Author: Catherine Bruton
Reading Age: 10-12

A girl finds comfort in ballet lessons as she adjusts to life in Britain after fleeing Syria with her family.

Aya is eleven years old and has just arrived in Britain with her mum and baby brother,seeking asylum from war in Syria. Aya has to be the voice when dealing with the authorities as her mum doesn’t speak English.

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 book encompasses themes of resilience, courage and empathy

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