Laura Obuobi
BIO
LAURA OBUOBI’s debut picture book Black Gold, was a NAACP Image Nominee, and her second picture book What Love Looks Like, was an Indie Next List title. Her third picture book, Becoming a Ballerina: The Story of Michaela Mabinty DePrince was described by Kirkus as “an uplifting reminder to jeté towards your dreams. Laura received an MA in Early Childhood Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and taught for 8 years as a preschool teacher. Her time in the classroom with preschoolers set the stage for her transition into writing for children. Laura is a graduate of the Writing for Children and Young Adults program at Vermont College of Fine Arts.
BECOMING A BALLERINA: THE STORY OF MICHAELA MABINTY DePRINCE
From the acclaimed author of NAACP Image Award nominee Black Gold and What Love Looks Like, Laura Obuobi, and illustrator 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.
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.
