Turning Point

(Hardback)

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Description

When being yourself isn't good enough, who should you be

Told in dual perspectives, this provocative and timely novel for middle-school readers by Paula Chase, the acclaimed author of So Done and Dough Boys, will resonate with fans of Jason Reynolds, Rebecca Stead, and Rene Watson.

Best friends Rasheeda and Monique are both good girls. For Sheeda, that means keeping her friends close and following her deeply religious and strict aunts every rule. For Mo, that means not making waves in the prestigious and mostly White ballet intensive shes been accepted to.

But what happens when Sheeda catches the eye of Mos older brother, and the invisible racial barriers to Mos success as a ballerina turn out to be not so invisible What happens when you discover that being yourself isnt good enough How do you fight back

Paula Chase explores the complex and emotional issues that affect many young teens in this novel set in the same neighborhood as her acclaimed So Done and Dough Boys. Friendship, family, finding yourself, and standing your ground are the themes of this universal story that is perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Rebecca Stead, and Rene Watson.

Reviews

Best friends Monique and Rasheeda spend the summer before ninth grade apart when Monique gets into a prestigious ballet training program and Rasheeda is left behind to help her aunt at their close-knit church. . . . Readers will enjoy the contrasting narratives as well as the authentic dialogue. . . . Fans of . . . Jason Reynoldss Track series are sure to enjoy . . . Chase writes the diverging, formative experiences of young Black girls beautifully. School Library Journal (starred review) Two 13-year-old girls figure out whats really important to them during a transitional summer. Best friends Monique Jenkins and Rasheeda Tate are facing unfamiliar situations without each other to lean on . . . Writing from the girls alternating third-person viewpoints, Chase lends authenticity to the characters distinct voices. She delves into the unique pressures of ballet and church cultures with empathetic understanding. Kirkus Reviews At ballet, Mo is dealing with being one of the only Black students . . . [while] at home, Sheeda finds herself flirting, via text and in person, with Mos older brother Lennie and struggling to find a friend groove . . . Chase . . . captures the viewpoint and texting voices of young teens with wit and vivacity. . . . The inviting voice, vivid characterization, and comradely take on teen troubles continues to make the girls from the Cove engaging company, and readers will be keen to see whats next. Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books Monique and Rasheeda are best friends . . . But when Mo is accepted into their schools talented and gifted dance program . . . Sheeda is left questioning . . . what the girls summer has in store for them. With what feels like a world between them, the girls navigate unfamiliar territory and the social pressures of adolescence. . . . Chases latest . . . will hook readers . . . [and] is sure to shift perspectives and move hearts. . . . [A] timely middle-grade title, further diversifying representations of Black girlhood. Booklist The crew from the Cove is back . . . Empathetic to the ambiguities of Black girlhood, and to adolescence in general, Chase moves effortlessly between Sheedas and Mos alternating chapters, as they go forward with a better understanding of themselves and each other. Readers will root for Sheeda and Mos friendship from beginning to end. . . . A solid standalone. Horn Book Magazine

Author Bio

Paula Chase is the author of several books for teens. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a cheer-leading coach and in public relations for a tech company. She is the co-founder of The Brown Bookshelf, a site designed to increase awareness of African American voices writing for young readers. She is the author of So Done.