Misty Copeland

October 15, 2020
Grades 1-4 This biography of the American Ballet Theatre's first African American principal ballerina doesn't pull any punches. Readers learn about Misty Copeland's childhood, her parents' divorce, her mom's financial struggles (living in a motel, no money for dance classes), and a nasty custody battle between Misty's mom and a ballet teacher who gave Misty a scholarship and a place to live. Readers also learn about prejudice in the world of ballet. Many young girls start ballet lessons as toddlers; because of her family's poverty, Misty didn't begin until she was in middle school, in free classes offered by a Boys and Girls Club. Ballerinas are supposed to be willowy, tall, and dainty; Misty was tall, but also muscular and curvy. And she was Black. Even though audiences weren't used to seeing ballerinas of color, Misty's hard work, determination, and awesome talent landed her solos, stardom, a music video with Prince, her own Barbie Doll, and an appointment to Barack Obama's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. This honest account will inspire and encourage young dancers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

November 1, 2020

Gr 3-6-This series spotlights women who took charge of their lives and careers. Ariana Grande began singing and raising money for charity at a young age; JoJo Siwa worked hard to become a dancer; and Kylie Jenner used social media to promote her products and become a millionaire. Additionally, Malala Yousafzai overcame an attempted assassination to advocate for women's education; Michelle Obama's motivation to succeed helped her to graduate from Princeton and Harvard; Misty Copeland broke barriers for Black women in ballet. Readers are encouraged to be their own boss. The texts feature inspirational quotes from the subjects, and the simple narratives are direct. Each woman is presented in a positive light, although the volume on Copeland references the custody battle between her mother and ballet teachers. Color photos accompany the text. Ariana Grande and Kylie Jenner will certainly appeal to young pop culture fans. VERDICT Though not very comprehensive, these are suitable introductory biographies of modern women. Purchase should be considered based on need for the subject.

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