The document provides an introduction to the plot of the book "Billy Elliot" by summarizing the key events and setting. It describes how 11-year-old Billy wants to pursue ballet instead of boxing like the other boys in his family and mining town in 1980s England. Despite facing rejection for breaking with tradition, Billy perseveres to follow his dreams. The story is set during the British miners' strike of 1984-1985 when the government sought to close coal mines, leaving miners unemployed.