When It All Syncs Up
Written by Maya Ameyaw
Published by Annick Press
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.
Ballet is Aisha’s life. 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. Switching to her best friend Neil’s art school seems like the perfect plan at first. 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. And as past traumas surface, pressure from friends and family, a new romance, and questions about her dance career threaten to overwhelm her. There’s no choreography to follow–for high school or for healing. Aisha will have to find the strength within herself–and place her trust in others–to make her next move.
Primary ISBN: 9781773217819
Publication Date: June 2023
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Young Adult, Age 14 or older
Community Represented: Algerian/Algerian American, Ghanaian/Ghanaian American, Korean/Korean American
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Arts, Canadian Connection, Cross-Group Friendship, Discrimination: Racial, Family Relationship: Parents, Format: Audiobook, Genre: Romance, Identity: Body Image, Mental Health, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Sports, Trauma & Healing, Trauma & Healing: Disordered Eating, Trauma & Healing: Physical Assault, Trauma & Healing: Sexual Assault, Trauma & Recovery: Substance Use, Welcoming by School
Setting: Canada (Toronto)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unspecified
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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Source: Annick Press