Sugar Plum Ballerinas: Plum Fantastic
#4 in Sugar Plum Ballerinas Series
on Goodreads (20)
What’s inside...
Collect the first three irresistible Sugar Plum Ballerina stories in this fun-filled box set. Follow Al as she reluctantly enrolls in the Nutcracker School of Ballet in Harlem and learns to embrace her inner dancer with the help of her classmates in 'Plum Fantastic'. In 'Toeshoe Trouble', Brenda finds herself in a sticky situation when she lies about owning a pair of autographed toeshoes, and must rely on her Sugar Plum Sisters to bail her out. Lastly, perfectionistic Jerzey Mae struggles to perfect her ballet steps in 'Perfectly Prima', until unexpected help arrives. Every girl will want to dance with these spunky and spirited ballerinas.
Discussion points
What did you think about Alexandrea's journey starting ballet at a new school? How would you feel in her shoes?
Why is teamwork important as shown in the book? Can you share a time when you had to work together with others?
How did Alexandrea handle challenges and setbacks in the story? What can we learn from her resilience?
What role did friendship play in Alexandrea's experience as a ballerina? Why are friends important in achieving our goals?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own experiences related to starting something new, like a hobby or school, to make a personal connection.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts by asking how they would feel or act in similar situations as the characters.
Highlight the importance of persistence and ask your child about a time they had to keep trying even when it was tough.
Discuss the value of friendships and teamwork, asking your child about their friends and how they help each other in daily activities or play.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist, Alexandrea Petrakova Johnson, forming new friendships at the ballet school despite initial struggles and misunderstandings.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of nurturing friendships and overcoming social challenges, which is crucial for developing social skills and emotional intelligence in school and other social settings.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Determination
Explanation: Alexandrea continues to pursue ballet despite not being initially skilled and facing several obstacles, showing improvement through persistence.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The book includes characters from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the importance of acceptance and inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect individual differences, promoting a more inclusive attitude in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Self-Confidence
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, Alexandrea grows more confident in her abilities, learning to believe in herself regardless of others' opinions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to build their self-esteem and trust in their capabilities, essential for personal development and facing new challenges.