Book excerpt: Dances Minnelli, a famous professional dance troupe in New Jersey, is looking for a few girls to star in their annual holiday production of The Nutcracker. Anya, Liberty, and Scarlett all think they'll be a shoe-in for the lead role of Clara. But it's actually Gracie with her big smile and bubbly energy that catches Mr. Minnelli's eye at the auditions. With so much responsibility resting on her shoulders, will she be able to handle the pressure? Will Liberty learn to love playing a gingerbread man? Can Anya make the most of being a mouse? And can Scarlett handle the fact that her sister is growing into a beautiful dancer . . . and possibly leaving her in the dust?