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Bunheads, Act 2

The Dance of Courage

Author Misty Copeland
Illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbey
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Ebook (EPUB FXL CPB)
Penguin Young Readers | Nancy Paulsen Books
On sale Sep 16, 2025 | 32 Pages | 9780399547690
Age 5-8 years | Grades K-3
Reading Level: Lexile 650L | Fountas & Pinnell R
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The Instant New York Times Bestselling Bunheads by Misty Copeland gets a second act.

Misty and her bunhead crew are back! And this time, they’re excited to learn the ballet Don Quixote—a wondrous tale about a brave knight searching for his Dulcinea, his one true love.

Misty’s best friend, Cat, loves this ballet most of all. She thinks Don Quixote’s quest to find love is romantic, but she also knows the story’s real hero is Kitri, the daughter of an innkeeper, who boldly defies her father to marry for love instead of money.

The class is spellbound as Cat tells them the story, and their teacher agrees Don Quixote is the perfect next ballet for their class to perform.

The bunheads get right to work learning the ballet. Misty hopes to land the role of Cupid, and she knows the role of the strong-willed Kitri could only be played by Cat. But when Cat is injured and unable to perform, she weathers her disappointment with courage and a dose of girl power that would make Kitri proud.

Bunheads, Act 2: The Dance of Courage is an inspiring tale for anyone who’s ever suffered a setback or had a dream deferred.

Setor Fiadzigbey returns to bring Misty Copeland’s bunhead crew to vibrant life with illustrations that will enthrall.
Praise for Bunheads, Act 2:

“In the second book of her “Bunheads” series, Bunheads, Act 2: The Dance of Courage, Copeland explores supportive friendships and kindness…The girls learn how courageous it is to be a supportive friend while watching someone else live their dream, even when you can’t… The lesson is beautifully depicted in the 30-page journey illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbey, who perfectly draws ballet poses, including pointe dancing.—Parents.com
“The prima ballerina’s new children’s book is a delightful read that teaches youngsters the importance of determination, compassion and friendship through dance”—Essence.com

“With her new children’s book, Bunheads Act 2: The Dance of Courage, the groundbreaking ballerina isn’t just telling stories about pliés and pirouettes. She’s spotlighting the friendships, communities, and cultures that make those stories matter.”—TheGriot.com

“It’s time for Misty’s class to learn a new ballet, and her friend Cat has her heart set on Don Quixote…Tragedy strikes when Cat and another dancer collide, resulting in a sprained ankle for Cat, their Dulcinea. Copeland shows a less-glamorous reality of dance training in her sequel to Bunheads (2020)…A supportive atmosphere permeates the proceedings, during which the dancers and their teacher lift one another up and offer help whenever needed. The illustrations, once again, are full of rich colors and movement, not to mention interesting uses of light and perspective. Another lovely portrait of life in the ballet studio and on stage.”—Booklist
Misty Copeland came to ballet late at the age of thirteen, and went on to make history by becoming a soloist at American Ballet Theater only a few short years later. She is only the second African American soloist in ABT’s history and the first in more than two decades. Performing in a variety of classical and contemporary ballets, Misty’s most important part to date is the title role in The Firebird. Misty’s passion is giving back, especially by mentoring children. She has worked with many charitable organizations and has been honored with an induction into the Boys & Girls Club National Hall of Fame. She is also the author of Life in Motion, her memoir. Firebird is her first children’s book. View titles by Misty Copeland
Setor Fiadzigbey View titles by Setor Fiadzigbey

Classroom Activities for Bunheads, Act 2

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

Read More

About

The Instant New York Times Bestselling Bunheads by Misty Copeland gets a second act.

Misty and her bunhead crew are back! And this time, they’re excited to learn the ballet Don Quixote—a wondrous tale about a brave knight searching for his Dulcinea, his one true love.

Misty’s best friend, Cat, loves this ballet most of all. She thinks Don Quixote’s quest to find love is romantic, but she also knows the story’s real hero is Kitri, the daughter of an innkeeper, who boldly defies her father to marry for love instead of money.

The class is spellbound as Cat tells them the story, and their teacher agrees Don Quixote is the perfect next ballet for their class to perform.

The bunheads get right to work learning the ballet. Misty hopes to land the role of Cupid, and she knows the role of the strong-willed Kitri could only be played by Cat. But when Cat is injured and unable to perform, she weathers her disappointment with courage and a dose of girl power that would make Kitri proud.

Bunheads, Act 2: The Dance of Courage is an inspiring tale for anyone who’s ever suffered a setback or had a dream deferred.

Setor Fiadzigbey returns to bring Misty Copeland’s bunhead crew to vibrant life with illustrations that will enthrall.

Reviews

Praise for Bunheads, Act 2:

“In the second book of her “Bunheads” series, Bunheads, Act 2: The Dance of Courage, Copeland explores supportive friendships and kindness…The girls learn how courageous it is to be a supportive friend while watching someone else live their dream, even when you can’t… The lesson is beautifully depicted in the 30-page journey illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbey, who perfectly draws ballet poses, including pointe dancing.—Parents.com
“The prima ballerina’s new children’s book is a delightful read that teaches youngsters the importance of determination, compassion and friendship through dance”—Essence.com

“With her new children’s book, Bunheads Act 2: The Dance of Courage, the groundbreaking ballerina isn’t just telling stories about pliés and pirouettes. She’s spotlighting the friendships, communities, and cultures that make those stories matter.”—TheGriot.com

“It’s time for Misty’s class to learn a new ballet, and her friend Cat has her heart set on Don Quixote…Tragedy strikes when Cat and another dancer collide, resulting in a sprained ankle for Cat, their Dulcinea. Copeland shows a less-glamorous reality of dance training in her sequel to Bunheads (2020)…A supportive atmosphere permeates the proceedings, during which the dancers and their teacher lift one another up and offer help whenever needed. The illustrations, once again, are full of rich colors and movement, not to mention interesting uses of light and perspective. Another lovely portrait of life in the ballet studio and on stage.”—Booklist

Author

Misty Copeland came to ballet late at the age of thirteen, and went on to make history by becoming a soloist at American Ballet Theater only a few short years later. She is only the second African American soloist in ABT’s history and the first in more than two decades. Performing in a variety of classical and contemporary ballets, Misty’s most important part to date is the title role in The Firebird. Misty’s passion is giving back, especially by mentoring children. She has worked with many charitable organizations and has been honored with an induction into the Boys & Girls Club National Hall of Fame. She is also the author of Life in Motion, her memoir. Firebird is her first children’s book. View titles by Misty Copeland
Setor Fiadzigbey View titles by Setor Fiadzigbey

Guides

Classroom Activities for Bunheads, Act 2

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

Read More

Additional formats

Other Books by this Author

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