Bunheads

July 1, 2020
A young ballerina takes on her first starring role. Young Misty has just begun taking ballet when her teacher announces auditions for the classic ballet Copp�lia. Misty listens spellbound as Miss Bradley tells the story of the toymaker who creates a doll so lifelike it threatens to steal a boy's heart away from his betrothed, Swanilda. Paired with a kind classmate, Misty works hard to perfect the steps and wins the part she's wanted all along: Swanilda. As the book closes, Misty and her fellow dancers take their triumphant opening-night bows. Written in third person, the narrative follows a linear structure, but the storyline lacks conflict and therefore urgency. It functions more as an introduction to Copp�lia than anything else, despite the oddly chosen title. Even those unfamiliar with Copeland's legendary status as the first black principal ballerina for the American Ballet Theatre will predict the trite ending. The illustrations are an attractive combination of warm brown, yellow, and rosy mahogany. However, this combination also obscures variations in skin tone, especially among Misty's classmates. Misty and her mother are depicted with brown hair and brown skin; Miss Bradley has red hair and pale skin. Additionally, there's a disappointing lack of body-type diversity; the dancers are depicted as uniformly skinny with extremely long limbs. The precise linework captures movement, yet the humanity of dance is missing. Many ballet steps are illustrated clearly, but some might confuse readers unfamiliar with ballet terminology. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10.5-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 48% of actual size.) A predictable ballet tale for die-hard Copeland fans or as an introduction to Copp�lia. (Picture book. 5-8)

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Starred review from August 1, 2020
Grades K-3 *Starred Review* American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Copeland launches a new picture book series, Bunheads, with this eponymous title, which draws from her experiences as a young ballerina. It opens with an announcement to young Misty's ballet class (her first) that they will be performing the ballet Copp�lia, which involves a beautiful doll come to life. As the teacher describes its plot, Ghanaian comics artist Fiadzigbey depicts the ballet's drama through an enchanting series of golden panels. Misty instantly falls under its spell, filling with excitement at the prospect of dancing such a story. As the teacher proceeds to conduct class, the predominantly white and female students take their places on the floor. Slightly angular lines add power to the dancers' graceful movements, which are often shown with whirls of motion or with a few dancers posed in various positions within a combination, helping those unfamiliar with ballet terminology to visualize the movements. Readers who are dancers themselves will get a thrill from knowing precisely what steps like pas de bourre�e mean, and they'll also identify with Misty's dream of landing a lead role in the ballet. Few picture books feature skilled youth dancers and even fewer star a girl of color, but this beautifully does both while simultaneously conveying the joy dancing can bring.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

Starred review from September 1, 2020

K-Gr 3-"This is for those who love to dance." The first African American female principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre (ABT) celebrates the joy of dance with a biographical glimpse of the young Misty in her first ballet class, auditions, and preparation for a performance of Copp�lia. A muted color palette in digitally painted art highlights the technique and diversity of the dancers as illustrations emphasize dark foreground silhouettes and shadows from a variety of perspectives, in contrast with the pastels of background walls and the brighter faces and expressions of individuals. The tale of Copp�lia is featured in a different color palette with a series of larger images and small cells-all followed by views of the students' ballet barre practice and performance, detailing technique with dance terms. The author follows her young self through the audition process for dance roles, her questioning thoughts about her own talent, working with other dancers, and the sheer thrill of performance. VERDICT A suggested first purchase for most libraries, this title is the perfect biographical addition for young readers interested in dance and the arts-a lovely introduction to classical dance for the young dancer through Copeland's dedicated practice, teamwork, and performance.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano I.S.D., TX

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