Terrible Terrel

Sugar Plum Ballerinas #4

by Whoopi Goldberg, Deborah Underwood, Maryn Roos (Illustrator)

Terrel is always in charge, whether she's making lists for grocery shopping (her favorite hobby, AFTER ballet), keeping her brothers in line, or organizing father-daughter time in with her dad. Lately, though, her dad's been acting a little strange--wearing new clothes and way too much aftershave. Things get even weirder when he surprises Terrel with his new girlfriend during a night out at the ballet - a night that was supposed to be father-daughter time. What's more, his "date" brought her niece along. A niece who turns out to be Terrel's ballerina nemesis, Tiara Girl! With some Sugar Plum help, Terrel takes charge of breaking up her father's new relationship.

Genres: Childrens, Realistic Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2010

About the author

Whoopi Goldberg is one of an elite group of artists who have won the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards) and is the bestselling author of the Sugar Plum Ballerina series, Book, and Is It Just Me? While performing in the Bay Area she created the characters that became The Spook Show and evolved into her hit Broadway show, Grammy Award–winning album, and the HBO special that helped launch her career. Spanning decades, Whoopi’s credits include roles in the well-known films The Color Purple, Ghosts of Mississippi, Sister Act, and Ghost. She produced the documentary Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley, and she appeared in and was one of the producers of the critically acclaimed 2022 feature film Till. She loves VW Bugs, working casinos, and comfortable clothing; is a passionate supporter of the audio arts and dedicated collector of audiobooks; and heads the Whoopfam Group, makers of Emma & Clyde, Whoopi & Maya, and other recreational and medicinal marijuana products.

Reviews

[Yesenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is no surprise that the Sugar Plum Ballerinas are a popular series. The author of these series is the well- known Whoopi Goldberg and the illustrator is Maryn Roos. I would recommend the book third and fourth graders.
As the name suggests, the audience for this book is girls. Girls can relate to the troubles and crazy ideas that Terrel and her gang have. The book had small chapters that are easy enough to navigate but not like an easy reader. The book had complex vocabulary sprinkled here and there, but for the most part it had an easy vocabulary.
I really enjoyed the diverse characters that Whoopi created; students can relate to one of the various characters. Some girls are girly girls, others want to be doctors, others are bossy, and there is something for everyone. Another great important aspect is how Terrel underwent a character development. She learned to care for others without always putting herself before other as in the case of her father.
The story had a lot of interesting parts that made the book hard to put down. One of my favorite parts is when all the girls join forces to write a break up letter to Marjory. The girls just grabbed various pieces of information and without really seeing to see if it made sense they wrote it. Another part is when they first encounter Marjoryon in the supermarket. All of the sudden she feels really frustrated because her world is getting upside down.
The illustrations were black and white. The artistic style used on the story was cartoon art. The illustrations in the story are not my favorite, yet I it really helps learners visually connect to the story. Not all students are visual learners, and the illustration aids readers.
I would recommend the book to students because it is a really interesting book and I can really see students making connections. As an adult, I can see myself in the story. Furthermore, the humor was wonderful too. I would rate it five stars.

[Ahdom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an adorable little chapter book that my girls wanted to read. So, it became the night time book I read to them. They LOVED this book. The first time in a while that the begged me to read the chapter book. Needless to say, we will be reading more from the series. They all learned some valuable lessons from reading this book. Whoopi Goldberg did a fantastic job of making this book from a girl's point of view and put the characters in real life situations that kids have to deal with, like divorce, death, and tolerance. She also was brilliant in involving people of color in the book. It's important for children to know all walks of life to help them gain insight on their own. This is a great children's book, especially if they love ballet.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrel Liu is a responsible kid who loves organizing her five older brothers and her dad. One day she finds out that her dad is dating someone and is horrified. Terrel likes her life the way it is and doesn't want it to change. To make matters worse, his girlfriend is the aunt of Terrel's rival at the Sugar Plum Dance school. Soon Terrel and her ballerina friends are plotting a way to get rid of Bruce Liu's girlfriend.

What a cute series! I really want to read on of the first three that Whoopi wrote by herself. I love the biracial family blend, and the message of considering other's happiness, not just staying wrapped up in how you feel.

[Elbrozzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly sit-com with fairy tale overtones--some wisecracks hit their mark; but, overall, smarmy and too cute for its own good.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My girl loves when we read these together. Today is National Read Out Loud Day. Find someone to read to.

[Lulu · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Not my favorite but I liked it enough and I think younger kids would really like it.❤️🌼

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still enjoying the series. Oh the trouble they can get into and still find a way out is so interesting. Makes me wonder if kids these days really can/do act like this or if this is how they were when Whoopi Goldberg was growing up and she used current lifestyles to make it more realistic?

[Louisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love these books. I'm a loser.

[Keymani · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think me and terrel have things in commom and this book is amazing but the most exciting news is that i would want to read more sugar plum ballerina books.

[Brandyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brett liked it when Terrel told the truth when she was going to do something bad to Marjory.
Bryan liked the same thing.
Mom liked that Terrel cared about her dad enough to make things right.

[Tenecia Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I loved the storyline and the way the writer portrayed family and ownership .

[Yanfriends · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another in the ballerina series. Whoopi writes interesting stories.

[Siomara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ballerina is like an adult she lived organization and taking charge.