Turning Point

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 Renée 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 aunt’s every rule. For Mo, that means not making waves in the prestigious and mostly White ballet intensive she’s been accepted to.

But what happens when Sheeda catches the eye of Mo’s older brother, and the invisible racial barriers to Mo’s success as a ballerina turn out to be not so invisible? What happens when you discover that being yourself isn’t 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 Renée Watson.

Can two best friends find their own way when the world keeps telling them who they’re supposed to be?

• Navigating Friendships: Sheeda feels left behind in the Cove while her best friend Mo is away for the summer. But a new secret might change everything between them.
• A Sweet First Crush: When Mo’s older brother, Lennie, starts paying attention to Sheeda, she’s torn between her growing feelings and her loyalty to her best friend.
• Racial Identity and Belonging: At a prestigious and mostly White ballet intensive, Mo must confront microaggressions and figure out how to succeed without losing herself.
• Finding Your Voice: Told from the alternating perspectives of Mo and Sheeda, this powerful middle grade book explores what it means to stand your ground, even when you’re scared.