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Material Type | Library | Call Number | Item Barcode | Location |
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Book | Searching... North Andover - Stevens Memorial Library | J BIO CREATIVE COPELAND | 31478003396893 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Andover - Memorial Hall Library Children's Room | J B COPELAND, MI. | 31330008135273 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Burlington Public Library | YA BIO COPELAND | 32116003410087 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Chelmsford Public Library | J/BIOG/COPELAND | 31480010930375 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Georgetown Peabody Library | JB COPELAND | 32120001212024 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Groton Public Library | JBIO COPELAND | 37003701739220 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Hamilton-Wenham Public Library | Y B COPELAND, MISTY | 30470001293504 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Littleton - Reuben Hoar Library | YA 92 COPELAND | 39965002374212 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Merrimac Public Library | J 92 COP | 32125001359246 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Newbury Town Library | J 92 COPELAND | 32127001128811 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Newburyport Public Library | J BIOGRAPHY COPELAND M | 32128003508273 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... North Reading - Flint Memorial Library | J-B COPELAND, M. | 31550002210356 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Topsfield Town Library | J BIO COPELAND | 32133002264951 | Searching... Unknown |
Book | Searching... Westford - J.V. Fletcher Library | J B COPELAND | 31990004431776 | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
Determination meets dance in this prizewinning and New York Times bestselling memoir by the history-making ballerina Misty Copeland, vividly recounting the story of her journey to become the first African American female principal ballerina at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre.
When she first placed her hands on the barre at an after-school community center, no one expected thirteen-year-old Misty Copeland to become one of America's most groundbreaking dancers. A true prodigy, she was attempting in months roles that take most dancers years to master. But when Misty became caught between the control and comfort she found in the world of ballet and the harsh realities of her own life, she had to choose to embrace both her identity and her dreams, and find the courage to be one of a kind.
With an insider's passion, Misty opens a window into the life of an artist who lives life center stage, from behind the scenes at her first classes to her triumphant roles in some of the world's most iconic ballets. A sensational memoir as "sensitive" and "clear-eyed" ( The Washington Post ) as her dancing, Life in Motion is a story of passion, identity, and grace for anyone who has dared to dream of a different life.
Reviews (3)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-7-Although Copeland didn't begin her ballet training until the age of 13, she transcended the competition in just five years' time and became a professional dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. Despite Copeland's extraordinary natural talent, her dance career has not been an easy one. In this young readers edition of her 2014 autobiography, she relates her experiences growing up in a low-income, single-parent family and recounts the custody battle between her mother and her dance teacher. Copeland goes on to describe the challenges of her life as a professional ballerina, most notably her isolation as a black artist in a predominantly white field. She writes that "some people still notice [her] skin color before they notice [her] talent" and that others "simply don't believe brown girls have a place in classical ballet." While Copeland's overall tone is conversational, her frank discussion of race is serious and relevant to tween readers. She expresses gratitude for her numerous friends and supporters and recalls her delight at certain opportunities and roles, such as her collaboration with Prince and her landmark performance as the Firebird in 2012. Copeland closes her book by saying that she wants young dancers to "look at what I've accomplished and realize they can achieve this dream, too." VERDICT Copeland's story will interest, inform, and inspire budding ballerinas and deserves a place in every library that serves middle grade readers.-Magdalena Teske, Naperville Public Library, IL © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
A ballet milestone was reached when Copeland was named the first African-American principal ballerina at American Ballet Theater. Copeland begins her memoir with her difficult childhood of many stepfathers and little money. Recognized by local dance teachers as someone with great potential, she was encouraged to take lessons, apply for summer studies, and pursue what ultimately became her realized dream: a career as an elite dancer. Copeland is open about her mixed-race family's difficulties and how "Dancing was my escape." She is frank about discussing her enormous talent along with her conflicted feelings about her mother's role versus those of her teachers who took her in and provided for her, leading to a court battle for emancipation. Famous black performers sought her out and were a source of strength and comfort; she even performed with Prince. Always present, of course, is the fact that the world of ballet is "full of ivory-skinned dancers." Skin color, hair, and makeup needs set African-American ballet dancers apart, resulting in many instances of prejudice both overt and subtle. In this young readers' edition of her 2014 memoir of the same name and with Colbert's assistance, Copeland writes in a conversational tone. She devotes much space to her innate abilities, her ABT career, and her overwhelming desire to succeed and be an inspiration. As Copeland fiercely reminds herself, "This is for the little brown girls"and any reader in need of inspiration. (Biography. 11-16) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Copeland brings her adult memoir to a middle-grade audience with this young readers edition. Much of the nation has been captured by her power and grace as a principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), an incredible accomplishment made all the more notable because she's the first African American to hold the position. The challenges of being a person of color in the traditionally white classical ballet world occupy much of the book, but just as resonant are the personal stories she tells of growing up with little money in an unstable home. Even with amazing natural ability and the perfect ballerina's body, Copeland still had to work unbelievably hard to achieve her dream of joining the ABT, and the descriptions of hours-long rehearsals and painful injuries drive this home. Devoted to equal opportunities within the arts, the petite ballerina continues to make a sizable impact both on and off the stage. Dancers in particular will be drawn to Copeland's story, but everyone will be inspired by her soaring spirit, caring heart, and fierce determination.--Smith, Julia Copyright 2016 Booklist