A01=Misty Copeland
ambition
ancient battle
apprenticeship
audition
Author_Misty Copeland
Black BIPOC African American dancers
Category=YFHD
Category=YFHG
Category=YFMF
Category=YNDB
creativity
eq_bestseller
eq_childrens
eq_isMigrated=1
eq_isMigrated=2
eq_nobargain
eq_teenage-young-adult
fantasy
Firebird ballet
forthcoming
friendship
inspiration
magical destiny
muse
new experiences
nurturing entity
overcoming fears anxiety
performing arts school
protective spirit
recital
retellings
self-confidence
solo role
talent
Product details
- ISBN 9781534475410
- Dimensions: 140 x 210mm
- Publication Date: 24 Sep 2026
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster
- Publication City/Country: US
- Product Form: Hardback
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From New York Times bestselling author and former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland comes the first book in a middle grade series about a girl who must balance her ballet aspirations with her magical destiny.
Twelve-year-old Josie can’t wait to start classes at the prestigious Star Fire Academy for the Performing Arts. She has been dancing ballet since she was three years old and hopes she can live up to the expectations of the school—and make her parents proud.
When she arrives at the academy, it only takes one class for Josie to know she’s going to have to perform like never before to keep up with her talented fellow students, especially if she wants a shot at the coveted solo in the upcoming fall recital. As Josie digs deep for the confidence and inspiration required for the role, she grows closer to her ballet teacher, Miss Fiona, who tells Josie she’s destined for something far greater than a solo.
According to Miss Fiona, centuries ago an evil sorcerer attempted to turn himself into the most amazing dancer in the world. Instead, his spell went wrong, transforming him into a monstrous being full of rage and envy—but also creating a beautiful dance spirit full of goodness: the Firebird.
Ever since, the two timeless entities have been fighting for the souls of young artists. In every generation, the Firebird is embodied by a new hero, and Josie is next in line. Suddenly, Josie is faced with two roles of a lifetime. Can she rise to the occasion?
Twelve-year-old Josie can’t wait to start classes at the prestigious Star Fire Academy for the Performing Arts. She has been dancing ballet since she was three years old and hopes she can live up to the expectations of the school—and make her parents proud.
When she arrives at the academy, it only takes one class for Josie to know she’s going to have to perform like never before to keep up with her talented fellow students, especially if she wants a shot at the coveted solo in the upcoming fall recital. As Josie digs deep for the confidence and inspiration required for the role, she grows closer to her ballet teacher, Miss Fiona, who tells Josie she’s destined for something far greater than a solo.
According to Miss Fiona, centuries ago an evil sorcerer attempted to turn himself into the most amazing dancer in the world. Instead, his spell went wrong, transforming him into a monstrous being full of rage and envy—but also creating a beautiful dance spirit full of goodness: the Firebird.
Ever since, the two timeless entities have been fighting for the souls of young artists. In every generation, the Firebird is embodied by a new hero, and Josie is next in line. Suddenly, Josie is faced with two roles of a lifetime. Can she rise to the occasion?
Misty Copeland made history by becoming the first African American female principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre. She is the author of Ballerina Body, The Wind at My Back, and the bestselling Life in Motion as well as the children’s books Firebird Waltz, Bunheads and its sequel, Black Ballerinas, and Letters to Misty. Misty is the recipient of the Leonore Annenberg Fellowship in the Arts and an inductee into the Boys and Girls Club Alumni Hall of Fame. In 2015, she was named to Time magazine’s 100 list and was one of Glamour magazine’s “Women of the Year.” She lives in New York City. Visit her online at MistyCopeland.com.
