Misty Copeland takes her role as a mentor to young women seriously and shares her best advice to common questions fans have asked her. Throughout her answers, she weaves in biographical information about her rise to fame and her growth socially and emotionally. Misty discusses some of the challenges of being the first Black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theater as well as the joy of being the one to open the door for others.

This would make a good gift for a young dancer or Misty Copeland fan. I recommend this book for schools and libraries.

Loved this! I will be reading this to my kids for this summer. I’ve always loved Misty Copeland and the light and diversity she has brought to dance!

‘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.

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 for the eARC.

"Dear Misty,"


Every day, people from all over the world write to the famous ballerina Misty Copeland seeking advice about dancing, and even way beyond the dance floor. In this book Misty puts together dozens of questions that she's been asked through letters and answers them full of advice, and even thought-provoking prompts.

Letters to Misty is a book that tweens and teens of all ages will enjoy. Even those that are not super familiar with the famous ballerina will come to know her through this beautiful book she's written.

I'm giving it five stars. I really enjoyed reading this book and I now look up to Misty Copeland even more than before.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC copy of this book, and thank you to Misty for being such an inspiration.