Turning Point: A Provocative Middle Grade Novel of Best Friends, Ballet, and Racial Barriers (Ages 8-12)

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.

• Coming of Age Story: Sheeda is stuck at home with her strict aunt, while Mo is away at a ballet intensive. Over one summer, both girls will have to figure out who they are—and who they want to be.
• A Secret Summer Crush: When Rasheeda starts texting her best friend’s older brother, Lennie, she knows she’s breaking the rules. But keeping the secret from Mo might be the hardest part.
• Black Girl in a White Space: At her prestigious ballet program, Monique is one of the only Black dancers. She’s talented and dedicated, but soon realizes that her biggest challenges have nothing to do with her technique.
• Authentic Friendship Story: Told from both Mo's and Sheeda's points of view, this realistic novel explores the tough, timely, and emotional tests of a middle school friendship.

Paula Chase is the cofounder of The Brown Bookshelf, a site designed to increase awareness of African American voices writing for young readers. She lives in Annapolis, Maryland. Her novels include the acclaimed So Done and its companion, Dough Boys. www.paulachasehyman.com