One Chance Dance by Efua Traoré

One Chance Dance is such an inspiring and heartfelt book! Sometimes, we forget what it means to dream and not let anyone or anything get in the way of those dreams…

Word: SERENDIPITY
Meaning: Good luck in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries

Jomi had always believed in changing one’s ayanmo (destiny) just like his mother, so when he runs away from a wicked aunt to Lagos in search of his mother with no money, three vague letters, and a cute bush baby, he has no idea what lies in wait for him. 

One Chance Dance is such an inspiring and heartfelt book! Sometimes, we forget what it means to dream and not let anyone or anything get in the way of those dreams, and that’s exactly what Jomi and his friends did. 

There are so many lessons to be learned from One Chance Dance, including resilience, courage, kindness, and the knowledge that no matter how old or rusty something looks, it can still be cleaned and made not just shiny but functional again. 

One interesting thing for me is the use of a bush baby as a pet for Jomi, an animal that has always been mythically associated with bad luck and witchcraft, turned around to serendipitously show Jomi the one thing he’s been longing for. 

I also found the style of writing very descriptive and imaginative. 

One Chance Dance is an amazing story that I’d recommend for children and young adults. 

Kudos to the author; it was a delightful read!