Aya, her mum and baby brother have recently arrived in Britain, seeking asylum from Syria. They were separated from Aya's father on the journey and are uncertain what has happened to him. 

Aya is only 11 but she is tasked with looking after both her mother and brother and also dealing with the authorities as the family tries to secure a permanent home in the country.

Back in Syria, Aya had realised a passion for ballet so she is delighted to have the opportunity to join a class. Despite not having the right clothes or shoes, and with some opposition from the other children and their parents, Aya finds a new friend, and also a champion for her plight in the ballet teacher. 

This is a wonderful story of friendship, compassion and solidarity with well-drawn characters and a perfectly paced plot and depicts, with sensitivity and insight, the plight of refugees. Brilliant.