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A Girl Named Misty: The True Story of Misty Copeland
The A Girl Named series tells the stories of how ordinary American girls grew up to be extraordinary American women. Misty Copeland became the first African American Female Principal Dancer for the American Ballet Theatre, but how did she get there? A Girl Named Misty describes the defining moments that made up her childhood and adolescence with full-color illustrations throughout. In addition to stories and facts about Misty's upbringing and accomplishments, the book includes a timeline and a glossary, plus a profile of a noteworthy and contemporary American girl following in Misty's graceful footsteps to lead the way for African American women in the arts.
48 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2018
32 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Starling Lyons
52 books114 followersKelly Starling Lyons is an award-winning author whose 17 titles for children span easy readers, picture books, chapter books, fiction, nonfiction, and series. For more than a decade, Lyons has been creating inspiring books that center Black heroes, celebrate family, friendship and heritage and show all children the storyteller they hold inside. Her acclaimed titles include Going Down Home with Daddy, Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice & Sing Inspired Generations, Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon, Tiara's Hat Parade and the Jada Jones chapter book series. Her new easy reader series with illustrator Nina Mata, Ty's Travels, debuts September 1. The first book, All Aboard, earned a starred Kirkus review.
Lyons counts Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, Best of the Year and state award lists, Junior Library Guild selections, a Caldecott Honor and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor among the accolades her books have received. Two of her books, Hope's Gift and Going Down Home with Daddy, have represented the states of North Carolina and Georgia, respectively, at the National Book Festival's Parade of the States.
Lyons is a founding member of The Brown Bookshelf, a team dedicated to raising awareness of Black children's book creators, a Raleigh-Durham co-ambassador for The Authors Guild, and a teaching artist who visits schools, libraries, conferences and festivals nationwide. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and children where she facilitates a book club for boys that salutes literary treasures from Black authors and illustrators of today and the past. Learn more at www.kellystarlinglyons.com.
Lyons counts Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, Best of the Year and state award lists, Junior Library Guild selections, a Caldecott Honor and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor among the accolades her books have received. Two of her books, Hope's Gift and Going Down Home with Daddy, have represented the states of North Carolina and Georgia, respectively, at the National Book Festival's Parade of the States.
Lyons is a founding member of The Brown Bookshelf, a team dedicated to raising awareness of Black children's book creators, a Raleigh-Durham co-ambassador for The Authors Guild, and a teaching artist who visits schools, libraries, conferences and festivals nationwide. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and children where she facilitates a book club for boys that salutes literary treasures from Black authors and illustrators of today and the past. Learn more at www.kellystarlinglyons.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 26, 2018
I read this to a couple of students who loved it. One even told me after we finished it “that wasn’t even boring.” Which is the greatest compliment ever.
October 16, 2018
I loved it! It reminded me of when I took ballet lessons😁
May 4, 2018
First sentence: Misty Copeland loved to dance.
Premise/plot: A Girl Named Misty is an early chapter book biography of Misty Copeland, an accomplished African American ballerina. It is one of the new books in the nonfiction series by AmericanGirl. Other titles include A Girl Named Hillary and A Girl Named Rosa.
My thoughts: I enjoyed this one! I know I've said this a thousand times--and a thousand times I've meant it--but biographies have come a LONG way since I was in elementary school. I won't say I wish I'd read it as a child because that would be impossible for several reasons. One being that Misty Copeland would have still been in elementary school herself. The second being that there's still the problem of time travel! But I am so happy that nonfiction books have improved greatly in recent decades. That there are more choices than ever before in terms of subjects.
Premise/plot: A Girl Named Misty is an early chapter book biography of Misty Copeland, an accomplished African American ballerina. It is one of the new books in the nonfiction series by AmericanGirl. Other titles include A Girl Named Hillary and A Girl Named Rosa.
My thoughts: I enjoyed this one! I know I've said this a thousand times--and a thousand times I've meant it--but biographies have come a LONG way since I was in elementary school. I won't say I wish I'd read it as a child because that would be impossible for several reasons. One being that Misty Copeland would have still been in elementary school herself. The second being that there's still the problem of time travel! But I am so happy that nonfiction books have improved greatly in recent decades. That there are more choices than ever before in terms of subjects.
August 14, 2018
Great quick read. Perfect for young readers to learn about real life people and their stories. I really think these kinds of stories for girls and boys helps to encourage them and show real life examples of how working hard and dedication towards your goal will get you places. Its enough information to give younger readers a taste of who this person was and where they are today because of it.
October 11, 2018
My daughter says it's an amazing book. And because she is an African American women that as a 8 year old girl I have someone like me i can look up to.
beginning-reader
December 3, 2018A Girl Named Misty: The True Story of Misty Copeland is a great book based on an African-American girl, whose dream is to become a professional ballerina. She faces hardship throughout her journey as a little girl but is offered the chance to attend a dancing school that would help her pursue her dream while she injures herself but does not let that stop her. This book is towards more of a female audience, but a student could use it as their silent-reading, for the week(s) the genre of silent reading book is nonfiction or a biography.
June 29, 2018
I haven’t ever heard of Misty Copeland before but reading this now I have. I’m loving this series of books focusing on very inspiring women to help teach children all about them and help inspire them to go after whatever dreams they have.
It was really interesting to read about Misty’s story striving to become a principle dancer for ABT. It was a tough journey but even through separation and injuries nothing stopped her and she still went for it all achieving her dreams. I love the way the author told her story.
It was really interesting to read about Misty’s story striving to become a principle dancer for ABT. It was a tough journey but even through separation and injuries nothing stopped her and she still went for it all achieving her dreams. I love the way the author told her story.
September 25, 2018
My wife and youngest daughter picked this up at the Scholastic Book Fair at school. A very enjoyable and inspirational biography of Misty Copeland. Great read aloud for my little dancer.
October 15, 2018
Great book. Well-written. I learned a lot by reading it. The book has very nice illustrations. Kids will enjoy this one, especially girls. Highly recommended for Grades 3-5.
October 24, 2018
An American Girls biography of Misty Copeland. Written in simple language. Tells about her childhood and rise in the ballet community to become the principal dancer.
February 18, 2019
“Misty showed everyone that she deserved the spotlight.”
A Girl Named Misty: The True Story of Misty Copeland explores the life of an African American female ballet dancer. The story begins with describing Misty’s childhood. Her family, mom and five siblings, did not have a lot of money and she was constantly moving from apartment to apartment. At the age of seven, her love of dancing was inspired by the olympic gymnast, Nadia Comaneci. From then on, she continued to find her inspiration through music and bi-racial artists such as Mariah Carey, that she would dance to in her bedroom. Misty went on to become the captain of her middle school drill team and continued to step out of her comfort zone by joining the Boys and Girls club ballet team. Ballet seemed to come naturally to her and her skills continued to impress her teachers. However, overtime, dancing became her every day life, and her mother worried that she was spending too much time away from her family and friends. Despite the challenges of living in and out of her home, Misty continued to find a way to purse her dreaming of dancing for the American Ballet Theatre. Not only did she get accepted to ABT, but was the first African American woman to do so.
This biography is a great read-aloud for all elementary ages K-5. The book allows students to not only explore cultural diversity, but also determination as well. It is important for students at a young age to understand the meaning of diversity and the significant role it plays in our society. Misty Copeland defies racial inequality by becoming the first African American to be promoted to principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre. She did not let the color of her skin stop her from following her dreams; therefore, students can learn that all people, regardless of their race and ethnicity, can achieve their dreams. Misty’s determination is another key point teachers can explore with their students. There can be challenges in elementary school that students can face and it makes a difference for them to understand the meaning of determination. Students begin finding role models at a very young age. A read-aloud that promotes these core values, like Misty’s Copeland’s biography, can help students find someone they can look up to.
A Girl Named Misty: The True Story of Misty Copeland explores the life of an African American female ballet dancer. The story begins with describing Misty’s childhood. Her family, mom and five siblings, did not have a lot of money and she was constantly moving from apartment to apartment. At the age of seven, her love of dancing was inspired by the olympic gymnast, Nadia Comaneci. From then on, she continued to find her inspiration through music and bi-racial artists such as Mariah Carey, that she would dance to in her bedroom. Misty went on to become the captain of her middle school drill team and continued to step out of her comfort zone by joining the Boys and Girls club ballet team. Ballet seemed to come naturally to her and her skills continued to impress her teachers. However, overtime, dancing became her every day life, and her mother worried that she was spending too much time away from her family and friends. Despite the challenges of living in and out of her home, Misty continued to find a way to purse her dreaming of dancing for the American Ballet Theatre. Not only did she get accepted to ABT, but was the first African American woman to do so.
This biography is a great read-aloud for all elementary ages K-5. The book allows students to not only explore cultural diversity, but also determination as well. It is important for students at a young age to understand the meaning of diversity and the significant role it plays in our society. Misty Copeland defies racial inequality by becoming the first African American to be promoted to principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre. She did not let the color of her skin stop her from following her dreams; therefore, students can learn that all people, regardless of their race and ethnicity, can achieve their dreams. Misty’s determination is another key point teachers can explore with their students. There can be challenges in elementary school that students can face and it makes a difference for them to understand the meaning of determination. Students begin finding role models at a very young age. A read-aloud that promotes these core values, like Misty’s Copeland’s biography, can help students find someone they can look up to.
May 14, 2025
Another well-illustrated, accessible biography, this time of a modern-day icon. I definitely remember hearing about Misty Copeland when she became a principal ballerina for ABT. I've never been a ballet person (performing or watching), but I could still understand the significance of that role and importance of it going to someone like Misty. I don't remember if I ever knew much about her background and start in the world of ballet, so I'm glad this book gave me some insight into it. Like with the Rosa Parks book, this absolutely made me wanna learn more about Misty, particularly in regards to her childhood - the book says she was a shy kid, but I kinda pick up on some anxiety sufferer vibes. Perhaps she's a fellow anxious girl like myself? I believe she's since written a memoir, so I'll have to check it out sometime. (It might already be on my TBR, actually. I feel like I might have added it some time ago; I'll have to double-check.)
Kinda wish AG kept this series of early biographies going a little longer. To my knowledge, I think they only ever published three books - the Rosa Parks one, this, and one about Hillary Clinton, which I unfortunately couldn't find in my library consortium's catalog. It's important for young girls to learn about real women who made history, and there are plenty of other figures AG could have published biographies on. Hopefully they find a way to revive this series in the future.
Kinda wish AG kept this series of early biographies going a little longer. To my knowledge, I think they only ever published three books - the Rosa Parks one, this, and one about Hillary Clinton, which I unfortunately couldn't find in my library consortium's catalog. It's important for young girls to learn about real women who made history, and there are plenty of other figures AG could have published biographies on. Hopefully they find a way to revive this series in the future.
February 19, 2022
3.5
This was an enjoyable read, following Misty Copeland's life from childhood to now, but I felt that in some ways it did a disservice to its readers.
1. It stated that Misty was discriminated against for being Black but in no way showed this (though they showed about her not being the 'perfect shape').
2. They didn't mention that she didn't meet her dad for the majority of her childhood and all her teenage years and I really cannot see why. AG usually isn't fearful about darker topics, and I think that a lot of girls who have no or little topics with their fathers could see this and be encouraged.
Other than that it was fine and I liked the illustrations, especially two of the dance ones where there was real movement.
This was an enjoyable read, following Misty Copeland's life from childhood to now, but I felt that in some ways it did a disservice to its readers.
1. It stated that Misty was discriminated against for being Black but in no way showed this (though they showed about her not being the 'perfect shape').
2. They didn't mention that she didn't meet her dad for the majority of her childhood and all her teenage years and I really cannot see why. AG usually isn't fearful about darker topics, and I think that a lot of girls who have no or little topics with their fathers could see this and be encouraged.
Other than that it was fine and I liked the illustrations, especially two of the dance ones where there was real movement.
August 6, 2020
This is a very good stater biography book about Misty Copeland. It's more of a highlight reel that covers memorable moments in Misty's life and her rise to fame as the first African American principal dancer in the history of the American Ballet Theater. This book has great illustrations and is written in a way young readers can easily understand. there is a glossary of terms in the book as well.
May 30, 2019
"It hurt Misty to know that some people didn't think women with brown skin and curves should be ballerinas. Over time, other African Americans in the world of ballet helped Misty see that she belonged. She was not just dancing for herself anymore. She was dancing for every African American ballerina who never had a chance to rise to the top" (35). A good biography of an inspirational dancer.
March 1, 2020
Considering the age and AG's overall message to girls, this is a well done book. The story is short, but gives a good background of the subject. Hell, I even ended up researching three things while reading this. I knew nothing about Misty before reading, now I have a good idea and will be looking more up about her.
October 13, 2021
This is a good introduction to ballerina Misty Copeland's life. You get an overview of what her childhood was like, and some of her struggles as she became the ballerina she is today. I read this one after reading the biography from the "You Should Meet" series, and I liked that one a little more, but I think that one was aimed at a slightly older audience.
January 22, 2021
Always wanted to see a ballet performance. I don’t think I ever saw Misty perform, but this was a child friendly biography of her life. After having just googled her life story, it’s interesting the legal drama that obviously couldn’t be included.
April 29, 2024
I thought this book was a really cute children’s book to understand what professional ballerinas went through to get to where they are currently without stressing them too much about it. Cute overall!
January 12, 2019
An educational bok about Misty Copeland. well written, with good illustrations!
April 3, 2019
A solid biography.
November 10, 2019
Wow! so wonderful
December 2, 2019
This is the second book I've read about Misty Copeland lately. This one particularly focuses on her hard work and sacrifices.
April 2, 2020
I liked this biography about Misty Copeland. She had a very interesting life.
September 25, 2020
Beautifully gentle way to tell this story. It has most of the essential elements of Misty’s story and is accompanied by GORGEOUS illustrations.
December 22, 2020
I loved it especially because she is just like me
June 20, 2023
Misty has always inspired me, and when I was younger when I read this I was awed!
April 12, 2024
I loved this book growing up.
November 27, 2019
“A Girl Named Misty,” With all the odds of life against Misty, she was able to overcome them to become the first African American Principal Dancer for the American Ballet Theater because someone believed in her. A great book to have in a classroom library.y.
July 20, 2018
Pretty interesting, but it's for younger kids.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews