Turning Point

By: Paula Chase

Narrated by: Bahni Turpin

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.

Many young Black girls and their moms will relate

The author has done a phenomenal job recreating situations in her story that reflect the Black experience. Her effective incorporation of the Black vernacular, terminology, and expressions into the story is spot on and strengthens its authenticity. While getting a glimpse of the teenage experience, we see how the author tackles issues of racism and subtle exclusion clearly and unapologetically. This is the first book that I have read that candidly addresses young Black girls’ experiences, but also validates their feelings without suggesting they conform or dismiss their experiences- which is a crucial message when the self esteem of many young Black girls is often adversely impacted. I highly recommend this book and will recommend it to my middle school students.