The Ballad of a Broken Nose In the heart-wrenching tale "The Ballad of a Broken Nose," author Arne Svingen masterfully weaves together themes of resilience, hope, and the power of self-expression to tell the story of young Bart, a thirteen-year-old boy who has faced more challenges in his short life than many people experience in a lifetime. Despite his difficult circumstances, Bart remains an eternal optimist, finding solace in the beauty of opera and the escape it provides from his harsh reality. Bart's mother, determined to protect her son, enrolls him in boxing lessons, hoping to teach him how to defend himself. But Bart already has his own defense mechanisms - his relentless positivity and love for opera. He listens to and sings opera in secret, using these artistic expressions as his safe haven from the hardships he faces every day. However, when popular Ada befriends him, Bart learns that he doesn't have to carry his burdens alone. Ada, with a penchant for gossip and a contagious laugh, brings out the performer in Bart, encouraging him to share his talent with the world at the school's annual talent show.

''