A Sweet Valley High for a new generation, a dishy, dazzling YA drama set against the backdrop of an elite charter school where stars are made—or fade.
When Chyna gets a scholarship to the newest, most prestigious sports school in the city, it's the best opportunity to do the gymnastics she loves. But between caring for her ailing mother and dealing with the elitist girls on her gymnastics team, she's not sure she belongs.
Meanwhile, Jamaal is reeling from the death of his brother—who was also secretly Chyna's boyfriend. Becoming star of the Power Panthers basketball team is his way to honor his brother's memory and nothings going to stand in his way. Not even his health.
Filled with gossip, high-stakes sports drama, and tons of heart, BALANCING ACT is the first in a riveting new series about teens fighting for their dreams in a city where picking a side is no game.
"Organic prose centers Black teens in a juicy high-stakes sports drama with soapy twists... In this scintillating series starter told via Chyna and Jamaal's alternating perspectives, Chase deftly examines issues of classism and systemic racism amid Gossip Girl-style glitz."
Publishers Weekly
"Chase serves up a strong, balanced portrayal of dramatic, real-life struggles centering on well-rounded Black characters navigating neighborhood, socioeconomic, family, and other differences. Teen readers will resonate with the relatable depiction of the challenges of juggling home, school, and the digital third space of social media."
