Letters to Misty: How to Move Through Life with Confidence and Grace

by Misty Copeland, Nikki Shannon Smith (With)

New York Times bestselling author and first black female American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland offers advice for on and off the dance floor to young readers based on letters she’s received over the years from fans.

As the first African American principal female dancer at American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland has spent most of her career navigating a white-dominated industry that puts many barriers in her path. Through it all, Misty has credited the many mentors who have helped her become the dancer and person she is today.

With Misty’s profile now at peak heights, she has now found herself in a mentor role herself, often asked for advice on everything from dance-specific questions to life lessons about being the “other” in certain spaces by her fans. As Misty herself has said, “I think it’s really important to have a community around you, a support system, mentors, people that are going to be there for you on those days when you just aren’t strong enough to do it yourself.”

Given that philosophy, Misty is thrilled to bring this book of advice to life, covering everything from body confidence to balancing various commitments and how to break out of your comfort zone. Each section includes personal anecdotes from Misty about the topic that bring her perspective to life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade

208 pages, Hardcover

Published May 6, 2025

About the author

Misty Danielle Copeland (born September 10, 1982) is an American ballet dancer for American Ballet Theatre (ABT), one of the three leading classical ballet companies in the United States. On June 30, 2015, Copeland became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT's 75-year history.

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Misty Copeland is best known as American Ballet Theatre's first Black Principal ballerina. Over the past few years, she has taken on varied roles as mentor, writer, and advocate for causes and organizations that are close to her heart-- dance education for the less fortunate, either/both financially and racially, offering her outlook and encouragement to young people, designing dancewear for dancers non-traditional body types for ballet, and creating her own Misty Copeland Foundation.

This book is compiled of short questions from young artistic people that lead into thoughtful, compassionate answers from Misty. Her attitude (one of the dance terms she explains literally and figuratively) is one of positivity and encouragement. She takes on issues of (non) inclusiveness, imposter syndrome, financial hardship, shyness, and maintaining composure in the competitive arts worlds.

Young people are the target audience for this book of positive and encouraging thoughts and suggestions. The writing is articulate and sensitive. No rose-colored glasses here but a glass-half-full book of thoughts and suggestions for the young dancer or artist.

Thanks to Net Galley and Edelweiss Plus for access to eARC.

[Jessica Milliner · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Letters to Misty’ is more than just the letters that were given to Misty. It's about advice, bringing yourself out of your comfort zone, support systems, and more. In addition, there are personal stories and advice on life and everything else.

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the free copy in exchange for an honest review!

I loved this book - it would have been the perfect book for me to read when I was a kid. I love how Misty Copeland used her own experiences and stories to help give advice to different children who wrote in. She made an incredibly amazing book for children of all ages to access when they were unsure about their lives, and I 100% applaud her for the incredibly hard work and heart that she is putting into this book.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Misty Copeland answers specific questions from fans (in italics) with advice and stories from her own career in a conversational tone. The advice is arranged loosely by topic into five chapters – one for each “position” in ballet. First position is all about “attitude – love yourself first” with most of the questions related to finding and standing up for yourself and learning to listen to your inner voice. Copeland encourages readers to spend time journaling and to above all else “honor who you are” and not change yourself for anyone else. Along the way, she shares stories from her own experience as the sole Black ballerina in the American Ballet Theatre and the first Black woman to be promoted to principal dancer. Some of the most impactful sections of the book are when Copeland directly addresses what it’s like to be the “only Black woman in the room,” sharing with readers that they “absolutely do belong” and to remind themselves that they’re “breaking barriers just by being there.” Other sections of the book, all in ballet terms, include “Développé - discover yourself;” “relevé – rising above challenges;” “grand jeté - challenge yourself;” and “assemblé – putting it all together.” Each chapter begins with words from Misty that relate the ballet move of that chapter to the topic at hand; “a Développé in ballet is all about control and strength. Just like the leg extends outward in the movement, our own personal development takes time and effort…” In this way, she extends the metaphor of dance throughout the entire book in an effective way. The final chapter of the book includes exercises and journal prompts to inspire and encourage readers such as making a playlist and exploring how music affects mood; doodling; gratitude journaling; and planning new experiences. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I don't know much about ballet, I have read her memoir and know a little bit about Copeland (the first Black female American Ballet Theatre principal dancer and her story to get there) but I was curious about the book. I picked it up on the strength of her being the author and wondered what she had to say. In this book of letters to Misty, Copeland answers common questions about reaching outside of your comfort zone, dealing with struggles, and more.

Copeland is talking to a younger (school age or so but older people can get something out of it too) audience and draws from her own life and career of how she handled situations or overcame barriers, etc. It is age-appropriate (despite some of the issues she touches upon) and is overall a nice short book.

That's pretty much it. This probably works for the target audience it is meant for (your mileage will vary) and again, you may or may not get much out of it if you're older. At times it does feel repetitive (and to be fair, she is talking to a younger audience, etc.), but sometimes that can be useful when applied to different situations.

For fans of Copeland, especially younger ones. If you're more into general ballet this might not be it unless you're a completionism or historian, etc. I would guess, however, that most of what is in this book regarding her life and work can be found elsewhere. Might be a good gift for the right person, though!

Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

#20BooksByBlackWomen 2025 Challenge hosted by @melanatedreader

I rated this 3.5 out of 5.

I listened to this audiobook with Libby through my library. While I enjoyed it, I did find that the structure of the book lent itself to being rather repetitive in nature. Each chapter is structured around a letter written to Copeland asking for some type of advice, and within her answer, Copeland interweaves personal experience with practical steps to take to solve the presented problem. While the personal anecdotes were varied throughout the book, much of the advice seemed to repeat itself. While this is a fun and lighthearted read, overall, it was not my favorite. You will learn some interesting insights into Copeland and her career, but this book felt more like a self-help book than a memoir.

CONTENT WARNINGS
Moderate: Bullying

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misty Copeland is a gifted ballerina who found her passion for dance and achieved her goal of being the first black principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater. With that goal came a lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance. Since rising to fame Misty has been asked all sorts of questions about life, about dance, about being a black ballerina and beyond. In this nonfiction book for kids, Misty sets out to answer many of those questions she’s been asked. Packed with great advice, personal stories and a whole lot of heart; this is a great book for kids of all ages even if dance or sports aren’t their thing. What really makes this book shine is that the advice within can be used in all sorts of experiences facing our kids today.

Thank you Simon Kids for the gifted copy.

[Sara Mion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book of positive and uplifting advice for young girls as Misty Copeland answers letters.

I was pleased to see such a focus on being yourself and not needing to push yourself to please others. Especially coming from a career field that really does have the tendency to push people to their breaking points for the sake of their art.

The advice really took into account that kids need to be gentle with themselves, and how to talk to others if you are struggling with that pressure.

One I am definitely excited to share with my young dancers! But would be a great read for any young teen.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Karyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great book for teens that are struggling at times with growing up. The whole book is letters kids have written to Misty asking her questions they have about life in general. Some are about friendships,social media, etc. she gives great advice. I highly recommend it if you have a boy or girl that just needs to know they aren’t “alone” and that so many kids go through the same kinds of things.

[Jenna Duhaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as part of a program that the school I work at is in, to receive ARC’s for teachers & students.

I thought this was a sweet book. Good advice for the age it’s targeted at, without being overly complicated. The organization of the topics was a bit confusing, as it seemed like they were stretched a bit to all be connected to each other. Besides that, it was a light read with some good advice.

[Kevin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can see why people might like this book, but it felt repetitive to me and glazed over Misty's life. It's a general advice Q&A format that feels like anybody could have written it. I think it would have been better to focus on less questions so Misty could have connected her answers to her life more.

[Wendy]

Overall, I think this is appropriate for middle grades. I think it tackles some common questions and feelings and insecurities kids that age will have. I loved the ballet extended metaphor and structure. However, it did feel a bit repetitive. I would've liked to get more details of Misty's stories and anecdotes she used to answer questions.

[Jessica Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Misty Copeland has penned a great book for young readers. Kids don’t typically want to ask for advice, but a lot of things they will face are addressed in this book. It’s inviting and easy to read. I honestly believe it should be in every elementary and middle school library!

[Alexis Melendez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think my expectations were off with this one. I was anticipating more memoir and less advice column. I wanted so much more of Misty's life and career and there were only little tidbits here and there. There were some parts that I really enjoyed, but I was not the target audience.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the advice, encouragement, and wisdom contained in this book. There is something in here for all ages, from youth to adults. It was a little repetitive at times, but still a good one to keep on your bookshelf for when you need a pick-me-up.

[Brittni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is considered juvenile nonfiction. I didn't notice that until I discovered the tone of the writing and the audio when I started reading and listening to it, but it still has a lot of useful life lessons that could be adopted by an adult.

[Alena De La Cruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

Good but a little repetitive at times