GIRL ON POINTE

With an assist from Ohlin, dancer-turned–reality star–turned-actress-turned–internet sensation Lukasiak offers advice for conquering bullying, overcoming shyness, following dreams, and growing up in the spotlight.

Packaged in pastels, purples, eggshells, and generous photos, all chapters begin with motivational quotes from various sources, including philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, actor Michael J. Fox, singer Taylor Swift, and the author herself, among several others. Speaking in first person and in nonlinear fashion, Lukasiak begins the book declaring, “I had a different path ahead of me—a shiny, wonderful, yet-to-be-revealed path.” Many readers will note that a white teenager pens this remark and wonder whether she fully comprehends its undertone of unearned privilege. The perpetually bullied and self-proclaimed shy dork delves into the hardships she has endured under the camera’s lens and advises peers how to best take care of themselves. Personal anecdotes, listicles, short stories, memories, social media posts, and poetry are interjected generously, often breaking up the message in each chapter. Though the presentation emulates the storied distractibility of the book’s audience, it is not idyllic for focusing on messages of betterment.

A positive, informative account best suited for the author’s more than 1 million YouTube subscribers and social media followers; others can give it a pass.