Life in Motion
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina is the autobiography of Misty Copeland, co-authored with Charisse Jones, and was published on March 4, 2014, by Aladdin. This narrative details Copeland's journey to becoming the sole African-American soloist at the American Ballet Theatre, highlighting her triumph over economic hardship and industry challenges.
A version tailored for younger readers was made available on December 6, 2016.
The book achieved status as a New York Times bestseller.
First edition
Amber Peckham, writing for Booklist, commended Copeland’s "intelligent, fair, and warm voice," emphasizing her honest discussion of the physical conformity pressures in ballet without casting blame. Peckham regarded the memoir as an uplifting account of overcoming adversity that resonates with a wide range of readers.
In its review, Publishers Weekly described the prose as "graceful," highlighting Copeland’s optimistic outlook and her pioneering role in dismantling racial barriers, serving as motivation for those pursuing success in competitive arenas.
Kirkus Reviews characterized the book as "interesting but self-congratulatory," appreciating Copeland’s determination while noting instances where her confidence appeared close to arrogance.
The Washington Post also evaluated the memoir, pointing out its relevance to business by illustrating how challenges were surmounted within a traditionally white-dominated art form.
Young readers edition
The young readers version received praise from Kirkus Reviews, which found it engaging and encouraging for anyone looking for inspiration.
Booklist similarly offered a positive assessment of this adaptation.
Awards and honors
Life in Motion earned recognition as a New York Times bestseller. In 2014, it was selected by Booklist as one of the "Top 10 Arts Books" of the year and was later included in their 2015 "Top 10 Multicultural Nonfiction" list. Additionally, in 2017, the Young Adult Library Services Association honored it as a top ten choice for their Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults collection.