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Charlotte the Ballerina: The True Story of a Girl Who Made Nutcracker History
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.
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.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2021
5 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 16, 2022
Lovely picture book written by the girl who was the first Black dancer cast as Marie in the Nutcracker by the New York City Ballet. Would be great to read to your kids at Christmas.
December 18, 2021
First sentence: It isn't quite Christmas--not yet. But Charlotte gets the best gift she can imagine: her first ballet class.
Premise/plot: Charlotte and the Nutcracker is a new picture book based on the true story of Charlotte Nebres, the first Black girl to play the role of Marie in New York City's production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. The book focuses on the many, many years of hard work and dedicated practice that went into her being chosen to play Marie.
The book provides with a (small) behind-the-scenes glimpse of the production of The Nutcracker. If you are looking for a book that retells the story of the ballet, this is not that book. This book doesn't focus so much on the plot of the story of The Nutcracker as it seeks to capture what it is like for a young dancer to be a part of this 'magical' stage production--the stuff of dreams.
My thoughts: I love, love, love The Nutcracker. To be honest George Balanchine's The Nutcracker is not my favorite Nutcracker. I really enjoyed watching Charlotte's story [among others] in the documentary series On Pointe. (The picture book did not provide a better behind the scenes glimpse than the series. But there are plenty of people who have not seen and will not get a chance to see On Pointe.) I liked this picture book.
Premise/plot: Charlotte and the Nutcracker is a new picture book based on the true story of Charlotte Nebres, the first Black girl to play the role of Marie in New York City's production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. The book focuses on the many, many years of hard work and dedicated practice that went into her being chosen to play Marie.
The book provides with a (small) behind-the-scenes glimpse of the production of The Nutcracker. If you are looking for a book that retells the story of the ballet, this is not that book. This book doesn't focus so much on the plot of the story of The Nutcracker as it seeks to capture what it is like for a young dancer to be a part of this 'magical' stage production--the stuff of dreams.
My thoughts: I love, love, love The Nutcracker. To be honest George Balanchine's The Nutcracker is not my favorite Nutcracker. I really enjoyed watching Charlotte's story [among others] in the documentary series On Pointe. (The picture book did not provide a better behind the scenes glimpse than the series. But there are plenty of people who have not seen and will not get a chance to see On Pointe.) I liked this picture book.
December 1, 2022
This is a beautiful little book about Charlotte Nebres, the first Black ballerina to play Marie in NYC Ballet’s The Nutcracker. She was eleven years old at the time.
The book is not only about Charlotte and her part in The Nutcracker but also her family’s Christmas traditions. Her mother is from Trinidad and her father from the Philippines. I thought adding how they celebrate Christmas together was a lovely inclusion.
It was the perfect book to start off the holiday season.
The book is not only about Charlotte and her part in The Nutcracker but also her family’s Christmas traditions. Her mother is from Trinidad and her father from the Philippines. I thought adding how they celebrate Christmas together was a lovely inclusion.
It was the perfect book to start off the holiday season.
January 6, 2022
Written by Charlotte Nebres, who was the first African American ballerina to dance as Marie in the Nutcracker with the New York City Ballet. The year was 2019, and as Charlotte says, "that seems a little late." Sweet story for Nutcracker fans of all ages.
September 29, 2022
I was confused. The book was half about being in the Nutcracker. The second half was about the Christmas traditions. This book desperately needed to pick a lane.
The illustrations were lovely but it wasn't enough to redeem.
The illustrations were lovely but it wasn't enough to redeem.
December 27, 2021
This was really cute and informative. I had no idea about Charlotte Nebres.
December 28, 2021
I feel like the book derailed in the middle from the story of Charlotte dancing in the Nutcracker to the story of Charlotte's Christmas and the traditions around it. The illustrations were great but the text was just okay and the derailing in the middle to a whole other plot really confused me.
August 25, 2022
The story of the first black Marie (Clara) at the NYC Ballet Nutcracker.
Cover picture is misleading as it shows her on pointe.
It starts with her getting ballet lessons for Christmas and then finishes with Christmas after the Nutcracker run.
Cover picture is misleading as it shows her on pointe.
It starts with her getting ballet lessons for Christmas and then finishes with Christmas after the Nutcracker run.
January 8, 2022
See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsno...
CHARLOTTE AND THE NUTCRACKER is a beautifully illustrated story about the first Black ballerina to dance as Marie in the NYC Ballet production of The Nutcracker. The book begins with her first ballet class, where she learns and masters the steps. Then, she goes to see a ballet live, where the dancers on the stage inspire her to work harder. Some children from her ballet school will be chosen for The Nutcracker, and Charlotte tries out. She is thrilled to get the part, and she feels like Christmas will be extended. She performs, and the book then touches upon her family's holiday traditions.
What I loved: The illustrations here are really lovely, capturing all the beauty and magic of ballet, and then of her family and their holiday traditions. The importance of representation and seeing yourself on the stage really comes through - as well as the need for increased diversity in ballet. This is a sweet story about reaching for your dreams and achieving something great.
What left me wanting more: The story did not have the cohesiveness I was looking for when reading, and it felt like it jumped around instead of flowed smoothly from one thing to next. I would have liked a more in-depth story, tying in more of her family and their traditions throughout. I also feel like some of the preparation and so on for the show was missed in the book. Some of the traditions at the end were unfamiliar, and it would have been great to get more explanation about what is happening and the special ways that they celebrate Christmas.
Final verdict: Based on the true story of a special young ballerina, CHARLOTTE AND THE NUTCRACKER is a beautifully illustrated picture book about reaching for your dreams and the magic of ballet and the holiday season.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
CHARLOTTE AND THE NUTCRACKER is a beautifully illustrated story about the first Black ballerina to dance as Marie in the NYC Ballet production of The Nutcracker. The book begins with her first ballet class, where she learns and masters the steps. Then, she goes to see a ballet live, where the dancers on the stage inspire her to work harder. Some children from her ballet school will be chosen for The Nutcracker, and Charlotte tries out. She is thrilled to get the part, and she feels like Christmas will be extended. She performs, and the book then touches upon her family's holiday traditions.
What I loved: The illustrations here are really lovely, capturing all the beauty and magic of ballet, and then of her family and their holiday traditions. The importance of representation and seeing yourself on the stage really comes through - as well as the need for increased diversity in ballet. This is a sweet story about reaching for your dreams and achieving something great.
What left me wanting more: The story did not have the cohesiveness I was looking for when reading, and it felt like it jumped around instead of flowed smoothly from one thing to next. I would have liked a more in-depth story, tying in more of her family and their traditions throughout. I also feel like some of the preparation and so on for the show was missed in the book. Some of the traditions at the end were unfamiliar, and it would have been great to get more explanation about what is happening and the special ways that they celebrate Christmas.
Final verdict: Based on the true story of a special young ballerina, CHARLOTTE AND THE NUTCRACKER is a beautifully illustrated picture book about reaching for your dreams and the magic of ballet and the holiday season.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
February 18, 2022
2.5 stars, rounded up for the true story element.
This picture book shares about the author's experience dancing as Marie in a New York City Ballet production of The Nutcracker. The illustrations are nice, but the story and text are subpar, especially since the author merely reports events instead of telling a story. There is no external or internal conflict driving the narrative, and the lack of a plot makes the book vastly less interesting. The book describes her interest in dance, her audition, her hard work, the performance, and her Christmas traditions at home with her family, but never gels together as a story.
This will appeal to children and adults who love ballet or diverse books, but I found it disappointing and will not read it again. I also wish that the author's note had included an explanation about the character of Marie / Clara and how she is presented differently in different versions of the Nutcracker. This lack of explanation will be distracting for parents and kids who are confused about the name difference and don't have context for it.
This picture book shares about the author's experience dancing as Marie in a New York City Ballet production of The Nutcracker. The illustrations are nice, but the story and text are subpar, especially since the author merely reports events instead of telling a story. There is no external or internal conflict driving the narrative, and the lack of a plot makes the book vastly less interesting. The book describes her interest in dance, her audition, her hard work, the performance, and her Christmas traditions at home with her family, but never gels together as a story.
This will appeal to children and adults who love ballet or diverse books, but I found it disappointing and will not read it again. I also wish that the author's note had included an explanation about the character of Marie / Clara and how she is presented differently in different versions of the Nutcracker. This lack of explanation will be distracting for parents and kids who are confused about the name difference and don't have context for it.
January 15, 2022
Charlotte Nebres writes her story of how she became the first Black person to play Marie in the Nutcracker.
There are so many spots in this book that will be confusing to preschool age kiddos, who, I assume, are the intended audience of this title. For example, when Charlotte begins ballet classes and the other children say "Hello, Shiny!", there is no explanation of why they call her Shiny. Next when Charlotte receives the news that she earned the coveted spot of Marie and the "they" say it's the first time a black girl will play the character, Charlotte thinks "that seems a little late". The assumed intended audience will not understand that. Then we switch to nine pages about her holiday at home with her family.
I'm shocked at the starred reviews on this book. It needed much better editing, or at least someone to explain to the author how to write for the intended audience. Not recommended for storytime.
There are so many spots in this book that will be confusing to preschool age kiddos, who, I assume, are the intended audience of this title. For example, when Charlotte begins ballet classes and the other children say "Hello, Shiny!", there is no explanation of why they call her Shiny. Next when Charlotte receives the news that she earned the coveted spot of Marie and the "they" say it's the first time a black girl will play the character, Charlotte thinks "that seems a little late". The assumed intended audience will not understand that. Then we switch to nine pages about her holiday at home with her family.
I'm shocked at the starred reviews on this book. It needed much better editing, or at least someone to explain to the author how to write for the intended audience. Not recommended for storytime.
October 17, 2021
I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children’s Books through the Fall Day of Dialogue.
Delightful story about a young girl who falls in love with ballet and dreams of dancing on stage. She works hard and improves her skills until she is ready to audition for The Nutcracker. She is chosen to play Maria and performs at Lincoln Center. Charlotte is surprised to learn she is the first Black girl to perform this role for the New York Ballet. Beautiful illustrations capture the magic and the work involved in ballet. Readers also see this family as they prepare for their own Christmas celebration. The text pulls readers in so they feel they are part of the joy and magic as well.
Do read the author's note at the end of the book to learn about Charlotte's actual experience playing this role.
Delightful story about a young girl who falls in love with ballet and dreams of dancing on stage. She works hard and improves her skills until she is ready to audition for The Nutcracker. She is chosen to play Maria and performs at Lincoln Center. Charlotte is surprised to learn she is the first Black girl to perform this role for the New York Ballet. Beautiful illustrations capture the magic and the work involved in ballet. Readers also see this family as they prepare for their own Christmas celebration. The text pulls readers in so they feel they are part of the joy and magic as well.
Do read the author's note at the end of the book to learn about Charlotte's actual experience playing this role.
March 19, 2022
3 1/2 stars
Rounding up because our family watched this story unfold on the Disney+ series "On Pointe" and felt invested; I don't remember the series mentioning that she was the first black dancer to play Marie. (So many feelings about this. How? What? Why in the world would it take them so long to cast someone of color to play this role? I am having trouble wrapping my mind around this.)
The illustrations were wonderful though the story was bumpy. It helps if you are familiar with the series. Or the Nutcracker in general. Or have feelings of warmth for Christmas celebrations. Otherwise, this is a bit all over the place at times.
Rounding up because our family watched this story unfold on the Disney+ series "On Pointe" and felt invested; I don't remember the series mentioning that she was the first black dancer to play Marie. (So many feelings about this. How? What? Why in the world would it take them so long to cast someone of color to play this role? I am having trouble wrapping my mind around this.)
The illustrations were wonderful though the story was bumpy. It helps if you are familiar with the series. Or the Nutcracker in general. Or have feelings of warmth for Christmas celebrations. Otherwise, this is a bit all over the place at times.
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December 10, 2023No Rating
Read as an ebook
I originally borrowed the physical copy of Charlotte and the Nutcracker from the library a few weeks ago. This was along with a bunch of other picture books that I quickly lost interest in. After a while, though, I still wanted to read Charlotte and the Nutcracker. Libby came through. In the end, I enjoyed this picture book as much as expected. It's the story of the author's experience as the first Black ballerina to play the leading role in The Nutcracker in the New York City Ballet. The artwork was really cute and, since it is a Christmas story, included different cultural traditions. I highly recommend this one.
Read as an ebook
I originally borrowed the physical copy of Charlotte and the Nutcracker from the library a few weeks ago. This was along with a bunch of other picture books that I quickly lost interest in. After a while, though, I still wanted to read Charlotte and the Nutcracker. Libby came through. In the end, I enjoyed this picture book as much as expected. It's the story of the author's experience as the first Black ballerina to play the leading role in The Nutcracker in the New York City Ballet. The artwork was really cute and, since it is a Christmas story, included different cultural traditions. I highly recommend this one.
December 31, 2022
The theme tying this book together is the magic of Christmas -- Charlotte gets ballet lessons, the magic of Nut for kids in, the magic of Christmas Even in the story for Clara, and then Charlotte's family traditions. But that theme is very broad/loose, and I'm not sure it fully works.
Love the sections from Charlotte's perspective in the dressing rooms and onstage.
Dance nitpicks are all illustration-related (unsurprisingly), and there are just two main ones -- seemingly showing Charlotte on pointe, including on the cover, and a retiré position shown for soutenu.
Love the sections from Charlotte's perspective in the dressing rooms and onstage.
Dance nitpicks are all illustration-related (unsurprisingly), and there are just two main ones -- seemingly showing Charlotte on pointe, including on the cover, and a retiré position shown for soutenu.
January 10, 2022
This was a great look into a young girl's experience with being Marie (in the Nutcracker), and the first black Marie in that role at the New York City Ballet. There's not much of a "plot" per se in that there isn't a problem that must be overcome, just following sweet Charlotte through all her training, performances, and her own family traditions. Coming from a ballet family, I loved all the behind-the-scenes glimpses!
February 6, 2022
A simple and inspiring true autobiographical story about the first black ballerina to perform as Marie in the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. It's nice to see a story like this that doesn't involve prejudice and adversity--young Charlotte's experience is very positive and encouraging. As both an accomplished ballerina and published author, this young lady truly shows young readers that they can be anything they wish to be, and they don't have to wait until they're older!
February 26, 2022
Well, I'm going to be /that/ person...
While I think the concept behind this book (telling about the first Black Marie in the Nutcracker) is wonderful and inspiring, I think the execution was not done well. The text was bland and the story did not flow well. The end totally derailed from the Nutcracker to talk about the many Christmas traditions her family has. Unfortunately, not everyone who has an interesting story to tell is an author...
While I think the concept behind this book (telling about the first Black Marie in the Nutcracker) is wonderful and inspiring, I think the execution was not done well. The text was bland and the story did not flow well. The end totally derailed from the Nutcracker to talk about the many Christmas traditions her family has. Unfortunately, not everyone who has an interesting story to tell is an author...
October 15, 2021
Such a beautiful, empowering story about the first Black ballerina to make ballet history and be cast as Marie - the main character in the Nutcracker - one of the world famous productions by the New York City Ballet. Thank you to the Random House Children’s Books for an advanced electronic copy of this delightful book.
March 21, 2022
Charlotte Nebres was the first Black ballerina to play Marie in The Nutcracker in the New York City Ballet's production. This book shows how Charlotte went from a young dancer to the girl taking the stage in the famous holiday production. This one of many books that shows the disconnect between our culture and the makeup of our society.
April 11, 2022
A lovely book about a history maker! Beautiful illustrations, an inspiring story for kids, and an afterword by the author create a book that I have feeling my students will enjoy! It is great to see a picture book with ballet as the central theme--a much asked for theme. A great addition to our school's library! Two thumbs up!
February 15, 2023
This book follows Charlotte as she makes her way to the big stage to be in The Nutcracker! It teachers young ballerinas a love for ballet, and to be determined and persevere. It also reminds them they must practice to get to the big stage (a message I love as a ballet teacher!). This beautiful story is a great addition to any aspiring ballerinas home library!
December 6, 2025
In this beautiful celebrity bio, Warren and Nebres tell the story of young African American ballet dancer Charlotte Nebres and her role in The Nutcracker. The empowering story highlights the struggle and tenacity it takes to become a celebrated young ballerina in a dream role with the New York City Ballet. A gorgeous story for the holidays!
November 28, 2022
Cute illustrations and a charming story about the first black Marie (Clara) in the Nutcracker. This picture book starts off good, but then goes off topic for the last half. A good read, but could have been better.
December 27, 2022
Written by the first dancer of color to portray Marie for the New York City ballet. Love the emphasis on her hard work and family customs throughout the text and author note. Wish it had a photo of her on the stage.
January 12, 2023
The writing is okay, and the art isn't as vibrant and detailed as it is on the cover. Wonderful story, and I'm glad it's being told. I can't believe the first black Marie in NYC wasn't until 2019?! Wow.
February 2, 2023
Many have complained that the book was half about being in the Nutcracker. The second half was about the Christmas tradition; but that's what I appreciated most about the book - how seamlessly it combined both of these topics. It's a fantastic holiday read.
May 19, 2023
This is the wonderful true story of Charlotte Nebres. She is the first black ballerina to star in the NYC ballet's Nutcracker. She practices, perseveres, and shows great determination. I especially liked the illustrations of her beginning dance classes. This is a very sweet story. Enjoy.
January 1, 2025
Charlotte has been chosen as the first black ballerina to play Marie in the "Nutcracker" at the New York City Ballet. Very encouraging for little dancers. Includes some ballet terms.
Third- or fourth-grade reading level.
Third- or fourth-grade reading level.
April 4, 2025
First young black ballerina to perform Marie in Balanchine’s Nutcracker for NYCB tells her story in the form of a children’s book. Must read for aspiring black ballerinas and anyone who appreciates inclusivity and diversity in ballet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews