With beautiful, captivating writing, wonderfully authentic ballet detail, and an important message championing the rights of refugees, Catherine Bruton achieves classic storytelling – filled with warmth, hope and humanity.
Aya is eleven years old and has just arrived in Britain with her mum and baby brother, seeking asylum from war in Syria. When Aya stumbles across a local ballet class, the formidable dance teacher spots her exceptional talent and believes that Aya has the potential to earn a prestigious ballet scholarship. But at the same time, Aya and her family must fight to be allowed to remain in the country, to make a home for themselves and to find Aya's father - separated from the rest of the family during the journey from Syria.
This novel is the perfect way to introduce children and teens to the reality of life as a refugee and to engage them in a conversation about the devastating effects of war and political unrest around the world.