Turning Point

Paula Chase’s novel “Turning Point” is thought-provoking and relevant for middle school readers. It centers on Rasheeda and Monique, best friends, and is told from two points of view. Sheeda follows her strict aunt’s religious guidelines, and Mo enters the mostly White ballet world. When racial barriers appear, they struggle with friendship, identification, and maintaining their ground. It is an all-encompassing story ideal for followers of Jason Reynolds and Renée Watson.