A CCBC Our Choice book.

The letter was signed by Czar Nicholas, himself. He was asking her to perform once more for his ailing son. Though her days on the stage were behind her, Anna Pavlova had no choice. She would have to dance for Prince Alexis. Or would she? Perhaps, for the greatest dancer in all of Russia, the answer lay in the old gypsy woman's carved, wooden heart.

Anna Pavlova was once the greatest ballerina in all of Russia. Now, she spends her days dancing alone.

So, when Czar Nicholas pleads with her to perform for his ailing son, she must put aside her fear of reappearing in public. She must hope there is enough skill left in her dance to encourage the boy to live. As Anna hastens to her sleigh, an old gypsy woman presses a carved wooden heart into her hand. "Look into your own face tonight and choose how to give your gift." she says.

With the strange words still ringing in her ears, Anna rides into the wintry night where a mysterious encounter is about to take place.

Maxine Trottier and Victoria Bersichevsky bring a perfect blend of history and fantasy to life.

Set on the eve of the Russian Revolution, Pavlova's Gift is a poignant tale of generosity and promise.