Becoming a Ballerina: The Story of Michaela Mabinty DePrince
Written by Laura Obuobi
Illustrated by Olivia Duchess
Published by HarperCollins
In a Sierra Leone dust storm, ballet swooped into Michaela Mabinty DePrince’s life and never let her go. After her adoption brought her to the United States, ballet continued to be the consoling hand that guided Michaela, filling her with joy and hope. Over time, Michaela’s love for ballet only grew, and with it her dream of becoming a professional dancer.
However, there were peers who told Michaela she didn’t belong in the ballet world, that her skin and vitiligo made her too different. But ballet had stirred in Michaela a faith and determination that would help her turn her dreams into a reality.
…[A] lyrical and heartwarming picture book about one of the most influential ballerinas of our generation, inspiring all of us to never give up on our dreams.
Primary ISBN: 9780063222465
Publication Date: January 2025
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Sierra Leonean/Sierra Leonean American
Themes: Arts, Discrimination: Body/Hair, Discrimination: Racial, Family Relationship: Adoption, Family Relationship: Parents, Genre: Biography, Genre: Nonfiction, Identity: Body Image, Trauma & Healing, Trauma & Healing: Death of Family or Friend, Trauma & Healing: Illness
Setting: Sierra Leone, United States
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant
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