Eventually though, through hard work and maintaining one's dreams, that space between the two - the professional ballerina and the hopeful young dancer - will close.įirebird is a lovely book, pairing Misty Copeland's poetic and heartfelt message of encouragement for young dancers, especially young African-American ballet dancers, with gorgeous collage-style artwork from Christopher Myers. Opening with a moment of despair, from one such hypothetical dancer, who maintains that she "could never hope to leap the space between" herself and Misty, the narrative counters this with words of fellow-feeling and encouragement, as the object of the young dancer's admiration (Misty herself) assures her that she too was once an aspiring youngster with insecurities of her own. Appropriate for ages 6-9.īallerina Misty Copeland, a soloist at the American Ballet Theatre, presents this poetic picture-book to young dancers just like her, hoping to encourage them to dream big. Myers creates motion on the page with his strips of paper that frame as well as enliven the illustrations.Ī magnificent picture book for young dancers that will inspire them to see joy in dance and also to understand the dedication it will take to be a success. The pages are filled with Copeland and young African-American dancers who fly across the pages. Myers art is a lush mix of media that is just as radiant as the verse. She weaves lovely metaphors throughout her words, “stitching worn-out slippers, swift as applause” is one of my favorites and it is just as vivid and unique as Copeland herself. It is shining verse that lifts the reader up and invites them to leap across the page along with Copeland.
It is hard to believe that poetry with this much control and beauty comes from someone who has not written many books. This is a beautiful book of inspiration that reaches far beyond dance.Ĭopeland’s verse is exceptional. Copeland tells it all in poetry that soars and dances just as she does.
It is for anyone who needs to hear a voice of success speak about how important dedication and hard work is to creating that success. Lest you think this is a book just for dancers, it is not. Here she writes her debut picture book and through it encourages other young dancers of color. Wow! Misty Copeland, soloist at American Ballet Theatre, is only their second African-American soloist in their history and the first in more than 20 years.
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