No Ballet Shoes in Syria

Wonderful. Uplifting and emotional. I’m looking forward to sharing with my class

JoNickolls

This books really helps unpick the issues relating to refugees and humanises it in a way that children can really relate. The way the author develops the characters, dropping in a little information every now again, is very clever.

AnnaCvijetic

One of the most remarkable books I have ever read and absolutely heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure. Absolutely loved the kindness of each character and the journeys they take.

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A fantastic and touching book that demonstrates how dance has no boundaries or borders. A must read for all to understand the desperation of the asylum seeker/refugee plight.

ClareH

Such a wonderful book. Highlights and educates around the current issues of asylum seekers and refugees through the eyes of an 11 year old child leaving war torn Syria. The book addresses the challenges and difficulties faced through an engaging story of a child dancer. Also makes links to the similarities with WW2. I couldn't put this down and cried many tears. This story will stay with me and, like the author, reminds me of Ballet Shoes - one of my favourite childhood books. I would highly recommend for Year 5 and 6 child and beyond and as a class read to aid discussions around the topics addressed.

DawnBatchelor

One of the best books I have read/ I couldn’t put it down. It made me cry sad and happy tears.

Ashley313

Incredible book - made me cry. Thoroughly bought into the story. Highly recommend for year 5/6.

Beth23

This is a beautiful story which has been sensitively written about a very difficult but topical subject. The main character, Aya, is described so well that I felt a real connection to her and her difficult situation. Aya's flash backs simultaneously tell us of her difficult journey from Syria to England which thread their way, in chronological order, throughout the story. As well as the main issues of refugees, asylum seekers and homelessness, it also addresses issues such as bullying, misconceptions and how things are not always as they seem. Aya joins a ballet school where she is shown empathy, compassion and that her situation is by no means unique. She learns how to rise above others negative comments and that she is not defined by the situation she finds herself in.

Karen

Loved this book! A heart warming story of Aya's journey as an asylum seeker and how she is able to overcome her fears and worries through dance. A few tears were shed reading this! Would highly recommend!

KatieLawton

A brilliant story which helps to explain the plight of asylum seekers and refugees to a young audience.

Hilll01

I read this book in one evening because it was so compelling. I especially loved the character Miss Helena and thought that the way Burton weaved Miss Helena's story in with Aya's was clever. It was heartbreaking but it had a hopeful outlook and I think everyone should read it.

naomibennett

I read this as part of Refugee Week and then shared it with some of my class as discussion points. They found it interesting as we had recently been talking about what is happening in Ukraine and how children must be feeling. Would definitely recommend it.

MissRreads

This is a brilliant book that gripped me right from the start. Inspired by other war books such as The Silver Sword and When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, it links present day problems of asylum seekers and refugees during times of war to those of WWII. You fall in love with Aya, the main character, as you follow her journey. She is so brave and resilient especially after all the hardships she’s been through to get to where she is now. The story has shifts in time between her present life and her journey: her past story is slowly revealed. There is so much cruelty and ignorance in the world. I hope this book helps many people to see the child, not the refugee.

cdadswell

Wow. This book. Aya is a young ballet dancer from Syria, with a mum, a dad and a baby brother. She has friends, and an apartment with a roof terrace. Until the bombs start falling. The book follows Aya's journey as an asylum seeker, finding a new place in Manchester, making new friends and joining a new dance school while supporting her mum, who doesn't speak English and doesn't know where to turn, and baby brother, who is a typical cheeky little boy! The flashbacks to her life before arriving in the UK are written very sensitively but without minimising the struggle that thousands of people encounter every day. I would highly recommend this as a book to help children understand what is happening in the world at the moment, especially with the current situation in Afghanistan, and to normalise supporting people with kindness, no matter where they come from or what their situation.

Englishpetal89

I loved the way in which this book brought the stories of so many refugee children to life. It was a beautiful story that humanised the experiences of asylum seekers.

Francescarhreid

Beautiful and powerful book about Aya, a Syrian asylum seeker. Keen to use this with my Y5 class so they can connect with the character and think about asylum seekers and refugees. Would definitely recommend giving this a read.

MissBrock

This was an excellent book that really opened my eyes to the plight of refugees. Definitely a book I would like to share with my class.

Efinch1811

Although this is a book written for children it is a hugely emotionally challenging text. Aya is the protagonist. She's 11 and along with her mother and baby brother, is seeking asylum. The story switches seamlessly between the present day and Aya's memories of home as well as the treacherous journey she has encountered. Throughout the story there is a huge sense of loss and the emotions around this are captured on almost every page. Aya's father is missing and her mother's mental health is poor. Aya must hold the family together and stand up against the critics of those seeking refuge. It is the dance school which gives Aya a new lease of life - her first place of refuge. The leader of the school is a kindred spirit and ambition, safety and comfort soon replace much of the hurt and anxiety. A very enjoyable and powerful read. On a par with The Boy At The Back Of The Class by Onjali Q'Rauf.

KateEmM

This book reminded me of a childhood fav , When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit. It’s a great way to introduce children to a very important issue . The characters are beautifully drawn & the friendship between the two girls cleverly shows how similar we all are despite the circumstances of our lives.

MsT

Another 'must-read' for any UKS2 child. This text had me gripped and brought me to tears. I have no experience of many of the themes this text offers but I have a passion for dance and so this touched me personally. No matter our background, race, culture or religion, dance is for everyone!

MrsC2020