THE REEL WISH by Yamile Saied Mendez BOOK REVIEW 5 STARS!

 After a panic attack prevents Florencia from performing as Clara in The Nutcracker and her best friend takes the lead, a new dance style helps her face her anxiety as well as a troubled friendship.

Ballet is Florencia del Lago's entire world. After years of hard work, she is chosen as Clara in the winter production of The Nutcracker. Not only is she the youngest dancer to receive such an honor but also the first Latina. She's on track to be recruited by the best ballet companies.

Unfortunately, she suffers a panic attack on opening night--on stage, in front of everyone. And then Selena, Florencia's best friend, steps right into the role to replace her. Just like that, Florencia's whole world falls apart--the ballet studio expels her, and her best friend turns on her, tormenting her on social media and in real life.

But even though the one thing she was driven toward has come to an end, therapy and family support help Florencia open up to new experiences. She notices people at school she's never paid attention to before, and she even stumbles upon an Irish dance school and decides to give it a try. Can a new passion for Irish dance help Florencia find the joy of performing on the stage that she lost that fateful winter night?

5 STARS!

Straight up: this book hits like a splash of cold water on a hot day—because it dives into the real stuff behind sparkle and tutus.

Meet Florencia—she’s living the dream: first Latina Clara in her town’s Nutcracker ballet. But opening night? She has a panic attack on stage, and everything falls apart. She loses her role, her confidence, and even her best friend, who joins in on the online hate. Yikes.

But this story isn’t about staying stuck—it’s about healing. With the help of therapy, family, and some surprising new friends, Florencia starts to rebuild her sense of self. Her new crew doesn’t care about perfection—they care about her. And being around people who actually see and support her? That’s what helps her see herself more clearly too.

5 stars 
The Reel Wish is honest, heartfelt, and full of hope. It’s about letting go of who you thought you had to be, and discovering the people—and the version of you—that makes life actually feel good again.

I AM A LITTLE BIASED because my name is in the acknowledgments! We were in a lovely critique group known as the Sharks and Pebbles.  I could picture where we were while reading bits of this story. It turned out awesome!