Turning Point
Turning Point by Paula Chase, published by HarperCollins Publishers in 2020, is a 370-page novel written in English that engages middle-school readers through its dual perspectives. The story follows best friends Rasheeda and Monique as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and the pressures of their environments. Rasheeda adheres to the strict rules set by her religious aunt, while Monique strives to fit into a prestigious ballet program, highlighting the complexities of identity and friendship.
In this narrative, Chase delves into themes of family dynamics, social issues, and the struggle for self-acceptance. As Rasheeda captures the attention of Monique’s older brother, the story unfolds to reveal the invisible barriers that challenge Monique’s aspirations as a ballerina. The book addresses the question of authenticity and the difficulties of being true to oneself amidst societal expectations, making it a relevant exploration of adolescence and coming of age.
Official synopsis Publisher
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 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.
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