The True Story of a Girl Who Made Ballet History
September 13, 2021
In this rhythmic narrative, Charlotte Nebres, the first Black dancer cast as Marie in the New York City Ballet’s production of Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, recounts her history learning ballet, her time auditioning for and then performing in The Nutcracker in 2019, and her family’s Christmas traditions. Writing from the third-person perspective, Nebres employs accessible prose that emphasizes the physical repetition necessary in ballet: “Charlotte travels straight into/ the wide-open joy of Christmas./ Toe, ball, heel./ Toe, ball, heel./ Toe, ball, heel.” Marley contributes warm, fine-lined digital spreads, filled with light and rendered in a seasonal palette of muted jewel tones. Though Nebres’s family traditions are portrayed without context, only quietly hinting at her Trinidadian and Filipinx roots, themes of persistence and representation as inspiration should open relevant conversations with young readers. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8.
Starred review from November 1, 2021
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
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
November 1, 2021
Cast in the New York City Ballet's Nutcracker, young Charlotte (the first Black Marie in the company's history) shares the holiday spirit with audiences for the entire season, then enjoys Christmas with her family: making Trinidadian pastelles, searching for the pickle ornament on the tree, and smashing a peppermint pig. Author Nebres, who danced Marie in 2019 when she was just eleven, writes a spare but sensory-rich narrative that emphasizes inclusion, representation, and the amount of work it took to realize her dream. Marley's inviting cartoon illustrations in soft pastel colors play with light and create a cozy holiday atmosphere. Anita L. Burkam
(Copyright 2021 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
Starred review from September 1, 2021
In this true story by a young ballerina of color, Charlotte's magical Christmas season is prolonged when she performs in The Nutcracker. Charlotte Nebres loves ballet, both dancing in class and going to the theater to watch the ballet. One night, she sees a brown-skinned ballerina on stage, and this helps her imagine herself on stage too. In class, she practices and practices, hoping to be picked to perform with the New York City Ballet someday. She gets better and better, until finally she is called to audition. She is cast as Marie, "the hero of the story!" She is surprised to learn that she will be the first Black girl to play this role with the New York City Ballet, but she hopes other children who see her perform will feel as she did: "Welcomed. Beautiful. Ready to dance!" Readers watch as Charlotte prepares, debuts, and performs her role, then celebrates Christmas with family traditions from her family's dual Trinidadian and Filipinx heritage. Charlotte feels the magic of the season on stage and at home. The illustrations use a variety of perspectives to portray Charlotte's journey as observer, performer, sister, and daughter. The emphasis on her persistent practice makes her success especially gratifying. This satisfying story of inspiration, dedication, perseverance, and progress will have readers yearning to see the ballet and get into the holiday spirit. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Lovely. (author's note) (Picture book/memoir. 4-8)
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July 1, 2021
Cast in the New York City Ballet's Nutcracker, young Charlotte (the first Black Marie in the company's history) shares the holiday spirit with audiences for the entire season, then enjoys Christmas with her family: making Trinidadian pastelles, searching for the pickle ornament on the tree, and smashing a peppermint pig. Author Nebres, who danced Marie in 2019 when she was just eleven, writes a spare but sensory-rich narrative that emphasizes inclusion, representation, and the amount of work it took to realize her dream. Marley's inviting cartoon illustrations in soft pastel colors play with light and create a cozy holiday atmosphere.
(Copyright 2021 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)