Charlotte and the Nutcracker: The True Story of a Girl Who Made Ballet History Hardcover – Picture Book, December 21, 2021 by Charlotte Nebres

Description

Author: Nebres Charlotte

Color: Multicolor

Format: Picture Book

Package Dimensions: 0x267x567

Number Of Pages: 40

Release Date: 21-12-2021

Details: Product Description

A reimagined and modern take on the holiday favorite, this picture book weaves together the classic Christmas tale of The Nutcracker and the true-life story of 12-year-old ballerina Charlotte Nebres, the first Black girl to play Marie in the New York City Ballet’s production.

The only thing Charlotte loves as much as ballet is Christmas. So, when she gets the opportunity to play Marie in the New York City Ballet’s
The Nutcracker, she leaps at the chance.

Dancing takes practice-hours of adjusting her arms and perfecting her jumps. With the help of her Trinidadian and Filipino families, encouragement from her sister, and a view of her mom and dad in the audience, Charlotte finds the strength to never give up.

In this spectacular debut full of fluid, dynamic illustrations, Charlotte provides youngsters with a multicultural tale of family, dance, and holiday cheer.

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-A true story about the first Black dancer to be cast as Marie in the New York City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. The author, was 11 when she made history in 2019 for her role. In this compelling narrative, Charlotte Nebres starts taking ballet classes when she is two. Years later, she sees a ballerina’s performance that changes her life. “Charlotte perches on her velvety chair. There’s the ballerina everyone is talking about! Her brown skin glows bright in the stage lamps. The ballerina looks like family.” Nebres, who is of Trinidadian and Filipino descent, imagines herself up on stage. With hard work and the support of her family, she reaches her dream. The girl is excited when she lands the role, but surprised, too. “They say it’s the first time the New York City Ballet will have a Black girl playing Marie. Huh, she thinks, that seems a little late.” This story has broad appeal and celebrates the author’s diverse heritage. For example, one page shows and describes the dancer and her grandma making a Christmas Eve treat with banana leaves, dough, and spicy meat. Illustrations do well in capturing the mood of this title. At the end, Nebres addresses readers: “Do you incorporate your heritage in your traditions? However you celebrate, I am wishing you a very happy holiday!” VERDICT This true inspirational story is a must-have for library collections. Highly recommended for all.-Robin Sofge, Prince William P.L. Syst., VA α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

About the Author

Charlotte Nebres is a twelve-year-old pre-professional ballet dancer. Charlotte was the first Black dancer to be cast as Marie–the young heroine of “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker”–in New York City Ballet’s show. Her history-making performance during the 2019 holiday season was covered by The New York Times, CBS News, Essence, GMA, and more. Charlotte is currently a student at the School of American Ballet. Charlotte lives in New Jersey with her parents, brother, and sister. Find her on Instagram at @charlottenebres.

Alea Marley is a children’s illustrator living and working in England. Her books include
Everybody’s Somewhere by Cornelia Spelman,
Loretta’s Gift by Pat Zietlow Miller
, The Many Colours Of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar, and
A Day So Gray by Marie Lamba. Find Alea online at aleamarley.co.uk, and on Instagram at @aleamarley.com.