I'll admit I'm not a huge ballet fan, but, like some many others, I do like the Nutcracker. A few years back I discovered the 'Battle of the Nutcrackers' where four versions play over the weeks leading up to Christmas. You are then to go on line and vote for your favorite which will air sometime closer to Christmas Eve. A recent favorite is the version by the Australian Ballet, but my all time favorite will always be the one in the original Fantasia.

Looking for something on the Nutcracker ballet I found Lord of the Nutcracker Men, by Iain Lawrence instead. Based on actual events (the author's grandfather and grand-uncles fought in WWI) and leading up to the amazing Christmas Truce of 1914. The main character, Johnny, is a young boy sent to Cliffe to live since London was unsafe. His father, who carves, (including nutcrackers, hence the title), sends a wooden soldier with each letter and Johnny uses them to recreate battles. A teacher has given him the Iliad to read (also about war). The comparisons are intriguing ... just who directs wars? This is a teen/tween read so it won't take you long.

Then, I did find exactly what I was looking for! Nutcracker Nation, by Jennifer Fisher. It started as her doctoral thesis and expanded into a book. Whether it's a professional ballet company, or something at the local theater, this is a ballet that appeals even to those who don't normally like ballet. The variations seem endless: Clara (not the only name this character has had) is a young girl, or a retiring dancer looking back at her career. In one she is the daughter of a single father. There are cowboy versions (with lassos), or dances with hula hoops, or even tap dance. The common theme is the music. Just a fascinating read on the impact of this dance in the U.S.

Reading Hermit With Dog