Becoming A Ballerina: The Story Of Michaela Mabinty DePrince
(Hardback)
Publishing Details
Becoming A Ballerina: The Story Of Michaela Mabinty DePrince
By (Author) Laura Obuobi
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
HarperCollins
1st June 2025
United States
Classifications
Children
Non Fiction
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Dance, ballet
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Biography and autobiography
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Drama and performing arts
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Girls and women
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: Self-awareness and self-esteem
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: Families and family members
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: Diversity, equality and inclusio
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: Multicultural
B
Physical Properties
Hardback
40
Description
From Laura Obuobi, acclaimed author ofNAACP Image Award nominee Black Gold and What Love Looks Like, comes a triumphant nonfiction picture book about ballet star Michaela Mabinty DePrince, one of the most celebrated ballerinas of our generation. This lyrical true tale follows her childhood, from Sierra Leone orphan to world famous dancer.
In a Sierra Leone dust storm, ballet swooped into Michaela Mabinty DePrinces 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, Michaelas love for ballet only grew, and with it her dream of becoming a professional dancer.
However, there were peers who told Michaela she didnt 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.
From the acclaimed author of NAACP Image Award nominee Black Gold and What Love Looks Like, Laura Obuobi, and artist Olivia Duchess comes 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.
Author Bio
Laura Obuobi (Oh-bow-be) is the award-winning author of Black Gold, an NAACP Image Award nominee and Bank Street Best Book, and What Love Looks Like, illustrated by Anna Cunha. Born and raised in Accra, Ghana, Laura was a preschool teacher for eight years before switching careers into the publishing industry. Her time with preschoolers and picture books set the stage for her transition into writing for children. She is a graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University, and the writing for children and young adults program at Vermont College of Fine Arts. Besides creative writing, Laura also finds joy in drawing, collaging, and painting. Visit her at lauraobuobi.com.
