Firebird

September 8, 2014
Copeland is the only black dancer presently performing as a soloist with the American Ballet Theater. Her childhood in poverty and the fact that she didn't take up ballet until she was 13 make her acutely aware of the way fame and achievement can seem distant to children whose parents can't offer them support. "Darling child," she writes, "don't you know/ you're just where I started." Scenes of an older dancer guiding a young student ("you will soar/ become a swan, a beauty, a firebird for sure") reinforce the feeling that Copeland is speaking directly to readers, providing young dancers with guidance and a sense of what is possible: "I was a dancer just like you/ a dreaming shooting star of a girl/ with work and worlds ahead." Myers (H.O.R.S.E.) paints portrait after portrait of Copeland dancing, placing the images against collages of colored paper whose curves, sunbursts, and radiating rays echo the rhythms of the dancers' movements. While the book's "Firebird" references are not explained (the Prokofiev ballet is Copeland's signature role), it doesn't keep the book from making a strong impact. Ages 5â8. Author's agent: Steve Troha, Folio Literary Management.

Starred review from July 15, 2014
A dancer offers encouragement to those who dream of following her onto the stage.Copeland, a soloist with American Ballet Theater, is a rara avis, an African-American ballerina. In this, her first book for children, she establishes a dialogue with an imaginary young girl, also black, who is full of doubts. Copeland assures her that she too was "a dreaming shooting star of a girl" who worked very hard in class. Likewise, the young girl can "become a swan, a beauty, a firebird for sure." The text is untrammeled by capital letters or periods, and the language soars into dizzying heights of lyrical fancy that barely contain her message of inspiration. Myers' artwork, a combination of textured paintings and collage, is the true standout. His vibrant reds, golds and blues, set into the sharp-edged patterns of the backgrounds, evoke the intense drama of the Firebird ballet and pulsate with kinetic synergy. Double-page spreads depict the young girl maturing from loneliness to uncertainty to accomplishment as the ballerina practices at the barre and provides a one-on-one display of bravura technique. The New York City skyline sparkles as Copeland does jetes over a jeweled Brooklyn Bridge.A starscape filled with visual drama and brilliance. (author's note) (Picture book. 6-10)

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August 1, 2014

Gr 2-6-A poetic dialogue between an aspiring young dancer and the American Ballet Theater's soloist comprises the text of this stunning picture book. Copeland provides words of encouragement to boost the dreams of an African American girl whose desire to be a ballerina is hampered by her low self-image and lack of confidence. "I was a dancer just like you," Misty tells her, "a dreaming shooting star of a girl/with work and worlds ahead." Copeland's title role in Stravinsky's The Firebird serves as the theme for Myers's signature paint and collage illustrations, which feature full spreads bursting with color and excitement. Elongated forms and slanted geometric shapes are infused with a color palette of browns, yellows, and fiery reds contrasted with cool blues, purples, and splashes of white. Scenes of dynamic action and quiet serenity work together to move the narrative forward, leaving readers with a sense of hope for the future of the young dancer. The author includes a note that discusses her own struggle and need for affirmation, acknowledging those who helped her along the way. A very successful collaboration, appealing to all and particularly valuable to collections on the performing arts.-Marie Orlando, formerly at Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2014
Grades 1-3 This vibrant picture book creates a conversation between two African American dancers, a girl who aspires to become a ballerina and American Ballet Theatre soloist Misty Copeland. Keenly aware of her shortcomings as a dancer, the girl admires Copeland, saying, you are the sky and clouds and air / your feet are swift as sunlight, while describing herself in these words: Me? I'm gray as rain / heavy as naptime, low as a storm pressing on rooftops. Copeland answers by looking back to her own beginnings as a girl learning her craft during countless hard, sweaty hours of practice. Throughout the poetic text, she offers encouragement and inspiration to the aspiring ballerina. Myers contributes a series of dynamic illustrations. Combining painted, printed, and photographed elements, these collages make fine use of color and texture. In an author's note, Copeland comments on her discovery of ballet, her appreciation of the women who mentored her, and her hope of empowering others to feel that they can achieve their goals. An inspirational picture book for children daunted by the gap between their dream and their reality. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Copeland's adult memoir, Life in Motion (2014), has become a New York Times best-seller, so there will be built-in interest for her children's book debut.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)