Synopses & Reviews
Sassy worries that her too-large feet, too-long legs, and even her big mouth will keep her from her dream of becoming a star ballerina. So for now she's just dancing in the wings, watching from behind the curtain, and hoping that one day it will be her turn to shimmer in the spotlight. When the director of an important dance festival comes to audition her class, Sassy's first attempts to get his attention are, well, a little wobbly. But Sassy just knows, somehow, that this is her time to step out from those wings, and make her mark on the world. Actress/choreographer Debbie Allen and Kadir Nelson collaborated on Brothers of the Knight, about which School Library Journal raved, "the strutting high-stepping brothers are full of individuality, attitude, and movement."
Review
Praise for FIREBIRD: “The language soars into dizzying heights of lyrical fancy… Myers artwork... pulsate[s] with kinetic synergy… A starscape filled with visual drama and brilliance.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"An inspirational picture book for children daunted by the gap between their dream and their reality."—Booklist
Review
Praise for FIREBIRD:
An NPR Best Book of 2014
An Amazon Best Book of the Month, September 2014
An Amazon Best Book of 2014 — Ages 6-8
Essence Magazine Best Children's Book of 2014
“The language soars into dizzying heights of lyrical fancy… Myers artwork... pulsate[s] with kinetic synergy… A starscape filled with visual drama and brilliance.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Ballet dancer Misty Copeland makes her children's book debut with this inspiring love letter to young people, containing breathtaking illustrations of airborne dancers by Caldecott Honor artist Christopher Myers… Brava!”—Shelf Awareness, starred review
"An inspirational picture book for children daunted by the gap between their dream and their reality."—Booklist
“A poetic dialogue between an aspiring young dancer and the American Ballet Theaters soloist comprises the text of this stunning picture book… which feature[s] full spreads bursting with color and excitement… A very successful collaboration.” —School Library Journal
“[A] soaring debut picture book by American Ballet Theater star Misty Copeland… Myers extraordinary artwork captures the mystique of the Firebird ballet and Copelands indomitable spirit. This is a tale that will inspire all up-and-comers.” —BookPage
“Scenes of an older dancer guiding a young student… reinforce the feeling that Copeland is speaking directly to readers… Myers 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… a strong impact.”—Publishers Weekly
“Firebird celebrates optimism—the mentality that you will succeed if you set your mind to it. And we think thats a pretty darn awesome message.”—Dance Spirit
“World-renowned ballerina Copeland shows that the power and grace she displays on the stage translates to the page as well, paired with Myers' strong illustrations.”—HuffPost Books
“American Ballet Theatre soloist Copeland is just as graceful with words as she is with her body… Myerss stunning collages layer strips of thickly painted paper to echo the wings of a firebird (Copelands signature role), whether they are illustrating the stage curtains or a cloudy sky… This book encourages todays aspiring dancers of all colors and backgrounds.”—The Horn Book
“Misty Copelands first childrens book is destined to become a staple in classrooms and libraries… Copelands empowering words are matched by award-winning illustrator Christopher Myers dazzling red and gold hues.”—Essence Magazine
“Vivid and emotional. Copeland's writing and Myers' art draw you into a beautiful world, rich with color, texture and drama. For all budding young artists who maybe don't have role models they can relate to, this little book provides some inspiration.”
—NPR Staff Picks, For Art Lovers, Kids Books
Synopsis
In her debut picture book, Misty Copeland tells the story of a young girl--an every girl--whose confidence is fragile and who is questioning her own ability to reach the heights that Misty has reached. Misty encourages this young girl's faith in herself and shows her exactly how, through hard work and dedication, she too can become Firebird.
Lyrical and affecting text paired with bold, striking illustrations that are some of Caldecott Honoree Christopher Myers's best work, makes Firebird perfect for aspriring ballerinas everywhere.
About the Author
Misty Copeland came to ballet late at the age of thirteen, and went on to make history by becoming a soloist at American Ballet Theater only a few short years later. She is only the second African American soloist in ABT's history and the first in more than two decades. Performing in a variety of classical and contemporary ballets, Misty's most important part to date is the title role in The Firebird. Misty's passion is giving back, especially by mentoring children. She has worked with many charitable organizations and has been honored with an induction into the Boys and Girls Club National Hall of Fame. She is also the author of Life in Motion, her memoir. Firebird is her first children's book.Christopher Myers is the award-winning author and illustrator of Caldecott Honoree Harlem and Coretta Scott King Honorees Black Cat and H.O.R.S.E. Chris has also won three Boston Globe--Horn Book Honors and a New York Times Best Illustrated Award.