When It All Syncs Up
Description
“A stunning read [. . .] simmering with tension and gripping to the final word.” —Debbie Rigaud, New York Times bestselling author of Simone Breaks All the Rules and A Girl’s Guide to Love & Magic
Now in paperback! 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.
Ballet is Aisha’s life. But when discrimination at her elite academy pushes her to her breaking point, she decides to pivot. At her new public arts school, Aisha scores more dance opportunities than she’s ever had before. And it doesn’t hurt that she gets to take classes with her bestie . . . and with Ollie, an adorably shy musician who keeps throwing off her usually impeccable balance.
Yet even as Aisha navigates friendships, family conflict, and first love, questions about her dance career open up new and old wounds. Aisha must find strength in herself and place her trust in others to make her next move.
"At times hopeful and beautiful but also heartbreakingly devastating, When It All Syncs Up is a story of love in so many forms. But maybe most important of all, it is about the love we give ourselves, and allow ourselves to be given, even at our most broken."—Jonny Garza Villa, author of the Pura Belpré Honor Book Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
Awards
- Joint winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children’s Book Centre 2023
- Joint winner, Kirkus Best of 2023 List 2023
- Short-listed, Foreword Indies Award 2023
Reviews
“Ameyaw's debut is raw and real. It contextualizes Black girlhood through the lens of mental health and what it looks like to heal within community. Aisha is strong and soft, a perfect balance in a relatable heroine.”
- Louisa Onomé, author of Like Home and Twice As Perfect
“Powerful, moving, and achingly personal, When It All Syncs Up is the perfect read for teens who need a book that feels like a friend who understands."
- Kayla Ancrum, author of The Wicker King, The Weight of the Stars, and Darling
"When It All Syncs Up is a powerful, needed story of healing. Aisha deals with racism, mental health issues, and bullying, as well as experiencing first love. It's a story that will resonate with so many teens and help others have more compassion. The honesty, vibrancy, and compelling writing make it an unputdownable book."
- Cheryl Rainfield, author of Scars and Stained
“Aisha is every teen who’s struggled to separate their self-worth from the expectations of their parents. A touching story of healing and self-discovery.”
- Ryan Douglass, New York Times bestselling author of The Taking of Jake Livingston
"When It All Syncs Up is a journey that will pirouette into your hearts and leave you breathless. So much more than a story about dance, the pages are filled with depth, tackling heavy issues from a relatable point of view. Ameyaw reminds us throughout of the lengths one will go to for the love of friendship. And how sometimes, finding your own path along the way will offer the surprising self-discovery of courage and strength. I cannot wait to see what's next from this debut author because I am here for the ride."
- Vanessa L. Torres, author of The Turning Pointe
"Delicate and fervent, like any good ballet performance, When It All Syncs Up is honest, captivating, and fresh. It will stay with you long after you've finished the book."
- Gabriela Martins, author of Like a Love Song and Bad at Love
"A bold, insightful debut that explores young artists experiencing trauma. Maya Ameyaw writes about the psychological tolls and triumphs of dancing with a captivating freshness that will pull readers into this intense, intimate story."
- Mariko Turk, author of The Other Side of Perfect
"At times hopeful and beautiful but also heartbreakingly devastating, When It All Syncs Up is a story of love in so many forms. But maybe most important of all, it is about the love we give ourselves, and allow ourselves to be given, even at our most broken."
- Jonny Garza Villa, author of the Pura Belpré Honor Book Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
"With storytelling that’s beautifully dark and moving, Ameyaw crafts a captivating journey of healing and growth."
- Joya Goffney, author of Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry and Confessions of an Alleged Good Girl
“A hopeful, realistic exploration of mental health among teens invested in the world of the arts.”
- Kirkus Reviews, *starred review, 03/29/23
“[A] tightly plotted and smoothly written novel that tackles issues of racism in classical ballet alongside mental health and body image conflicts.”
- Publishers Weekly, 04/27/23
“Ameyaw adeptly creates visceral responses to the characters’ situations, while treating their issues of mental health, eating disorders, and traumas from assault and alcoholism with sensitivity. A needed addition to all collections that serve young adults.”
—School Library Journal, *starred review, 08/23
- School Library Journal, *starred review, 08/23
“WHEN IT ALL SYNCS UP is a thoughtful, delicate illustration of the pivotal stage in which a teenager steps off the blueprint of childhood into the unknown.”
- Quill & Quire, 06/26/23
“Aisha is a realistic and well-developed character, and the challenges and mental health issues she and her friends struggle with are realistic and genuine.”
- Canadian Children’s Book News, Fall/23