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

Gr 4-7–In a hybrid biography/self-help book for kids, ballet star Copeland shares tidbits from her life with readers and encourages them to persevere in the face of adversity. The book is divided into five sections, each cleverly named for a ballet step that translates loosely into an element of self-reflection (e.g., “Relevé”—rise above challenges). Each chapter begins with a letter to readers, followed by sections covering a variety of topics ranging from hobbies to friendship, cyberbullying to body positivity. Interspersed among these sections are “letters to Misty.” It is unclear whether these are real letters from children seeking advice, or a literary tool for dispensing it. Most of the time Copeland brings her advice back to her own life experiences, often sharing the same reflections, and that gets repetitive. Her tone remains upbeat and supportive, encouraging readers to be true and kind to themselves, seek help when needed, and build a community of peers and mentors. The last chapter (“Assemblé”—put it all together) suggests putting her advice into action, and this is where the book hits a high point. Misty presents daily routines, song playlists, and “Pas de deux prompts” for readers to carry out in their own lives. While the rest of the book reads like Misty’s self-reflection, this section encourages readers to take the next steps to dreaming big and achieving their goals.