Dans les années 1870 à Paris, la jeune Sylvie, 13 ans, est un petit rat d'opéra. Sa mère l'encourage malgré sa pauvreté. Sylvie côtoie le peintre Edgar Degas et rêve de devenir une ballerine célèbre, mais sa petite taille ne le lui permet pas. Quand la guerre survient entre la France et la Prusse, la jeune fille doit renoncer à la danse. Son talent lui permettra finalement d'atteindre son but.
Young Adult Edition with Reader's Guide "Sometimes you know in your heart you love someone, but you have to go away before your head can figure it out." To trace the path of her missing mother, Sal embarks on a journey from Ohio to Idaho with her grandparents. On the road, Sal tells the strange and exciting story of her friend Phoebe. As the miles pass, Phoebe's tale becomes more and more outrageous, while Sal's own story begins to emerge. In unraveling Phoebe's mystery, Sal comes ever closer to finding out the truth behind her own bittersweet journey. What will she find at the end of the road?
Set against a backdrop of rich historical context, the narrative explores complex characters navigating personal and societal challenges. Themes of resilience and transformation are woven throughout the story, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of individuals in a changing world. The author's evocative prose brings to life the intricacies of human relationships and the impact of external forces on personal journeys. This work invites readers to reflect on the interplay between history and individual experiences.