Bunheads, Act 2

The Dance of Courage

Author Misty Copeland On Tour
Illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbey On Tour
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$18.99 US
Penguin Young Readers | Nancy Paulsen Books
24 per carton
On sale Sep 16, 2025 | 9780399547683
Age 5-8 years
Reading Level: Lexile 650L | Fountas & Pinnell R
Sales rights: World

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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.
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Praise for Bunheads, Act 2:

“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

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.)

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.

Photos

additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo

Praise

Praise for Bunheads, Act 2:

“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

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.)