Where to Start with Catherine Bruton
For readers new to Catherine Bruton, the absolute best starting point is her critically acclaimed, award-winning middle-grade novel No Ballet Shoes in Syria (2019). This book perfectly exemplifies her signature style: tackling heavy, real-world issues like the global refugee crisis and asylum seeking, while filtering them through a lens of hope, art, and resilience. It serves as an excellent introduction to her empathetic storytelling.
If you are introducing younger readers or those who prefer fast-paced sports fiction, the best place to start is the Somersaults and Dreams series, which she wrote under the pen name Cate Shearwater. Beginning with Making the Grade (2015), this trilogy offers a lighter, high-spirited dive into the world of competitive gymnastics, focusing on teamwork, determination, and friendship.
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
While all of Catherine Bruton's novels under her real name are standalones and can be read in any order, reading them in publication order allows you to appreciate how her style and thematic focus have evolved over more than two decades:
- Of Silence and Slow Time (2004) – Bruton's debut novel is a piece of WWI historical fiction centering on Amelie, a twelve-year-old mute girl living in German-occupied France who hides an injured British soldier.
- We Can Be Heroes (2011) – A moving contemporary young adult novel addressing grief, loss, and friendship in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. This book was later adapted into a family feature film.
- Pop! (2012) – A humorous yet sharp story focusing on reality television, ambitions, and the complexities of modern teenage friendships.
- I Predict a Riot (2014) – Set against the backdrop of the London riots, this fast-paced contemporary novel explores youth culture, media portrayal, and societal tension.
- No Ballet Shoes in Syria (2019) – The story of Aya, an eleven-year-old Syrian refugee seeking asylum in the UK who finds hope, community, and a voice through her love for ballet.
- Another Twist in the Tale (2020) – A creative, feminist reimagining of Charles Dickens' classic Oliver Twist, focusing on Oliver's long-lost twin sister, Twill.
- Following Frankenstein (2021) – A companion/sequel to Mary Shelley's classic, exploring the journey of Maggie as she travels across the Arctic in search of Frankenstein's monster.
- Confessions of a Helicopter Mummy (2022) – Marking a departure from children's fiction, this is a contemporary romantic comedy aimed at adult readers.
- Bird Boy (2024) – A touching middle-grade story exploring nature therapy, healing, and friendship through the eyes of Omar, a traumatized young refugee from Afghanistan, and a boy named Will.
- Tadpole Summer (2026) – A warm and nostalgic middle-grade summer adventure exploring family secrets and childhood discoveries.
The Somersaults and Dreams Series (as Cate Shearwater)
Written under the pseudonym Cate Shearwater, this trilogy is highly serialized and should be read strictly in chronological order. The series follows Ellie Trengilly as she trains at the prestigious London Gymnastics Academy:
- Making the Grade (2015) – Ellie takes her first steps into elite gymnastics training, dealing with tough coaches and intense rivalries.
- Rising Star (2015) – The stakes get higher as Ellie works to secure her place on the squad amidst personal and athletic challenges.
- Going for Gold (2015) – The dramatic conclusion to the trilogy, following Ellie and her teammates as they chase their ultimate competitive dreams.
Short Stories and Novellas
In addition to her full-length books, Catherine Bruton wrote Refugee Kid (2017). Published as part of Badger Learning's "Between the Lines" series, this short novella is designed for readers aged 12–16. It serves as an excellent companion piece to No Ballet Shoes in Syria and Bird Boy, focusing on the immediate challenges faced by a young refugee trying to adjust to life in the UK.
What to Know Before You Start
When diving into Bruton's bibliography, it is helpful to keep a few details in mind:
- Pseudonym split: The books under "Catherine Bruton" deal with serious, often challenging topics like WWI, migration, trauma, and literary retellings. The books under "Cate Shearwater" are lighter, commercial sports fiction.
- Classic Reimagining Duology: While Another Twist in the Tale and Following Frankenstein are separate retellings of different classic novels, they share a similar stylistic spirit, showing Bruton's passion for nineteenth-century literature. They can be read in any order.
- Real-World Research: Bruton works closely with community organizations, such as Bath Welcomes Refugees, to ensure her portrayals of displaced children are accurate and respectful, making her books highly valued in classroom settings.