Book Review: “Turning Point” (So Done #3) by Paula Chase

“Turning Point” by Paula Chase (2020)

Genre: Middle Grade, Fiction

Page Length: 384 pages (paperback review edition)

Synopsis:

Distance threatens to tear apart a friendship. That is, of course, if a secret doesn’t ruin it first.

Told in dual perspectives, this provocative and timely stand-alone companion to Paula Chase’s 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, Bible-quoting 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 success as a ballerina turn out to be not so invisible? (description from Goodreads)

Review:

This novel is a coming of age story that follows two friends, Monique and Rasheeda, who spend a summer apart. Monique is going a ballet intensive program while Rasheeda stays at home helping out with her church’s bible camp. This is a coming of age story as much is a tale about friendship and finding yourself. Both girls are put in different situation where they out of place both separated, but are only able to stay connected through text.

Monique and Mila not only struggle at being in a less diverse space (they are the only Black dancers) but also the competitive nature of other ballet dancers at the camp. Monique was to improve but becomes very insecure of herself as she starts to compare herself to the others dancers skills and bodies. She works on gaining the confidence to improve, learn new techniques, and to love herself. Rasheea struggles to balance life outside of church. Hr overbearing Aunt wants the best for her but tends to encroach on her space. Plus she falls for Monique’s brother, but doesn’t want to ruin their friendship.

I though it was really interesting how the author handles the narrative of both girls in their middle school experience while exploring themes of race, body image, religion, and privilege. I also appreciated how the text chats were integrated into the novel’s narrative makes it relatable for its intended audience to connect with. It also allows us readers to view intimate conversations between the characters and show how their lives intertwine.

I think readers will be able to resonate with Monique’s and Rasheeda’s story. It’s a novel about striving to be your true selves when life throws obstacles your way.

*Trigger Warning: Sexual Harassment

Final Verdict: