Mo and Sheeda have been best friends for years, but Mo's three week intensive at Ballet America this summer could threaten their relationship. Sheeda loves dance, too, but it turns out she's just church good, not good enough for the Talented and Gifted program and school, and certainly not good enough for the BA intensive. Mo feels like she's always competing with Mila who has a "dancer's body" and natural grace, but Mo has worked hard to earn her spot, and she's not giving it up.
Sheeda feels abandoned as Mo and Mila head off for three weeks. That just leaves her with Tai, the fourth member of their group who she's never really hung out with alone, and her church friends. The First Bap Pack is good for church, but they've never really been friends outside of church. They go to a different school, and her other friends don't really get the church thing. Sheeda lives with her aunt, and First Bap is her life. Sheeda love her aunt, but there are so many rules, and it seems like she has to spend every waking minute at church. She always feels guilty, like she can never be good enough.
When Mo's older brother starts texting her, Sheeda isn't really sure how to take it. Boys have never really paid attention to her that way, but she definitely has a crush on Lenny. She's just not sure if he's really into her or playing games. She also knows her aunt would definitely veto a boyfriend before she could even get the words out. Plus, what about Mo? What hanging out with her best friend's brother ruin their friendship?
Mo is so excited for three weeks of ballet, but as soon as they get there, she's thrown off her game by so many White people. Most of the kids at school and in her neighborhood are Black, and she's not sure how much of the awkwardness is coming from her and how much is low key racism. The dancing is exhausting, and Mo loves focusing so intently on it, but everything else is awkward. Mila seems to fit in easier with her light skin and slim body. Mo's skin is darker, and she's always appreciated her muscular thighs and butt. They give her the power to do amazing jumps, but she's not sure Ballet America appreciates her body type or her opinions.
Mo and Sheeda are still texting all the time, but they are both going through an intense summer that will change them and their friendship forever.
This is the third book in Paula Chase's So Done series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. I loved the portrayal of female friendships and how they are affected by distance and romantic relationships. Mo's story arch is compelling as she tries to determine how many of her problems are due to the nonacceptance of a White world and how many are due to her own perceptions. I also really appreciated her conclusions about classical ballet which felt totally earned and realistic. Sheeda's struggles with trying to be herself and find companionship in her lonely summer will resonate with readers, as will her insecurities about Lenny's attention. I also appreciate the portrayal of a religious lifestyle as normal even if her aunt is a little overbearing. Like Mo, she comes to some conclusions about herself and what she wants by the end. There is one scene where a boy makes her feel uncomfortable by imposing her physically. It is handled well and is an essential part of her personal growth. Highly recommended.
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