The Nutcracker in Harlem
What’s inside...
A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year! This jazz-inspired reinvention of The Nutcracker is a worthy tribute to the dreamlike wonder and magic of the Christmas season. In this original retelling, set in New York City during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, one little girl finds her voice as a musician thanks to her enchanting adventures with a magical toy. This quintessential holiday tale is brought to vivid life by debut picture book author T. E. McMorrow and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator James Ransome. An author’s note at the end provides additional information about the history of the Harlem Renaissance, and about the author’s inspiration for this musical retelling.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Marie
The Nutcracker
Uncle Cab
Discussion points
How do you think Marie felt when she discovered her musical talent with the Nutcracker?
What does the music in the story help Marie to accomplish?
Why do you think the setting in Harlem is important to the story?
What did you learn about the power of believing in yourself from Marie's adventure?
How did the characters’ use of music affect their community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their own experiences to Marie's journey, discussing any moments they’ve discovered something new about themselves.
Discuss the historical and cultural significance of Harlem in the 1920s and how it enriches the story.
Play some jazz music, which is central to the book's setting, to set the scene and enhance the reading experience.
Explore the themes of self-confidence and creativity with your child, asking them how they use their own talents to impact those around them.
Ask your child to imagine their own magical adventure. What talent would help them on their journey?
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of self-expression
Explanation: In 'The Nutcracker in Harlem', the protagonist, Marie, overcomes her shyness through the magic of music, expressing herself confidently by the story's end.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore artistic avenues like music, art, or writing to express their emotions and gain confidence in their own voice.
Example Lesson: The importance of family and community
Explanation: Throughout the story, Marie's journey is supported by her loving family and the vibrant community around her, highlighting the role of supportive relationships in personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture relationships with family members and peers, understanding their importance in personal and communal wellbeing.
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears and challenges
Explanation: Marie faces her fears by confronting the Mouse King and eventually finding her voice. This transformation symbolizes overcoming personal barriers through courage and determination.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that facing fears, rather than avoiding them, can lead to personal growth and empowerment.
Example Lesson: Resilience through imagination and creativity
Explanation: The story uses a magical dreamscape to show how imagination and creativity open up new possibilities and solutions, helping Marie grow and change.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their imagination and creativity as tools to navigate through difficult situations or to solve problems.