I'm not sure what other readers will make of this, but as someone who used to watch a lot of Dance Moms (and now firmly believes that every adult involved in the making of that show belongs in JAIL, except maybe Dr. Holly), this was a fascinating take on some of the more troubling questions that have arisen in the fallout of that show: specifically, the all-consuming beast that is capital-F Fame, childhood, and the disaster that often arises when the two collide. Tagle-Dokus's story is inspired almost beat for beat (as keen-eyed lovers of trashy Hollywood drama, myself included, will note) by the controversial relationship between preteen Dance Moms starlet Maddie Ziegler and pop musician Sia; however, the relationship between our Maddie and Sia stand-ins, tween dancer Lucy and pop musician Bruise, was its own unique spin, heartbreaking to read about as we see Lucy's talent and childhood commodified by adults who just want to use her. Lucy's struggle back to herself on the heels of a turbulent young adulthood in Hollywood was satisfyingly and realistically portrayed, and Tagle-Dokus's prose is lovely and unsentimental. A binge-able debut (from a fellow Emersonian, no less!).

This captivating coming-of-age novel sweeps you into the bright, dizzying highs — and the shadowy costs — of chasing a dream. Lucy Gardiner is born to dance, and her raw talent propels her from a chaotic Massachusetts childhood into the blinding spotlight of a reality show and the intoxicating world of Hollywood. At its heart, though, this is not just a story about fame; it’s about identity, belonging, and the cost of losing touch with the people who ground you.

Through Lucy’s journey — from her early wonder at the stage to the isolating weight of success — the novel captures the ache of growing up too fast and the complicated pull of home. The character of Bruise, both magnetic and menacing, is a powerful reminder of how easily ambition can be manipulated.

Beautifully written and emotionally layered, this story lingers, asking important questions about what we’re willing to give up for our dreams and what’s worth holding onto no matter how far we go.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lucky Girl by Allie Tagle-Dokus
Pub Date: 11/11/25
Tin House Books
General adults, literary fiction, new adult
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Lucky Girl is the story of a young, ambitious dancer named Lucy, that Tagle-Doris says was inspired by the show Dance Moms and seems to be loosely based on Maddie Ziegler’s journey on both dance moms and also working with Sia.

Lucy starts out as a child on a reality TV dance contest and is quickly taken under the wing of one the shows judges- Bruise, who is herself a world-famous singer/songwriter. She convinces Lucy to come work with her and this book follows the journey of their collaboration— from controversial music videos to an even more controversial movie.

I love how the author made this book and this character so approachable and made it clear that Lucy ended up on this situation in part due to the stress of fame on her young self. As a former avid Dance Moms watcher I loved rhis book and would recommend it to fellow fans or anyone looking for a story about childhood fame and the aftermath! Thanks to the author, Tin House Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Lucky Girl is an incredibly ambitious debut, a bildungsroman about a childrens-dance-reality-show star, Lucy. As Lucy becomes more deeply embroiled in the Hollywood social world, her life spirals out of control.

This book had a lot of sympathy for all its characters - even the "villains" are afforded a human portrayal. This sympathetic lens is integral to the themes of the book which muse on the cycle of fall and redemption. I enjoyed the use of a clearly classical structure in a contemporary novel as Lucy made her way through her hero's journey.

A novel for fans of "I'm Glad My Mom Died" by Jennette McCurdy

Thank you Tin House and NetGalley for the ARC!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. A thoroughly entertaining read that shows the chaos of fame as a kid while Lucy, the main character navigates her family issues. I was captivated as I read and saw how things from Lucy’s past came back to haunt her as her life went on. The characters in this book were so interesting the more I read and got to know them. This is a great coming of age book and the beginning started out so well that it really set the stage for what was to come, no pun intended.