Lyrical and affecting text paired with bold, striking illustrations by caldecott honoree myers makes this an ideal read for aspiring ballerinas everywhere. In her debut picture book, american ballet theatre soloist copeland tells the inspiring story of a budding ballet star. In her debut picture book, misty copeland tells the story of a young girlan every girlwhose confidence is fragile and who is questioning her own ability to reach the heights that misty has reached. Copeland became the first black female to perform stravinskys firebird. 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. Gr 26a poetic dialogue between an aspiring young dancer and the american ballet theaters soloist comprises the text of this stunning picture book. Ballerina misty copeland shows a young girl how to dance like the firebird by copeland, misty putnam, 2014illustrator. Bookpage scenes of an older dancer guiding a young student. In her debut picture book, misty copeland tells the story of a young girlan every girlwhose confidence is fragile and who is questioning her. About firebird in her debut picture book, misty copeland tells the story of a young girlan every girlwhose confidence is fragile and who is questioning her own ability to reach the heights that misty has reached. Life in motion by misty copeland 9780751565638 booktopia. Firebird celebrates optimismthe mentality that you will succeed if you set your mind to it. To see how you can win a copy of your own and qualify for the autographed copy of misty copeland s firebird, follow the directions in the rafflecopter following.
The book is written as what i would i would describe as a poem. They too can find their voice, their wings, their missing piece. In her debut picture book, misty copeland tells the story of a young girl, an everygirl, whose confidence is fragile and who is questioning her own ability to. Firebird by misty copeland book discussion guide lesson plan template and teaching resources. Copelands title role in stravinskys the firebird serves as the theme for myerss signature paint and collage illustrations, which feature full spreads bursting with color and excitement. Misty copeland makes her broadway debut in on the town. In her debut picture book, misty copeland tells the story of a young girl. Misty copeland on broadening beauty and being black in ballet. This book is bringing my existence, and nonexistence as a young girl, to life, showing other girls and boys that theyre not alone. In her debut picture book, misty copeland tells the story of a young girl whose confidence is fragile and who is questioning her own ability to reach the heights that misty has reached. Now fast rising to the top of the american ballet scene, a feat that is virtually unheard of for a dancer of color, copeland has been very vocal about the oldfashioned but very prominent and largely inescapable role of race in ballet, of her own struggles to be accepted and to advance as a socalled nontraditional ballerina. Firebird book by misty copeland half price books marketplace.
American ballet theater soloist misty copeland encourages a young ballet student, with brown skin like her own, by telling her that she, too, had to learn basic steps and how to be graceful when she was starting out, and that some day, with practice and dedication, the little girl will become a firebird, too. With a few inspirational words from misty copeland herself, the young dancer can see herself as a star ballerina. Dance spirit worldrenowned ballerina copeland shows that the power and grace she displays on the stage translates to the page as well, paired with myers strong illustrations. Children neednt be dance fanatics to connect with the pupilmentor relationship depicted in this illustrated poem. Its illustrated in bright and bold colors by christopher. The story is about a young dancer who doesnt quite believe in herself enough. Reinforce the feeling that copeland is speaking directly to readers. In it, by her example she shows youngsters how to reach soaring heights through. American ballet theater soloist misty copeland encourages a young ballet student, with brown skin like her own, by telling her that she, too, had to learn basic steps and how to be.
Copeland acts as mentor and motivator, instilling confidence in the young dancer. Copeland assures her that she too was a dreaming shooting star of a girl who worked very hard in class. Sep 24, 2016 hardcover in her debut picture book, misty copeland tells the story of a young girlan every girlwhose confidence is fragile and who is questioning her. Firebird presentation by the trenton xinos and kudos youth. Myers extraordinary artwork captures the mystique of the firebird ballet and copeland s indomitable spirit. Ballerina misty copeland shows a young girl how to dance like the firebird by copeland, misty putnam, 2014 illustrator. Misty copeland on broadening beauty and being black in. Copeland, a soloist with american ballet theater, is a rara avis, an africanamerican ballerina. About firebird in her debut picture book, misty copeland tells the story of a young girlan every girlwhose confidence is fragile and who is questioning her own ability to reach the heights that misty. Elongated forms and slanted geometric shapes are infused with a color palette of browns, yellows, and fiery reds contrasted with cool blues, purples, and splashes of white. The bestselling author of life in motion and a childrens book, firebird, she is the recipient of the lenore annenberg fellowship in the arts.
Handpicked by amazon kids books editor, seira wilson, for prime book box a childrens subscription that inspires a love of reading. Illustrator christopher myers whimsical torn paper and paint collages provide a dreamy backdrop as the girl receives encouragement from copeland herself, who. Firebird by misty copeland 2014, picture book for sale. Firebird by misty copeland book discussion guide share. Npr coverage of firebird by misty copeland and christopher myers. The first in a series of picture books inspired by premier ballerina and author misty copeland s own early experiences in ballet. Misty copeland made history by becoming the first african american female principal dancer at american ballet theatre. Myers extraordinary artwork captures the mystique of the firebird ballet and copelands indomitable spirit.
This inspired her childrens picture book, firebird. Misty copelands award winning book, firebird, will be presented by the trenton xinos and kudos club at 11. Misty copeland s first childrens book is firebird, with illustrations by caldecott honoree christopher myers. In this, her first book for children, she establishes a dialogue with an imaginary young girl, also black, who is full of doubts. In 2015, misty was named to time magazines 100 list and. School library journal a soaring debut picture book by american ballet theater star misty copeland. In 2014, president obama appointed misty to the presidents council on fitness. Firebird by misty copeland, christopher myers, hardcover barnes. While the book s firebird references are not explained the prokofiev ballet is copeland s signature role, it doesnt keep the book from making a strong impact. Misty copeland breaks barriers in ballet, inspires children with her book, firebird. The books is wonderfully illustrated by christopher myers, who combines color and texture to create stunning design and movement. American ballet theatre soloist copeland is just as graceful with words as she is with her body. American ballet theater soloist misty copeland encourages a young ballet student, with brown skin like her own, by telling her that she, too, had to learn basic steps and how to be graceful. Misty encourages this young girls faith in herself and shows her exactly how, through hard work and dedication, she too can become firebird.
The book ends with a letter from copeland to the reader, where she shares that she wanted to give young dancers a book in which they could see themselves. Firebird will have young dancers leaping for the stars and understanding both the hard work and possibilities involved. Firebird by misty copeland, christopher myers, hardcover. Code switch in her new childrens book, firebird, copeland seeks to inspire other young africanamerican dancers.
Written to provide aspiring ballet dancers of colour with a role model, the story describes the insecurities of a child with a dream, and the perspective of a dancer whos been there. Firebird is american ballet theater principal dancer misty copelands first childrens book. In her debut picture book, misty copeland tells the story of a young girlan every girlwhose confidence is fragile and who is questioning her own. Myers paints portrait after portrait of copeland dancing.
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