October 15, 2020
Grades 4-7 In this biography from the Movers, Shakers & History Makers series, the inspiring life of Michaela DePrince is recounted, beginning with Michaela's traumatic experiences as a young child in war-ravaged Sierra Leone, which left her an orphan at age three. It was at the orphanage that she discovered a dance magazine, sparking her dream of becoming a ballerina. Michaela had to contend with the negative impacts of having vitiligo (an obstacle in getting adopted) and the racism attached to being a Black dancer in the very white world of ballet. The text does an admirable job of drawing attention to these challenges without losing sight of Michaela's refusal to let such things stop her. Fact boxes impart additional historical context and ballet insights to help readers better understand the significance of Michaela's achievements. An overview of her life and training in the U.S. and professional career with the Dutch National Ballet is accompanied by well-chosen stock photos of Michaela, and a time line of Trailblazing Black Ballerinas adds further value. Point(e) your Misty Copeland fans this way.Women in Focus: The 19th in 2020(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)