LETTERS TO MISTY

A Black principal dancer who broke many barriers offers empowering advice for youth.

In this book that’s organized into five chapters that correspond with ballet positions, Copeland, in collaboration with children’s author Smith, explores attitude, self-discovery, adversity, challenges, and meaningful living. Delivered in the caring tone of a trusted mentor or big sister, this thoughtful work is inspired by Copeland’s conversations with and mail from young people. The contents riff on common concerns about growing up—meeting familial expectations, navigating friendships, setting goals, and dealing with criticism and negativity online and in real life. Gracefully balancing personal experience and time-tested wisdom, Copeland’s insights about body positivity and self-image deftly address complex feelings of being othered. Topics like self-care, shyness, goal setting, and dealing with self-doubt and disappointment are part of the overall upbeat reflections. The forward-looking final chapter includes guided activities to encourage reflection, visualization, and self-directed action. Copeland’s remarkable achievements serve as touch points that are bound to inspire readers. The writing is clear, reassuring, and comforting, the positivity of Copeland’s voice will appeal to a variety of readers, and while there is some repetition, this element effectively allows the work to be sampled as needed rather than read cover to cover. As a trailblazing hero with a distinguished career, Copeland takes a grounded approach that invites readers to become their most authentic selves at every turn.

Affirming life lessons to encourage athletes, creatives, and everyday dreamers.