Mental health issues, racism, and bullying are a huge part of the story, but a lot more is going on, and if you get triggered easily, I’d strongly advise reading the trigger warnings carefully. When I realized what had happened to him, my stomach contracted. Even though their struggles were the clearest, I had a soft spot for Ollie, this quiet and musical guy, who I wanted to hold and hug so much. Not only because of Aisha but also because of Neil. My heart ached, and goosebumps danced on my skin. A great debut!įrom the moment I started reading, Maya Ameyaw pulled me into the story, and I read breathlessly.

This story about a Black teen ballet dancer, who has to deal with racism and bullying, is raw and dark at times but simultaneously hopeful and feels incredibly personal. Aisha will have to find the strength within herself–and place her trust in others–to make her next move. There’s no choreography to follow–for high school or for healing. And as past traumas surface, pressure from friends and family, a new romance, and questions about her dance career threaten to overwhelm her. But she soon discovers racism and bullying are entrenched in the ballet program here, too, and there’s a new, troubling distance between her and Neil. Switching to her best friend Neil’s art school seems like the perfect plan at first.

So when she’s denied yet another lead at her elite academy because she doesn’t “look” the part, she knows something has to change–the constant discrimination is harming her mental health. Aisha will have to find the strength within herself-and place her trust in others-to make her next move.A Black teen dancer with dreams of landing a spot in a prestigious ballet company must learn to dance on her own terms in this explosive debut about the healing power of art and friendship, perfect for fans of Heartstopper and Tiny Pretty Things.īallet is Aisha’s life. There's no choreography to follow-for high school or for healing. But she soon discovers racism and bullying are entrenched in the ballet program here, too, and there's a new, troubling distance between her and Neil. Switching to her best friend Neil's art school seems like the perfect plan at first. So when she's denied yet another lead at her elite academy because she doesn't 'look' the part, she knows something has to change-the constant discrimination is harming her mental health. A Black teen dancer with dreams of landing a spot in a prestigious ballet company must learn to dance on her own terms in this explosive debut about the healing power of art and friendship, perfect for fans of Euphoria and Tiny Pretty Things.īallet is Aisha's life.

When It All Syncs Up by Maya Ameyaw