About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is navigating a major life transition, dealing with the loss of a loved one, or feeling stifled by rules that prevent them from pursuing their passions. Set against the backdrop of a sudden move from Turkey to England following a tragic earthquake, it explores how a young girl named Anna clings to her love of ballet as a lifeline while living with relatives who don't understand her dreams. It is a poignant story about resilience, the power of artistic expression, and finding creative ways to overcome obstacles. While the book begins with a heavy loss, it remains a classic Noel Streatfeild story filled with charm, sibling bonds, and the gritty reality of training in the arts. It is best suited for children aged 8 to 12 who appreciate realistic fiction and stories about perseverance. Parents will value the book's honest depiction of grief and its inspiring message that one's internal spark can survive even the most restrictive environments.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
DISTRESS: The opening chapters describe a devastating earthquake and the sudden death of the children's parents. While not graphically violent, the emotional weight of being orphaned and the destruction of their home is significant and may be distressing for sensitive readers or those who have experienced similar trauma. CONVERSATION: Parents should be prepared to discuss the historical context of the mid-20th century, specifically the rigid social expectations regarding 'appropriate' hobbies for children and the financial realities of that era. You may also need to talk about the different ways people process grief, as the uncle's coldness is his own (unhealthy) way of coping.
Ideal Reader
A 10-year-old who is deeply committed to a hobby or sport and understands what it feels like to have a 'burning desire' to achieve a goal despite external pressure.
Parent Prep
Read the first two chapters with your child to help them process the earthquake and the loss of the parents. A child expressing that they feel "trapped" or that their guardians do not support their passions and career aspirations.
Age Experience
Younger readers will focus on the 'secret' nature of the dancing and the sibling teamwork, while older readers will better grasp the emotional nuances of the uncle's disapproval and the socioeconomic barriers Anna faces.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many 'dance books' that focus on the glamour of the stage, Streatfeild focuses on the gritty, technical necessity of the art form and the sheer logistical difficulty of pursuing a dream when you have no resources.
Read plot summary
After their parents are killed in an earthquake in Turkey, Anna and her two brothers are sent to live with their austere Uncle Eustace and Aunt Poly in England. While her brothers adjust to their new lives, Anna is devastated because her uncle considers ballet a frivolous waste of time and forbids her from practicing. Driven by an intense internal necessity to dance, Anna and her siblings work together to find ways to fund her secret lessons, navigating financial hardship and social restrictions along the way.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Anna says she 'must' dance, not just that she 'wants' to. What is something in your life that feels like a 'must' for you?
2
Uncle Eustace thinks ballet is a waste of time. Why do you think he feels that way, and how does his attitude affect the way Anna sees him?
3
Anna's brothers, Gussie and Peter, help her in different ways. How does their relationship change once they move to England?
4
What are some of the creative ways Anna and her siblings try to solve their problems when they have no money?
5
If you were in Anna's position, would you have followed your uncle's rules or found a way to dance in secret like she did?
