One Chance Dance by Efua Traore

Jomi’s Mum left him to find their destiny in Lagos. Now, Jomi and his friendly bush baby follow her – but their only starting place is a TV dance competition his mum used to love.

If Jomi and his new Lagos friends can get on that TV show, then maybe Jomi’s mum will see him and they can find their destiny together ...

I really enjoyed this one. The friendships are so well written and the main character, Jomi, has you rooting for him from the get go. This is a story about family, friendships, poverty and gangs - and of course dance! Reading this as an adult, there were so many heartbreaking moments, not least when the young woman who looks after the children the best she can - even whilst she is working as a nurse - comes to a point where she is under pressure choose,to focus on her own life and relationships or focus on the children. So emotive. I am sure a child reading this would process it where their understanding is at but as an adult it really makes you think. Children's books are most definitely not just for children, are they??!