No Ballet Shoes in Syria
Catherine Bruton
With beautiful, captivating writing, wonderfully authentic ballet details, and an important message championing the rights of refugees, this is classic storytelling – filled with warmth, hope and humanity.
WINNER of Books Are My Bag Readers Award 2019
WINNER of Angels and Urchins Book Travel Award for Older Readers 2019
Nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2020
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.
More Recognition for No Ballet Shoes in Syria:
The Times Children’s Book of the Week 2019
Indie Book of the Month 2019
""A moving, textured story … Ballet Shoes for the 21st century"" – The Times
""Wise and kind and unputdownable."" – Hilary McKay, Costa Book Prize-winning author of The Skylarks’ War
""A perfect balance of tragedy and triumph."" – Natasha Farrant, author of The Children of Castle Rock
""A moving story about one of the big issues of our time, told with wonderful clarity, and incredibly touching."" – Axel Scheffler, illustrator of The Gruffalo
Look out for more beautiful stories by Catherine Bruton, such as:
Bird Boy – Nero Book Awards, 2024 Children’s Fiction Shortlist
Another Twist in the Tale
Following Frankenstein
Reviews
This book is one of my favourites
Director Candyfloss Birdbath 13.08.2024
It is the most Beautiful moving story i have ever read i don’t know if its fictional or not but i know there was a war in syria and of-course it based on war and ballet 100/10 :)
Anonymous 01.07.2024
Incredible!
Viscountess Sunny Costa-Rica 24.08.2023
I loved aya, she was so strong and brave
Anonymous 18.08.2023
It is an amazing book. It is about a girl called Aya seeking asylum from a war in Syria. Before the war she loved ballet so she tries ballet lessons in England. I really loved how around every chapter it tells a bit about her backstory.
Principal Blueberry Mystery 08.08.2023
A really sad book,about 40 chapters!I'm glad Aya and moosa were safe at the end thanks to the ballet teacher!
Dame Peaches Flattery 01.08.2023
All together it was pretty good but I found it a bit sad. But at the end it was happy 😃 I would definitely recommend it.
Duchess Pixie Biscuits 23.07.2023
It was one of THE BEST BOOKS I've ever read! Although it was very dramatic. It was about an asylum seeker, 11 year old Aya. It had a lot of very happy and sad parts. It sometimes had very detailed injuries, but I think it was worth reading.
Princess Wanda Archway 16.07.2023
I loved how she kept going even after all that had happened
Princess Kiki Pineapple 14.07.2023
This book gripped my interest from start to finish! The story depicted the emotions of the characters beautifully, allowing me to understand the life of a refugee. I was lost in the story!
Anonymous 26.04.2023
I really enjoyed this book because it's not really like any book I have read before I have read a war book before but like it's also about ballet.My favourite character is Aya as she is the main character and she is a nice person.I would recommend this book.
Anonymous 02.03.2023
I really liked this book, it has lots of meaning and was full of hope. It told the story of a girl name Aya from Syria who had to flee the country. She joins a dance studio in the centre in England while trying to seek asylum for her family, even though her dad was lost at sea. I would recommend this to anyone who likes reading books about refugees
Director Birthday-cake Pudding-Basin 02.03.2023
A very inspirational book
Anonymous 03.10.2022
This book is all about a girl called Aya who is a phenomenal dancer. Her family have been separated from her father and they are seeking asylum in Manchester. She looks after her ill mother and baby brother, Moosa. Then, she hears a dance lesson being taken next door to her flat. Could her dreams come true?Would she be able to dance and stay in England? Or would she have to return to the war in Syria? A marvellous book that took my breath away. I would recommend it to anyone! 100 stars/5 stars.
Fairy Blossom Sherbet 18.09.2022
I really enjoyed this book lots! I thought it helped me understand how it feels to be a Asylum seeker. My favourite character is Dotty she is very bouncy and cheerful and understanding. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in Asylum seekers and ballet lovers
Mademoiselle Mildred Lanzarote 26.08.2022
Good
Anonymous 20.08.2022
loaded with facts about war in Syria . follows a true story of a girl from Syria and the kindness shown by her teacher i would recommend this book
Anonymous 17.08.2022
Intriguing and fascinating
Dame Sapphire Eggybread 12.08.2022
it is a very emotional story and you an really feel the feelings in this book and it can put a smile on your face when you hear the twists and turs i would recommend it.
Anonymous 05.08.2022
Amazing book
Anonymous 03.08.2022
