Tools for this page
Print

Sugar Plum Ballerinas

Book Summary

Reviewed by Patricia Tauzer

Alexandra is not happy when her eccentric, costume-designing mom decides to move from Georgia to Harlem. She is also not happy that she is being forced to take ballet when what she really wants is to strap on her ice skates to practice speed skating. Moving to a New York City apartment is bad enough, but taking classes at the Nutcracker School is horrible. Not only does her mother push her to wear outlandish outfits but, when it comes to technique, she feels very much out of her league. When, by chance, she is given the most cherished solo role in the upcoming recital, she nearly cracks. Luckily, the new friends she makes pull her through.

Is It Any Good?

3

Rather than being a simple story full of girls who envy one another for looks, talent, or any other superficial quality, this is a story with lessons, many of them. And all of them point back to the basic premise that the girl who stays true to herself and her dreams, the girl who values and helps her friends, is a girl who will succeed. Shallow, mean girls, even those with talent and money, are not the heroes here. Instead, in addition to Alexandra, the main character, the heroic girls are true individuals. One is a Puerto Rican-Italian who tie-dyes her leotards to cover food spills and stains. Another is an young African-American with crooked teeth but a huge dancing talent, yet another is a girl so interested in science that she tries to talk backwards like Leonardo da Vinci in order to expand her genius. And there are others.

This is also the story of Alexandra and her mother and how they learn to appreciate each other for the dreams they have. The narrative itself is simple, but the conflicts are as complex as those kids face in the real world. Surprisingly, this is a pretty good book, one to which girls especially will relate, even if they are not interested in dancing, tutus, or all that goes along with the frilly, girly world.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.