No Ballet Shoes in Syria is a captivating book that I definitely suggest you read. From the graphics to the blurb, everything is excellent. But have you even thought about how the book was written, or why?
In the afterword section of the book, author Catheine Bruton, explains that she wanted this to be a story that would make young readers look beyond the labels of ‘refugee’ and asylum seeker’ to see the child behind. When she discussed her idea with her editor at Nosy Crow, they were both conscious of the difficulties they would face.
It all started at Bristol Refugee Rights, a community centre, where dance lessons are also held. And she ‘had a vision’ of a young Syrian girl, looking for asylum in the UK, watching a ballet class through a half-open doorway, longing to be back at her own dance school.
She did all she could to really get the grasp of Aya’s story. She contacted Bath Welcomes Refugees and other refugee resettlement projects who helped her research, she spoke to members of the Syrian community who had come to Britain, and she also read many, many accounts and transcripts from child refugees.
However, she still found herself struggling.
In an interview on Nosy Crow’s YouTube Channel, she said that ‘if a child like Aya could read this story and see their story told in which they’re the heroine, not just the victim, then I’ll have done what I set out to do’.
By Anabia Y7
Boston High School Newsroom
I haven’t read this book yet, I really like your thinking behind this article. I must add to my to be read pile!