No Ballet Shoes in Syria
by Catherine Bruton
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 9+
Published by Nosy Crow, 2019
About this book
Aya is a Syrian asylum seeker, looking after her mother and baby brother in the cold, unfamiliar city of Manchester – but she is also a talented ballet dancer.
A part of her life that seemed lost forever when she fled her home comes back to her when she encounters a ballet class led by the elegant Miss Helena. As the book unfolds, she finds new friends and learns to depend on "the kindness of strangers".
Children who love stories of performance and friendship will enjoy this book. The story humanises Aya, showing her as much more than just her circumstances. The reality of her history never overwhelms the essential romance of the story.
The book is ideal for readers who enjoy shedding a cathartic tear, but need an optimistic ending. Fans of Noel Streatfield will find much that is familiar and fun.
More books like this
-
Bird Boy
by Catherine Bruton
9 to 14 years
-
Following Frankenstein
by Catherine Bruton
9 to 14 years
-
Scare B'n'B
by Catherine Doyle, illustrated by Rachael Dean
9 to 14 years
-
Mixed
by Emma Slade Edmondson, illustrated by Tasia Graham
9 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Summer reads for 8-12s
Here are our suggestions for summer reads – and there's something for every child, aged 8-12 years old. New books; old books; books about summer; books to get lost in; and books that come in series, so they won't have to stop reading this summer!
-
11 great books for 10 year olds
11 great books for 10-year-olds
-
Books set in the North of England
Northern England is rich in landscape, culture and history – and that has inspired some incredible stories. If you live in or are from the North (or just going for your holidays), you may be looking for books set there to share with your child. After all, a familiar location can help them relate to the story and feel a bigger connection. Here are just a few of our favourites for you to check out.
-
Books about refugees and asylum seekers for older children
Since asylum can be a confusing issue for children (and even adults), here are some books that explore what it really means to flee your home and have to start your life over.