Nova in New York

Seventeen-year-old Nova Abbott grew up dancing barefoot in the backyard with her aunt Ivy, whose dreams of becoming a professional ballerina were cut short by cystic fibrosis. Nova is invited to attend a prestigious ballet school's summer intensive program. She is a bit overwhelmed by New York City: the bustle of people, the talent of the other dancers, the demands of the instructors and being separated from her beloved aunt, whose health is deteriorating rapidly. With a coveted apprenticeship up for grabs, Nova isn't sure she'll make it in the big leagues, and now she's not even sure she wants to.

Ages 9-12

Available in the US and Canada.

On Canadian Children's Book Centre’s Best Books for Kids and Teens 2019 list!

4/5 stars from NetGalley:

“It was really nice to read a YA book about a girl's family life and goals, instead of her love life and romance. This book was short and an easy read, but there was angst, too. Nova is from Canada. She is accepted into the Joffrey Ballet's prestigious intensive summer program, where she has the chance to become an apprentice. She explores New York. She challenges herself and works hard. She makes a new friend, but she also worries about her family at home.”