If you spent any time in a Scholastic book fair or a public library children's section during the late 2000s, you probably saw those bright, candy-colored covers. Six young girls in tutus, grinning back at you. We're talking about the Sugar Plum Ballerinas books. While the name Whoopi Goldberg is plastered across the top in huge letters, the reality of how these books came to be—and why they actually worked for a generation of young dancers—is a bit more nuanced than just another celebrity book project.
They weren't just "ballet books." They were stories about Nutcracker School in Harlem. They were about the terrifying feeling of being the new kid with "two left feet" or the pressure of having a "stage mom" who wants the spotlight more than you do.
Honestly, celebrity-backed children's series can be a bit of a gamble. Sometimes they feel like soulless brand extensions. But this series, which kicked off in 2008 with Plum Fantastic, managed to capture something specific about girlhood, diverse friendships, and the actual grit required for classical dance. It wasn't all glitter and pink satin. It was about blisters, stage fright, and the weird social hierarchy of a locker room.
The Team Behind the Tutus
It is worth being transparent about the "celebrity author" thing. Whoopi Goldberg is the creator and the face of the brand, but she didn't sit in a room alone and type every word of the six-book series. The Sugar Plum Ballerinas books were co-written with Deborah Underwood. If that name sounds familiar, it should. Underwood is a powerhouse in the world of picture books and early reader fiction, known for The Quiet Book and Interstellar Cinderella.
This partnership is likely why the books don't feel like a celebrity vanity project. Underwood brought the technical craft of children's pacing, while Goldberg provided the vision and the setting. Goldberg has often spoken in interviews about her love for the "Sugar Plum Fairy" and her desire to see a version of that world where kids of color were the default, not the exception. She wanted a Harlem-based school where a kid like Alexandrea Petrova—a girl who doesn't even want to be a ballerina—could find her footing.
The series includes:
👉 See also: Executive desk with drawers: Why your home office setup is probably failing you
- Plum Fantastic (The one where we meet Al and she’s miserable about moving from Georgia to Harlem).
- Toeshoe Trouble (Brenda Black’s story—the perfectionist’s nightmare).
- Perfectly Prima (Teresssa’s turn in the spotlight).
- Terrible Terrel (Dealing with the "mean girl" archetype).
- Sugar Plums to the Rescue!
- Dancing Divas
Why Al Petrova is the Reluctant Hero We Needed
Most ballet books start with a girl who lives, breathes, and eats dance. Alexandrea Petrova, the protagonist of the first book, is the exact opposite. She’s a "speed-demon" who misses her friends in Georgia and hates the tight buns and itchy tights of the Nutcracker School. Her mom is the one obsessed with ballet.
This creates an immediate "hook" for kids who feel pressured by extracurriculars. It's relatable. How many kids are currently sitting in a piano lesson or a soccer practice they can't stand because their parents think it's "character building"?
Al’s struggle isn't just about learning a plie. It’s about identity. She’s worried she’s too clunky. She’s worried she’ll never fit in with the "Sugar Plums"—the group of friends that includes Brenda, Maya, Teresssa, and Etheldreda. The prose is snappy and fast. It doesn't get bogged down in overly flowery descriptions of dance moves, which is a common pitfall in this genre. Instead, it focuses on the interpersonal drama.
Breaking the "Prima Ballerina" Stereotype
Diversity is a buzzword now, but back in 2008, the Sugar Plum Ballerinas books were doing something somewhat radical by just existing. They presented a world where the elite world of ballet was centered in Harlem. The characters come from different backgrounds, have different body types, and different levels of enthusiasm for the art form.
Take Brenda Black. She’s the "perfect" one. She has the expensive gear and the impeccable technique. But through her perspective, we see the crushing weight of anxiety. The books acknowledge that ballet is hard. It’s physically demanding and mentally exhausting. By rotating the perspective character in each book, the series allows readers to see the same events through different lenses. You might think Teresssa is annoying in book one, but by the time you get to her featured book, you understand her drive.
✨ Don't miss: Monroe Central High School Ohio: What Local Families Actually Need to Know
The illustrations by Maryn Roos also played a huge role in the series' success. They were charming without being overly "cartoonish," giving a face to the diverse cast that matched the upbeat but grounded tone of the writing.
The Reality of the Harlem Setting
Setting the books in Harlem wasn't just a random choice. It was a tribute to the rich cultural history of the neighborhood, including institutions like the Dance Theatre of Harlem. While the "Nutcracker School" is fictional, it feels lived-in. The girls walk the streets, deal with city life, and the setting acts as a character itself.
It grounds the story. If this were set in a generic, unnamed suburb, it would lose its soul. The urban environment adds a layer of toughness that contrasts beautifully with the perceived "softness" of ballet. It tells the reader that you can be tough, you can be from the city, and you can still wear a tutu and strive for grace.
Is it Still Relevant for Today’s Young Readers?
Absolutely. The themes of friendship, overcoming embarrassment, and finding your own path are evergreen. Honestly, the Sugar Plum Ballerinas books aged better than a lot of other mid-2000s series. They avoid a lot of the "mean girl" tropes that were popular at the time, opting instead for a focus on how girls can support one another even when they’re competing for the same roles.
If you have a kid who is just starting chapter books—typically ages 6 to 10—these are a fantastic bridge. They aren't as babyish as early readers, but they aren't as heavy as middle-grade novels like Brown Girl Dreaming or Ghost. They sit in that sweet spot of "comfort reads."
🔗 Read more: What Does a Stoner Mean? Why the Answer Is Changing in 2026
Some critics at the time felt the plots were a bit predictable. And yeah, they are. It’s a series for seven-year-olds. The stakes are exactly what they should be: a forgotten pair of shoes, a botched recital, a misunderstanding between best friends. For a child, those things are the world.
How to Get the Most Out of the Series
If you're looking to introduce a young reader to these, don't feel like you have to go in strict chronological order after the first book. While there is a slight progression, each book is designed to stand on its own.
- Start with Plum Fantastic. It sets the stage and introduces the core conflict of the school.
- Look for the Bind-ups. Scholastic often released these in "2-in-1" editions which are much cheaper than buying individual paperbacks.
- Connect it to Real Life. If your child is reading these, show them videos of Misty Copeland or the dancers at the Dance Theatre of Harlem. It bridges the gap between the fictional Nutcracker School and the real world of professional dance.
The Sugar Plum Ballerinas books remain a staple because they don't talk down to kids. They acknowledge that being a child is full of social landmines and physical frustrations. Whether the reader is a dancer or just a kid who feels like a fish out of water, there is something incredibly validating about seeing Al Petrova trip over her own feet and eventually find a way to stand tall.
If you are hunting for these today, they are widely available in libraries and on digital platforms like Kindle. They serve as a great reminder that Whoopi Goldberg’s legacy isn't just Sister Act or The View—it’s also helping a generation of girls see themselves on the stage.
Go check your local used bookstore or the "J" fiction section of your library. Look for the bright pink spines. Even if your kid isn't into dance, the stories about friendship and finding your place in a new city are worth the read. You might even find yourself rooting for Al more than you expected.