This biography of the American Ballet Theatre's first African American principal ballerina doesn't pull any punches. Readers learn about Misty Copeland's childhood, her parents' divorce, her mom's financial struggles (living in a motel, no money for dance classes), and a nasty custody battle between Misty's mom and a ballet teacher who gave Misty a scholarship and a place to live. Readers also learn about prejudice in the world of ballet. Many young girls start ballet lessons as toddlers; because of her family's poverty, Misty didn't begin until she was in middle school, in free classes offered by a Boys and Girls Club. Ballerinas are supposed to be willowy, tall, and dainty; Misty was tall, but also muscular and curvy. And she was Black. Even though audiences weren't used to seeing ballerinas of color, Misty's hard work, determination, and awesome talent landed her solos, stardom, a music video with Prince, her own Barbie Doll, and an appointment to Barack Obama's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. This honest account will inspire and encourage young dancers.