by Laura Obuobi
Illustrated by Olivia Duchess
4 stars
An absolutely stunning picture book biography of Michaela Mabinty DePrince.
The story follows DePrince’s life from her time at an orphanage in Sierra Leone, her adoption and moving to the US, her passion for ballet growing up, and her success as a ballerina. It also explores the discrimination DePrince faced because of her vitiligo and as a Black ballerina.
The text is lyrical and engaging. Beautiful emphasis on the empowerment of doing what you love and are passionate about no matter the obstacles.
The illustrations are breathtaking. Wonderful movement on each page.
Includes an Author’s Note at the end as well as a list of sources.
A lovely story filled with hope, persistence, determination, and grace.