(4) 4-6 Sugar Plum Ballerinas series. Illustrated by Maryn Roos. With Deborah Underwood. Headstrong nine-year-old Epatha likes to inject her own unique style into choreography, but when she does so with a solo part for the Harlem Ballet, she learns a valuable lesson about modesty. The moral is a bit overwrought, but a spirited narrator, vivid Harlem setting, and plenty of ballet terminology add interest; effervescent black-and-white spot art accompanies each chapter. Glos.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Maryn Roos. With Deborah Underwood. This second Sugar Plum Ballerinas book has Brenda, the scientific one, in the lead role. Trouble begins when she tries to impress her wealthy cousin by "borrowing" the shoes of a famous ballerina from her dance teacher. Though the ending stretches credulity, reward and punishment are doled out in a satisfying way. Bubbly black-and-white drawings illustrate the story. Glos.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Maryn Roos. With Deborah Underwood. When Alexandrea's family moves from Georgia to Harlem, her mother insists that she take ballet. Alexandrea's inability to do turns becomes a problem after she's picked to do the Sugar Plum Fairy solo. Though the text tends to over-explain, its details give a good sense of the city. Disney-esque black-and-white drawings illustrate some scenes. Glos.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman