Read more
"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 Heartbreaker and Tiny Pretty Things. 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."--]cProvided by publisher.
About the author
MAYA AMEYAW is a Toronto-based YA author and mental health advocate. A former bookseller, Maya currently works for InkWell Workshops, a writing group for people with lived experience of mental health issues. With InkWell, she has edited and contributed to four mental-health themed anthologies. Maya also runs the Youtube series and blog Plotting and Scheming, where she interviews YA authors about their writing journeys.
Follow @MayaAmeyaw on Twitter!
Summary
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.
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.
Foreword
- Lead title marketing campaign
- National media campaign, including targeted outreach to trade/YA/women’s/Black media
- Extensive social media influencer outreach campaign and partnerships, social media street team, partnership with Melanin in YA, blog tour
- Author appearances, in-person and virtual, including IG Live with Courtney Summers
- Pre-order incentive campaign with Indies exclusive custom enamel pins and sticker sheets
- Pre-pub trade advertising; key library journal print and digital advertising
- Lead title promotion at key industry events, including Winter Institute, NCTE, OLA, ALA
- Promotions on Goodreads, Netgalley, Edelweiss
- Marketing to fans of Tiny Pretty Things, and Pointe
- Extensive print and digital galley distribution to booksellers, reviewers, librarians, and educators
- Finished book mailing
- Outreach to Black mental health and arts programs
- National awards submissions
