To some, community centres might not be a source of inspiration but to Aya, this is where she finds a source of unexpected comfort. In fact, her journey to get here has been arduous, tiring, painful and one that’s been physically, mentally and emotionally draining from start to finish… and it’s not quite finished yet. As the story progresses, we come to learn that Aya hasn’t arrived in this country straightforwardly. Holding her baby brother, looking after her mother and with no idea of where her father is, she sits opposite her case worker with the weight of the world and full responsibility falling on her small shoulders. Unbeknownst to her, this may take more time than she thinks… The moment when she’s granted safe haven in a country she’s only been in for three weeks.
Having escaped from war-torn Aleppo in Syria, she is waiting for a moment that could change her life. Sounds a little bit normal, right? However, she’s also in a place most eleven years old wouldn’t find themselves in.
Review: Aya is eleven years old, sitting in her local community centre and is easily distracted by the music she can hear.
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.īut 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. My recommendation for the 2020 Read for Empathy collection.’Īuthor: Catherine Bruton ( artwork: Kathrin HonestaĪya is eleven years old and has just arrived in Britain with her mum and baby brother, seeking asylum from war in Syria. ‘This story that needs to be told the world over champions compassion and community in a way that only a few others do so well… This book has changed me, as it will change you.
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