from small-town Iowa to New York City is passionate and moving. With extraordinary drive and rare tenacity, Alex makes the unthinkable real, determined to hold on to his dream of performing despite all that he had to overcome—his dad's death from cancer, financial struggles, countless auditions to finally land the part of Billy, only to suffer a crushing injury, but ultimately making his triumphant return to the stage. Alex's inspiring story is an exciting exclusive look at the world of backstage Broadway, told through the eyes of a kid from Iowa fresh off the plane, without money or famous connections, who simply dared to dream big. Alex Ko made his Broadway debut at age thirteen in the title role of Billy in the Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot: The Musical . Alex studied dance from the time he