Paula Chase

Mila and Tai have been best friends since they were toddlers, they grew up across the street from each other, in a lower income area. As summer comes to an end, Tai cannot wait for Mila to return home from spending a month with her aunt in the suburbs. Although, both girls have some secrets, and when Mila returns she’s more focused on her dance auditions coming soon than hanging out with Tai. I think this is a good book for middle schoolers to read because it is very relatable. Especially in middle school kids are going through similar situations.… (altro)

Turning Point, a realistic fiction novel, is a 2021 Lone Star selection.

The novel alternates between Rasheeda and Monique's stories. They are good friends but will be spending three pivotal weeks apart because Monique and their other friend Mila both got into an impressive, intensive ballet program. Rasheeda did not get in, so she's feeling left out. At home, Rasheeda's aunt raises her. Aunt D possesses strong opinions about how one spends one time, how one behaves, and with whom one should spend time. Rasheeda spends much of her time at First Baptist (First Bap). She sings, dances, helps with the kids, and is pretty much there all the time. She really doesn't enjoy her "church friends" and with Monique gone, she feels her choices are limited. Monique's brother starts texting her, and Sheeda really likes him, but Aunt D has rules! She can't go to Monique's house normally, so she certainly can't visit him when Monique isn't there. Rasheeda follows the rules and does not like conflict. She stays silent if people are arguing--leave her out of it! The internal battles are plaguing her--she feels that her choices are limited: church or home. What to do about Lennie? She needs to find her voice and find a compromise with her aunt.

Monique often responds to people with anger. At home, most of her brothers are all in jail or prison, so it's just Lennie and Monique. Mom is determined they will NOT get in trouble, so they have a lot more responsibilities. Money is tight. A scholarship has paid for Monique's dance. Only she and Mila are black. Everything makes Monique feel that she is treated differently due to her color. She's determined to be a better dancer but feels she's judged differently. She feels equal to Mila although she states Mila seems to move more effortlessly than Monique. Any comment or look can set Monique off. If they do well enough, they'll be invited to the year round ballet school. That becomes her goal even though she really doesn't seem to like ballet--other than dancing it. She falls asleep at every performance they watch. She has two white suitemates, which makes the three weeks even more interesting. She needs to find her own dance path and control her quick bouts of anger when she interacts with people.

I really liked the novel because it shows that we are all so busy in our lives that we assume so much about others. Sometimes we need to really sit and listen to understanding how others feel instead of wasting time arguing or being jealous over stuff that doesn't matter or you aren't interested in. In the end, they have to discover who they are individually and learn to explain themselves in order to be heard and respected.… (altro)

Simp and Rollie are best friends. They play on the much vaunted championship Marauders basketball team. But they also work as lookouts for coach Tez who deals drugs. Rollie wants out of the “game” and to focus on his music and drumming. He may have a chance to get out of the Cove if he can ace his audition with the band Rowdy Boys. Simp is still down with Coach but when Tez expresses interest in bringing in Dre, Simp’s younger brother, Simp doesn’t want to see that happen. As the boys’ interests diverge it puts a strain on their friendship. Kids looking for edgy, cool fiction will enjoy the back and forth of Simp, Rollie and their friends in the squad. Compelling reading for reluctant readers. Shows that you can have options and choices in life. Realistically portrayed tensions.… (altro)

This one grew on me. Jamila (Bean) is changing as she heads into 8th grade. A tramatic incident at her friend Tai's house has changed her feeling about the Cove. A summer away was what she needed. In the last few weeks before school starts back up Tai and Mila's friendship is put to the test as they navigate their changing dynamic, as they prep to try out for a selective new arts opportunity, and as new kids and new relationships emerge. The book is peppered with teen speak, slang in the dialog and texts. The friend group is largely African-American… (altro)