This year’s winner of the Whistler Independent book award, The Beggar’s Dance is a beautifully written tale of overcoming obstacles set in a colourful East African city against the lives of its people.

With the death of his mother, Juma struggles to survive begging on the streets of his Tanzanian hometown. He is in despair until me meets Zakiya who teaches him to read and steers him towards a better life. But when she disappears, he feels there is no hope.

• Canadian 5 out of 5s