I had no idea that this is technically the second in the Ballet Besties series but I was delighted that it didn't seem to matter. This instalment focuses on Indu, who loves ballet, science and her friends. When her ballet teacher announces a class trip to see a professional ballet performance of Cinderella ahead of their own performance of it, Indu's mother sadly tells her that they'll never be able to afford Indu's ticket. Despite this, Indu goes to the show with her friends anyway but how will she ever pay for it?

I loved how kindness was so strong in this book. Everyone was considerate and sensitive to everyone else's feelings and it was lovely, especially considering they were kids and stage kids at that. There was plenty of room for bullying and teasing but it was all completely pure.

I also really liked how Indu didn't have to be told that she'd done wrong in going to the show without paying for it. She knew immediately and insisted on paying her teacher back herself. This is such a good thing to teach young readers and hopefully many of them will be more like Indu when they face similar issues.

There was also a focus on ballet not being an accessible hobby for those on low incomes. I'd actually like to see this issue raised more in books, particularly YA and adult books that set around dance or the theatre, as it is definitely a real thing.

I'd like to read more of this series as I really enjoyed spending time with the Ballet Besties. Dante and Charlie are gorgeous examples of boys who do ballet and hopefully instalments centring them will draw in young male readers, who will see kind, relatable boys dancing!

This chapter book is perfect for ballet fans or those who have very little ballet experience. The author, Yasmine Naghdi is a British ballerina and her knowledge and passion shines through as she takes us on a journey with Yara. Yara and her friends attend Shimmer and Shine Dance School and are soon faced with a problem; their beloved dance studio may be closed! The pictures in each chapter really help to maintain the young reader’s interest and the pictures of the group messages will I am sure interest younger readers too.

Thank you for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.