Misty Copeland didn't take up ballet until age 13, but by age 17, she was a professional. She was appointed ABT soloist at age 24, their first African American soloist in two decades. Driven by her newfound passion for the art, which she discovered at her local Boys & Girls Club, Misty accomplished so much in such a short amount of time through good old-fashioned hard work, discipline and unwavering belief in herself. Christopher Myers is the award-winning author and illustrator of Caldecott Honoree Harlem and Coretta Scott King Honorees Black Cat and Horse. Myers has also won three Boston Globe-Horn Book Honors and a New York Times Best Illustrated Award.
Praise for FIREBIRD:
Winner of the 2015 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
Received the 2015 Ezra Jack Keats Book Award New Writer
Honor
An NPR Best Book of 2014
An Amazon Best Book of 2014 - Ages 6-8
An Amazon Best Book of the Month, September 2014
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 Theater's 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 Copeland's 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 that's 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... Myers's stunning collages layer
strips of thickly painted paper to echo the wings of a firebird
(Copeland's signature role), whether they are illustrating the
stage curtains or a cloudy sky... This book encourages today's
aspiring dancers of all colors and backgrounds."-The Horn Book
"Misty Copeland's first children's book is destined to become a
staple in classrooms and libraries... Copeland's empowering words
are matched by award-winning illustrator Christopher Myer's
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
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