This is a beautiful book of inspiration that reaches far beyond dance.Ĭopeland’s verse is exceptional. Copeland tells it all in poetry that soars and dances just as she does. It is for anyone who needs to hear a voice of success speak about how important dedication and hard work is to creating that success. Lest you think this is a book just for dancers, it is not. Here she writes her debut picture book and through it encourages other young dancers of color.
While not technically nonfiction, this would be a wonderful book for anyone who loves dance and wants to learn more about Copeland's background. Especially given how emotionally stirring the artwork is when paired with the text. But will the Caldecott committee give it some love as well? I think it certainly deserves it. It is a book that is sure to win awards - most likely a Coretta Scott King. You get the sense that Copeland is writing this story not only to all the African American girls who dream of being dancers, but also looking back at herself when she first started out. Heavy as naptime, low as a storm pressing on rooftops So what is it that affected me so deeply? It wasn't just the words, but seeing them paired with Christopher Myers' emotional, sweeping illustrations, in addition to seeing the symbolism of the sparse text that truly moved me.įirebird is the story of a young girl of color who aspires to be a ballerina someday, but sees only the obstacles before her. That was an unexpected turn of events, I must say. I'm a crier by nature so perhaps the fact that I was tearing up by page one doesn't hold much weight, but I generally don't cry at the beginning of a book.
And with those first few lines of Firebird by Misty Copeland, the tears were already streaming down my face.
0 kommentar(er)
