Award-Winning Author, Presenter, and Educator
Photo Credit:
Toni Green-Davenport/Upward Vizion
Welcome to my website!
Thank you for stopping by!
I write board books, picture books, and chapter books, as well as middle grade and young adult novels. I write whichever ideas stay long enough to become pests. I'm a prisoner of my own creative mind! Feel free to browse around, and do come back again soon. This website is a work in progress...just like me.
Hitting Shelves on 5/6/25!
Letters to misty (Aladdin)
Pre-order Now: Letters to Misty: How to Move Through Life with Confidence and Grace by Misty Copeland with Nikki Shannon Smith
New York Times bestselling author and first black female American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland offers advice for on and off the dance floor to young readers based on letters she’s received over the years from fans.
As the first African American principal female dancer at American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland has spent most of her career navigating a white-dominated industry that puts many barriers in her path. Through it all, Misty has credited the many mentors who have helped her become the dancer and person she is today.
With Misty’s profile now at peak heights, she has now found herself in a mentor role herself, often asked for advice on everything from dance-specific questions to life lessons about being the “other” in certain spaces by her fans. As Misty herself has said, “I think it’s really important to have a community around you, a support system, mentors, people that are going to be there for you on those days when you just aren’t strong enough to do it yourself.”
Given that philosophy, Misty is thrilled to bring this book of advice to life, covering everything from body confidence to balancing various commitments and how to break out of your comfort zone. Each section includes personal anecdotes from Misty about the topic that bring her perspective to life.
The book is co-written with author Nikki Shannon Smith and is due out from Aladdin, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, on May 6, 2025. In it, Copeland offers life advice to young readers based on the letters she herself has received over the years from fans.
See the COVER REVEAL on people.com!
Releasing on 2/18/25!
Read along as a young girl spends Easter Sunday with her family in this next installment of the Brown Baby Parade board book series that's perfect for ages 0-3.
Nikki Shannon Smith's bouncy, rhythmic text and Ashley Evans's vivid, welcoming illustrations pair beautifully to create heartwarming scenes of everyday life.
Releasing on 5/20/25!
Baby and Daddy are taking a walk in their neighborhood! Read along as they say hello to their friends and celebrate their community in this next installment of the Brown Baby Parade series that's perfect for ages 0-3.
Baby’s home with Daddy.
He wants to take a walk.
They have friendly neighbors,
who like to wave and talk.
NEW BOOK DEAL!
Nikki Shannon Smith and Don Tate to Create Little Golden Book About Prince, for Spring 2026
Nikki is a long-time fan and admirer of Prince as a musician, performer, and lyricist. Writing a book to remember him on the 10th year after his passing is a dream come true. She is honored to celebrate Prince in this way, and delighted for the opportunity to introduce young readers to this dynamic, trailblazing, iconic genius. She is equally thrilled that Don Tate is illustrating the book.
NOTE: 2025 is a misprint in the announcement.
