What do you think?
Rate this book
Alex Ko: From Iowa to Broadway, My Billy Elliot Story
Alex Ko’s moving autobiography will inspire tweens to dare to dream big.
Alex 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.
Alex 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.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 30, 2013
5 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 29, 2013
I'm a huge fan of the Billy Elliot movie, but have never seen the Broadway show. This autobiography intrigued me because it is about a dancer (yay!) who's a boy (double yay!) who gets a part in this musical about a male dancer.
The story was written by a teen, and it sounds like it. Occasionally there are parts that are young-sounding, but for me that lent an authenticity to a book that could have easily come across as being edited too heavily by an adult. And that's not to say that Alex comes across as naive or immature. There are times when he comes across as far more self-aware than many adults I know. The writing style just isn't terribly sophisticated, but I think that fits.
My only real complaint is that other than his decision to start writing this book, the reader doesn't get a good sense of where he is now, after all his trials and hard work to reach the Broadway level. I really want to know what his goals are now! I would also have loved more insight into what his brothers thought about all these experiences, and even more from his mom.
Overall, a truly enjoyable read.
The story was written by a teen, and it sounds like it. Occasionally there are parts that are young-sounding, but for me that lent an authenticity to a book that could have easily come across as being edited too heavily by an adult. And that's not to say that Alex comes across as naive or immature. There are times when he comes across as far more self-aware than many adults I know. The writing style just isn't terribly sophisticated, but I think that fits.
My only real complaint is that other than his decision to start writing this book, the reader doesn't get a good sense of where he is now, after all his trials and hard work to reach the Broadway level. I really want to know what his goals are now! I would also have loved more insight into what his brothers thought about all these experiences, and even more from his mom.
Overall, a truly enjoyable read.
September 22, 2013
When a non-writer writes a book--especially a child non-writer--I usually run and hide. But Alex Ko pulls it off in Alex Ko: From Iowa to Broadway, My Billy Elliot Story. As many reviewers have already noted, the editors didn't try to smooth his style, so the prose is rough and naive, but sincere. It was a good effect.
I would recommend this for teens/tweens, but I fear not many beyond the dance world will touch it (mine wouldn't), and that's a shame. "A book about a dancer?" "A book about Broadway?" "No thanks!"
I don't know how to break those barriers, but I hope that parents/teachers/librarians out there are smarter than I am, because there's definitely something for everyone in Ko's failures, disappointments, and eventual triumph. The book stimulated an excellent conversation with my kids about race blind casting ("How can Billy Elliot be Asian? I don't get that."). Race, the father's illness, the family's money troubles, and the implicit but unspoken "dance is gay" theme of Billy Elliot make this book a thought-provoking, inspiring pick for required reading.
I would recommend this for teens/tweens, but I fear not many beyond the dance world will touch it (mine wouldn't), and that's a shame. "A book about a dancer?" "A book about Broadway?" "No thanks!"
I don't know how to break those barriers, but I hope that parents/teachers/librarians out there are smarter than I am, because there's definitely something for everyone in Ko's failures, disappointments, and eventual triumph. The book stimulated an excellent conversation with my kids about race blind casting ("How can Billy Elliot be Asian? I don't get that."). Race, the father's illness, the family's money troubles, and the implicit but unspoken "dance is gay" theme of Billy Elliot make this book a thought-provoking, inspiring pick for required reading.
Want to read
January 29, 2026Alex 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.
May 3, 2013
I'm a Billyver (nope, didn't misspell that). I'm a Billy Elliot fan and proud of it! I've seen the show 15 times in 9 different states and I've seen 11 boys play the role of Billy. They all bring something unique to the role, so when I heard that Alex had written a book about his story, I pre-ordered.
I read this book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. This doesn't feel like it was written by a young adult. There is real depth and emotion in Alex's story and he doesn't hold back on what he shares. There are good times and bad, but his friends and family get him through. I loved reading about all the auditions and the stories from behind the scenes.
Even if you aren't a die-hard Billy fan (yet), I recommend this book. Alex is a child prodigy in dance and gymnastics, but natural talent is never enough. His drive and his passion are what got him where he wanted to go and I cannot wait to see where he goes next.
I read this book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. This doesn't feel like it was written by a young adult. There is real depth and emotion in Alex's story and he doesn't hold back on what he shares. There are good times and bad, but his friends and family get him through. I loved reading about all the auditions and the stories from behind the scenes.
Even if you aren't a die-hard Billy fan (yet), I recommend this book. Alex is a child prodigy in dance and gymnastics, but natural talent is never enough. His drive and his passion are what got him where he wanted to go and I cannot wait to see where he goes next.
July 6, 2013
I picked this book up in the children's section of the public library from the "new books" shelf. It was a very good book by Alex Ko who played Billy in Billy Elliott for a couple of years on Broadway. It is an inspiring true story of a young man from a small in Iowa who had an unlikely path to a starring role in this popular musical and persevered through personal losses along the way. I am a theater goer but have to admit that I have not yet seen this show. I certainly will after reading this book! The book provides a glimpse into the grueling life of an actor and the effort required by many to put on these productions. I also liked that this was a positive story for young people to dream large, work hard and never give up against all odds!
January 12, 2017
I really impressed with this autobiography of a young boy whose love of dancing paves a path to an extraordinary trip to Broadway's Billy Elliot. Written in a quick and easy writing style (which I believe most young readers will also appreciate), Alex's story is interesting and fast paced.
I really appreciated how sincere Alex is throughout the book when describing the loss of his father and how even though he is gone from his life, he really is always with him in his heart. Sweet story and I learned so much about the dedication, artistry, and athleticism of dancers.
I really appreciated how sincere Alex is throughout the book when describing the loss of his father and how even though he is gone from his life, he really is always with him in his heart. Sweet story and I learned so much about the dedication, artistry, and athleticism of dancers.
June 12, 2013
A lovely, compelling success story. Would be great inspiration for kids/teens. I appreciate that Alex emphasizes the hard work he put into his career. The hand of the editor seems apparent in a few places, but overall Alex has written in a conversational, flowing style that is pleasant to read. Near the end I even found myself racing to get to the next chapter to find out what would happen.
May 6, 2014
Decided to read this after a conversation with the author's mother, and I am glad I did. It is the story of a young boy who ends up playing Billy Elliot on Broadway, so I am probably not the target audience, but I found myself moved because of the family back-story, and the charm of the author's voice.
July 16, 2013
This is a good book to read if you dream of being on Broadway someday. Alex was only an early teenager when he wrote this book, so you can imagine him telling this story to you with an enthusiastic voice.
Read
April 11, 2013reviewed for SLJ
September 24, 2013
Well done juvenile nonfiction.
October 25, 2013
A good biography for the tween/middle school set, especially anyone wanting a career on the stage. Alex Ko talks about the good as well as the bad aspects of being a star.
October 23, 2013
LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 22, 2014
Adorable and inspirational.
October 30, 2014
Read in one sitting. It was like reading a long but very interesting and sincere LiveJournal post.
October 14, 2017
This is one of those stories that will stay with you a long time.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews