Charlotte and the Nutcracker: The True Story of a Girl Who Made Ballet History
What’s inside...
Charlotte and the Nutcracker: The True Story of a Girl Who Made Ballet History is an inspiring children's book that tells the story of Charlotte Nebres, a young ballerina who made history by becoming the first black Marie in the New York City Ballet's production of The Nutcracker in 2019. The book follows Charlotte's journey from her early love of dance to her groundbreaking performance, highlighting her dedication, hard work, and the support of her family and mentors. It's a celebration of diversity, perseverance, and the magic of ballet, encouraging young readers to pursue their dreams and break barriers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Charlotte feel when she was chosen to play Marie in The Nutcracker? Can you describe a time when you felt the same way?
What challenges did Charlotte face and how did she overcome them? Have you ever faced a similar challenge?
Why do you think it was important for Charlotte to dance in The Nutcracker? What dreams do you have that are important to you?
How did Charlotte's family and friends support her? Who supports you in achieving your dreams?
What does this story teach us about diversity and representation? Why is it important to see different kinds of people doing amazing things?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about Charlotte’s journey, relating it to their own experiences.
Discuss the historical context of the ballet and the significance of Charlotte breaking barriers in ballet history.
Ask questions that help your child connect the themes of the book to their own life, such as perseverance, support, and dreams.
Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their aspirations and any obstacles they perceive.
Highlight the importance of diversity and seeing oneself represented in different fields and why it matters in our society.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Charlotte achieves her dream of performing in the Nutcracker despite the challenges, showing her persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of consistent effort and not giving up, even when faced with difficulties.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: Charlotte being cast as the first Black Marie in New York City Ballet's history emphasizes the importance of diversity in the arts.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate and celebrate diversity in their communities and the wider world.
Example Lesson: Hard work leads to success
Explanation: The story highlights the intensive rehearsals and dedication needed for Charlotte to succeed in her role.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to dedicate themselves to their studies or hobbies to achieve their own success.
Example Lesson: Breaking barriers
Explanation: Charlotte's groundbreaking role as Marie showcases how she breaks cultural and racial barriers in ballet.
Real-World Application: It inspires children to challenge societal norms and pursue their passions regardless of their background.
Example Lesson: The power of dreams
Explanation: The story illustrates Charlotte's journey from dreaming to being a part of a major ballet production.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to dream big and understand that with dedication, dreams can become reality.