Written by Misty Copeland, Illustrated by Christopher Myers
Misty Copeland is only the second African American soloist in the American Ballet Theatre. In a picture book written by her, she hopes to inspire young girls that they too can fulfill their dream of becoming a talented ballerina, through hard work, practice, and determination. The book is written in poetic stanzas with bold colorful illustrations that feel like an artistic dream. Misty is seen as a role model to a young girl, who feels that the space between them is “longer than forever.” The only negative in the book is that in the illustrations of the two girls side by side, the young girl is not quite up to the perfection of her mentor, even on the last page, kind of giving the feeling that she can get better, but never as good as Misty. However it is a beautiful book and very inspiring.
Review by Terrie Bishop, Academy Park Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 2-6
Firebird
Written by Misty Copeland, Illustrated by Christopher Myers
G.P. Putnam’s Sons
40 pages
Release Date: September 4, 2014
ISBN: 9780399166150 (hardcover)
