  | Letters to Misty : how to move through life with confidence and grace Author: Copeland, Misty | |
| Price: $23.98 | ||
Summary:
As the first African American principal female dancer at American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland has spent most of her career navigating a white-dominated industry that puts many barriers in her path. With Misty's profile now at peak heights, she has now found herself in a mentor role herself, often asked for advice on everything from dance-specific questions to life lessons about being the "other" in certain spaces by her fans.
| Added Entry - Personal Name: | Smith, Nikki Shannon |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (04/15/25)
School Library Journal (06/27/25)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 06/27/2025 Gr 4–7—In a hybrid biography/self-help book for kids, ballet star Copeland shares tidbits from her life with readers and encourages them to persevere in the face of adversity. The book is divided into five sections, each cleverly named for a ballet step that translates loosely into an element of self-reflection (e.g., "Relevé"—rise above challenges). Each chapter begins with a letter to readers, followed by sections covering a variety of topics ranging from hobbies to friendship, cyberbullying to body positivity. Interspersed among these sections are "letters to Misty." It is unclear whether these are real letters from children seeking advice, or a literary tool for dispensing it. Most of the time Copeland brings her advice back to her own life experiences, often sharing the same reflections, and that gets repetitive. Her tone remains upbeat and supportive, encouraging readers to be true and kind to themselves, seek help when needed, and build a community of peers and mentors. The last chapter ("Assemblé"—put it all together) suggests putting her advice into action, and this is where the book hits a high point. Misty presents daily routines, song playlists, and "Pas de deux prompts" for readers to carry out in their own lives. While the rest of the book reads like Misty's self-reflection, this section encourages readers to take the next steps to dreaming big and achieving their goals. VERDICT Fans will enjoy direct messages from Copeland, but those seeking a full biographical picture should look to her other books. This is to inspire readers looking for advice and encouragement during tween years.—Clara Hendricks - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
