This modern take on the holiday favorite is now a Step 2 leveled reader, weaving together The Nutcracker and the true-life story of the first Black girl to play Marie in the New York City Ballet!

The only thing Charlotte Nebres loves as much as ballet is Christmas. So, when she gets the opportunity to play Marie in the New York City Ballet's The Nutcracker, she leaps at the chance.

Dancing takes practice--hours of adjusting her arms and perfecting her jumps. With the help of her Trinidadian and Filipino families, encouragement from her sister, and a view of her mom and dad in the audience, Charlotte finds the strength to never give up.

Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. They are perfect for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

Illustrated by: Alea Marley