![]() An inspirational picture book for children daunted by the gap between their dream and their reality. In an author’s note, Copeland comments on her discovery of ballet, her appreciation of the women who mentored her, and her hope of empowering others to feel that they can achieve their goals. Combining painted, printed, and photographed elements, these collages make fine use of color and texture. Myers contributes a series of dynamic illustrations. Throughout the poetic text, she offers encouragement and inspiration to the aspiring ballerina. Keenly aware of her shortcomings as a dancer, the girl admires Copeland, saying, “you are the sky and clouds and air / your feet are swift as sunlight,” while describing herself in these words: “Me? I’m gray as rain / heavy as naptime, low as a storm pressing on rooftops.” Copeland answers by looking back to her own beginnings as a girl learning her craft during countless hard, sweaty hours of practice. This vibrant picture book creates a conversation between two African American dancers, a girl who aspires to become a ballerina and American Ballet Theatre soloist Misty Copeland. ![]()
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