How It Feels to Fly

A struggle with body dysmorphia forces one girl to decide if letting go of her insecurity also means turning her back on her dreams.

Sam has always known she’d be a professional dancer—but that was before her body betrayed her, developing unmanageable curves in all the wrong places. Lately, the girl staring back at Sam in the mirror is unrecognizable. Dieting doesn’t work, ignoring the whispers is pointless, and her overbearing mother just makes it worse.

Following a series of crippling anxiety attacks, Sam is sent to a treatment camp for teens struggling with mental and emotional obstacles. Forced to open up to complete strangers, Sam must get through the program if she wants to attend a crucial ballet intensive later in the summer. It seems hopeless until she starts confiding in a camp counselor who sparks a confidence she was sure she’d never feel again. But when she’s faced with disappointing setbacks, will Sam succumb to the insecurity that imprisons her?

This compelling story from Kathryn Holmes examines one girl’s efforts to overcome her worst enemy: herself.

A Powerful Story About Mental Health: An authentic and moving look at a teen girl's struggle with body dysmorphia and crippling anxiety, perfect for readers seeking realistic mental health representation. Ballet and Body Image: For Sam, being a ballet dancer is everything. But when her body changes, she must confront the intense pressure to be perfect in a world where appearance feels paramount. Complicated Mother-Daughter Relationship: With a former ballerina for a mother, the pressure on Sam is relentless. Their fraught relationship adds another layer to her difficult quest for self-worth. Unlikely Friendships: Sent to a camp with other teens all fighting their own battles, Sam discovers that opening up to strangers might be the first step toward healing. Overcoming Adversity: This unforgettable story is about fighting your inner critic and learning that sometimes your worst enemy is yourself.