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When It All Syncs Up #1
When It All Syncs Up
“Beautifully dark and moving.” —Joya Goffney, author of Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry and Confessions of an Alleged Good Girl
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. 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.
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. 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.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2023
24 people are currently reading
6025 people want to read
About the author
Maya Ameyaw
3 books88 followersMaya Ameyaw is a Ghanaian Canadian author born and raised in Toronto. Her debut novel When It All Syncs Up was selected as one of Kirkus’s best books of 2023 in the young adult category. She is a former bookseller and currently works as a writing instructor. Maya has edited several literary anthologies for community arts programs.
In her free time, Maya enjoys hanging out with her adorable dwarf rabbit and devouring as many books as possible. She also loves exploring all the bookstores that Toronto has to offer.
In her free time, Maya enjoys hanging out with her adorable dwarf rabbit and devouring as many books as possible. She also loves exploring all the bookstores that Toronto has to offer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
February 3, 2023
This story about a Black teen ballet dancer, who has to deal with racism and bullying, is raw and dark at times but simultaneously hopeful and feels incredibly personal. A great debut!
From the moment I started reading, Maya Ameyaw pulled me into the story, and I read breathlessly. My heart ached, and goosebumps danced on my skin. Not only because of Aisha but also because of Neil. Even though their struggles were the clearest, I had a soft spot for Ollie, this quiet and musical guy, who I wanted to hold and hug so much. When I realized what had happened to him, my stomach contracted.
Mental health issues, racism, and bullying are a huge part of the story, but a lot more is going on, and if you get triggered easily, I’d strongly advise reading the trigger warnings carefully. As a Dutchie, I loved the references to Michaela DePrince, who danced at the Dutch National Ballet and played in the music video of Chef’Special Afraid of the Dark. That song, about mental health issues, including the video, is so fitting for this story, especially because Aisha mentions that she’s still so terrified to go to the dark places other
dancers tackle with ease:
I am still afraid of the dark
Even though there's a sky full of stars
I don't know where I'm going, but I'm on the run
Can you leave a little light on?
Even though this book isn’t marketed as an LGBTQ+ book there are subtle references in it. I loved those references about not being sure (yet) how to identify in sexuality and that it’s okay not being sure and not having a label.
Maya, thank you for this wonderful debut! I read it in less than two days and can’t wait for your next book!
I received an ARC from Annick Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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From the moment I started reading, Maya Ameyaw pulled me into the story, and I read breathlessly. My heart ached, and goosebumps danced on my skin. Not only because of Aisha but also because of Neil. Even though their struggles were the clearest, I had a soft spot for Ollie, this quiet and musical guy, who I wanted to hold and hug so much. When I realized what had happened to him, my stomach contracted.
Mental health issues, racism, and bullying are a huge part of the story, but a lot more is going on, and if you get triggered easily, I’d strongly advise reading the trigger warnings carefully. As a Dutchie, I loved the references to Michaela DePrince, who danced at the Dutch National Ballet and played in the music video of Chef’Special Afraid of the Dark. That song, about mental health issues, including the video, is so fitting for this story, especially because Aisha mentions that she’s still so terrified to go to the dark places other
dancers tackle with ease:
I am still afraid of the dark
Even though there's a sky full of stars
I don't know where I'm going, but I'm on the run
Can you leave a little light on?
Even though this book isn’t marketed as an LGBTQ+ book there are subtle references in it. I loved those references about not being sure (yet) how to identify in sexuality and that it’s okay not being sure and not having a label.
Maya, thank you for this wonderful debut! I read it in less than two days and can’t wait for your next book!
I received an ARC from Annick Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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July 14, 2022
This story is so close to my heart. I am BEYOND excited to share it with all of you ❤️
Edit: We're getting close to ARCs being sent out, so I am updating this with trigger and content warnings below.
Brief off the page mention of physical abuse and sexual assault of a supporting character. On the page verbal abuse, racism, colorism, depictions of disordered eating, body dysmorphia and dissociation/depersonalization in relation to the main character. Anxiety, depression, homophobia, underage drinking, alcohol dependency and minor cannabis use in relation to supporting characters.
Edit: We're getting close to ARCs being sent out, so I am updating this with trigger and content warnings below.
Brief off the page mention of physical abuse and sexual assault of a supporting character. On the page verbal abuse, racism, colorism, depictions of disordered eating, body dysmorphia and dissociation/depersonalization in relation to the main character. Anxiety, depression, homophobia, underage drinking, alcohol dependency and minor cannabis use in relation to supporting characters.
February 9, 2023
When It All Syncs Up was so good, I was shocked to learn that it is a debut! Sixteen-year-old Aisha is experiencing racism and bullying at her ballet school in Alberta, so when she is given the opportunity to audition at a new school in Toronto and be closer to her best friend (Neil), she leaps at the chance. She is forced to reconcile with Neil's hardships while holding space for her new love interest (Ollie) and her own mental health issues. Aisha has a complicated relationship with her body and food thanks to an abusive mother and previous dance teacher who pushed her to conform to the standard, "ideal" ballerina body. When she and Neil have a difficult time connecting during their dance duos, her estranged mother starts contacting her again, and Aisha starts noticing that her mental health is spiraling, she is forced to choose between who she has been told she has to be to seem worthy to others and how to find her worthiness in who she naturally is.
This book made me cry, and it gives some valuable insights into how harsh the ballet world can be, specifically for Black people. We've heard plenty of stories about white ballerinas and the struggles they face in the industry, but this narrative adds many more layers and delineates how much harder it is for Black ballerinas just to exist in the same spaces as their white peers. The mental health journeys in the book are relevant and relatable, and the author did a fantastic job of representing them. As someone who experienced depersonalization a lot in my teen years due to abuse, I really resonated with that precinct of Aisha's story. I am not flippantly saying this because it is Black history month (this book came to me unexpectedly)- When It All Syncs Up is truly one of my favorite books so far this year, and I think it is a staple in contemporary YA readership. Buy it for yourself, buy it for your age-appropriate teens, and take the time to really digest it. (The author has clear content warnings at the beginning of the book for those who want to make sure they can read it safely.)
I will read anything Maya Ameyaw writes in the future. These characters were so real and well-developed. When It All Syncs Up should be required reading for any dance school's students in order to cultivate awareness, acceptance, and allyship of/for Black people's experiences in the industry. High school libraries should have this on their shelves as well. Thank you to NetGalley, Maya Ameyaw, and the publishers at Annick Press for sending me an e-ARC of this gem. I will be recommending it to everyone!
This book made me cry, and it gives some valuable insights into how harsh the ballet world can be, specifically for Black people. We've heard plenty of stories about white ballerinas and the struggles they face in the industry, but this narrative adds many more layers and delineates how much harder it is for Black ballerinas just to exist in the same spaces as their white peers. The mental health journeys in the book are relevant and relatable, and the author did a fantastic job of representing them. As someone who experienced depersonalization a lot in my teen years due to abuse, I really resonated with that precinct of Aisha's story. I am not flippantly saying this because it is Black history month (this book came to me unexpectedly)- When It All Syncs Up is truly one of my favorite books so far this year, and I think it is a staple in contemporary YA readership. Buy it for yourself, buy it for your age-appropriate teens, and take the time to really digest it. (The author has clear content warnings at the beginning of the book for those who want to make sure they can read it safely.)
I will read anything Maya Ameyaw writes in the future. These characters were so real and well-developed. When It All Syncs Up should be required reading for any dance school's students in order to cultivate awareness, acceptance, and allyship of/for Black people's experiences in the industry. High school libraries should have this on their shelves as well. Thank you to NetGalley, Maya Ameyaw, and the publishers at Annick Press for sending me an e-ARC of this gem. I will be recommending it to everyone!
October 6, 2023
3.5 stars
This did not go the way I thought it would🤔🥹
This did not go the way I thought it would🤔🥹
December 8, 2022
Thank you, thank you, thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press for the eARC! WHEN IT ALL SYNCS UP was a stunning YA contemporary debut about mental health, love, and learning who you are. I will be thinking about this one for a long time.
Note that there are some potentially triggering topics in this novel, so I'd recommend looking through the list of content and trigger warnings that the author provided on Goodreads.
WHEN IT ALL SYNCS UP tells the story of 16-year-old Aisha Bimi, one of the only Black ballerinas at her competitive ballet school in Alberta. After losing out on an important opportunity for her ballet career because her teacher doesn't think she "has the right look" for a ballet solo, Aisha transfers to a public arts school in Toronto where she reconnects with an old friend, meets a new friend who may be something more, and comes to terms with both her mental health struggles and her place in the ballet world.
Is it too early to say that this is going to be one of my top books of 2023? The story dealt with so many important topics—mental health, sexuality, racism, bullying—and I appreciated how Ameyaw didn't shy away from the very real experiences these characters were going through. The writing was just so real and raw and honest. The characters themselves were all so layered and fleshed out—I loved Aisha as a narrator and really felt for her, and her love interest Ollie was so sweet while also dealing with a lot of difficult issues of his own. The bi rep was so great too. I'm also a sucker for stories set in Toronto, and so much about the setting and the characters had a very familiar Toronto feel to it.
Overall, this story was engaging and heartbreaking, but ultimately very hopeful. Without spoiling anything, a highlight for me was the very powerful field trip scene.
Annick has released a lot of great YA recently, and this is definitely another to add to that list. I'll for sure be keeping an eye out for future releases from this author, and I'd highly recommend adding WHEN IT ALL SYNCS UP to your 2023 TBR!
Note that there are some potentially triggering topics in this novel, so I'd recommend looking through the list of content and trigger warnings that the author provided on Goodreads.
WHEN IT ALL SYNCS UP tells the story of 16-year-old Aisha Bimi, one of the only Black ballerinas at her competitive ballet school in Alberta. After losing out on an important opportunity for her ballet career because her teacher doesn't think she "has the right look" for a ballet solo, Aisha transfers to a public arts school in Toronto where she reconnects with an old friend, meets a new friend who may be something more, and comes to terms with both her mental health struggles and her place in the ballet world.
Is it too early to say that this is going to be one of my top books of 2023? The story dealt with so many important topics—mental health, sexuality, racism, bullying—and I appreciated how Ameyaw didn't shy away from the very real experiences these characters were going through. The writing was just so real and raw and honest. The characters themselves were all so layered and fleshed out—I loved Aisha as a narrator and really felt for her, and her love interest Ollie was so sweet while also dealing with a lot of difficult issues of his own. The bi rep was so great too. I'm also a sucker for stories set in Toronto, and so much about the setting and the characters had a very familiar Toronto feel to it.
Overall, this story was engaging and heartbreaking, but ultimately very hopeful. Without spoiling anything, a highlight for me was the very powerful field trip scene.
Annick has released a lot of great YA recently, and this is definitely another to add to that list. I'll for sure be keeping an eye out for future releases from this author, and I'd highly recommend adding WHEN IT ALL SYNCS UP to your 2023 TBR!
October 8, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest review. (Publish Date: May 2, 2023)
“When it All Syncs Up” by Maya Ameyaw was an unexpectedly emotional book for me. The writing was so real and raw at times that I felt guilty being exposed to the characters’ vulnerable moments.
The story follows 16-year-old Aisha Bimi. She loves dancing and attends an elite ballet academy. However, no matter how hard Aisha works, she’s never chosen for leads due to her skin color. However, after visiting her best friend Neil and being fascinated by the art school he attends, Aisha decides to transfer to his school for her junior year of high school and start fresh.
Once she switches schools, Aisha’s talent is obvious to the instructors and she starts to receive the recognition she deserves. Aisha finally allows herself to relax, make new friends, have fun, enjoy being a teenager, and even consider the possibility of dating.
Just when things are starting to finally go right for her, Aisha’s past problems begin to creep back in with constant pressure, bullying, and discrimination weighing her down again. As she nears her breaking point, Aisha’s life takes an unexpected turn. With positive support, truly looking inside herself for answers, and allowing herself to trust others to heal, Aisha’s strength and wisdom begin to truly shine.
Aisha’s so relatable and endearing that I couldn’t help but feel immediately drawn to her. I was routing for her the entire book and felt such great love for her. I hope the author considers writing a sequel, because I’m dying to know more about Aisha’s story and what happens her senior year!
I would highly recommend this book from mid-teens to adult readers due to some drug use, underage drinking, adult language, and sensitive issues like racial discrimination, addiction, trauma/mental health, and eating disorders.
“When it All Syncs Up” by Maya Ameyaw was an unexpectedly emotional book for me. The writing was so real and raw at times that I felt guilty being exposed to the characters’ vulnerable moments.
The story follows 16-year-old Aisha Bimi. She loves dancing and attends an elite ballet academy. However, no matter how hard Aisha works, she’s never chosen for leads due to her skin color. However, after visiting her best friend Neil and being fascinated by the art school he attends, Aisha decides to transfer to his school for her junior year of high school and start fresh.
Once she switches schools, Aisha’s talent is obvious to the instructors and she starts to receive the recognition she deserves. Aisha finally allows herself to relax, make new friends, have fun, enjoy being a teenager, and even consider the possibility of dating.
Just when things are starting to finally go right for her, Aisha’s past problems begin to creep back in with constant pressure, bullying, and discrimination weighing her down again. As she nears her breaking point, Aisha’s life takes an unexpected turn. With positive support, truly looking inside herself for answers, and allowing herself to trust others to heal, Aisha’s strength and wisdom begin to truly shine.
Aisha’s so relatable and endearing that I couldn’t help but feel immediately drawn to her. I was routing for her the entire book and felt such great love for her. I hope the author considers writing a sequel, because I’m dying to know more about Aisha’s story and what happens her senior year!
I would highly recommend this book from mid-teens to adult readers due to some drug use, underage drinking, adult language, and sensitive issues like racial discrimination, addiction, trauma/mental health, and eating disorders.
April 7, 2022
I loved this one! Dance with compelling themes like body dysmorphia, addiction, racism, made it a one sitting book for me.
June 1, 2023
Aisha dreams of dancing, but she also knows that the ballet world is stacked against her: in whitewashed Alberta, her skill and talent are never quite enough to compensate for the fact that her teachers see her skin color first, and everything else second. In Toronto, maybe, things can be different—Toronto, where her best friend lives, and where there's a quiet and alluring musician next door, and where Aisha is not the only Black girl around. But while some problems can be outrun, others are shadows nipping at one's heels.
I've been reading a lot about ballet recently—not a new interest, but there's been a fantastic crop of new books—and Aisha underscores some of the things that Alice Robb, Chloe Angyal, Georgina Pazcoguin, and others have written about: the landscape is changing, but not quickly enough; certainly not quickly enough for many of the talented young dancers who are being pushed out today for their skin tone or the length of their neck or the shape of the muscle in their thighs. At one point, watching a professional performance, Aisha notes that "I'm painfully aware there isn't a fully Black female dancer in the entire show" (loc. 2037*), and what goes unsaid is that there are far too many people who wouldn't be aware, or who wouldn't see a problem if they were.
So I'm always delighted to see books that take this and tackle it head-on (readers might also be interested in The Other Side of Perfect by Mariko Turk). I waffled with the rating, though. Aisha is great as a main character, and the love interest is also solid—some complexity to him, and I do always love a romantic conflict that cannot be solved with a simple conversation or two. But there's so much going on in the book: racism, family trouble, mean girls, romance, a drinking problem, an eating disorder, abuse, anxiety, other family trouble, two types of dance... It's not that all of that can't be going on at once, but I wouldn't have been sorry to see one or two issues dropped in favor of giving more space to the others, and to more general worldbuilding for the Toronto setting.
At the end of the day, I'm mostly just pleased to see the face of YA dance literature changing alongside the dance world. I hope When It All Syncs Up (and its gorgeous cover) will make it to many school library shelves.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
*I read an ARC, so exact quotes and locations may change.
I've been reading a lot about ballet recently—not a new interest, but there's been a fantastic crop of new books—and Aisha underscores some of the things that Alice Robb, Chloe Angyal, Georgina Pazcoguin, and others have written about: the landscape is changing, but not quickly enough; certainly not quickly enough for many of the talented young dancers who are being pushed out today for their skin tone or the length of their neck or the shape of the muscle in their thighs. At one point, watching a professional performance, Aisha notes that "I'm painfully aware there isn't a fully Black female dancer in the entire show" (loc. 2037*), and what goes unsaid is that there are far too many people who wouldn't be aware, or who wouldn't see a problem if they were.
So I'm always delighted to see books that take this and tackle it head-on (readers might also be interested in The Other Side of Perfect by Mariko Turk). I waffled with the rating, though. Aisha is great as a main character, and the love interest is also solid—some complexity to him, and I do always love a romantic conflict that cannot be solved with a simple conversation or two. But there's so much going on in the book: racism, family trouble, mean girls, romance, a drinking problem, an eating disorder, abuse, anxiety, other family trouble, two types of dance... It's not that all of that can't be going on at once, but I wouldn't have been sorry to see one or two issues dropped in favor of giving more space to the others, and to more general worldbuilding for the Toronto setting.
At the end of the day, I'm mostly just pleased to see the face of YA dance literature changing alongside the dance world. I hope When It All Syncs Up (and its gorgeous cover) will make it to many school library shelves.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
*I read an ARC, so exact quotes and locations may change.
Want to read
November 30, 202130.11.2021 i'm sold at euphoria meets tiny pretty things, especially when it's all about a journey of healing from trauma.
Want to read
November 28, 2021the fact I have to wait until 2023 to read this is incredibly rude from the universe, I'd like to speak with the manager.
October 2, 2024
This is one of the best books I've read this year. I'm so excited for Ollie's book releasing on the 8th 🥹🫶
May 30, 2023
thank you to the author and Annick Press for sending me an ARC!
I absolutely devoured this book (basically all in one sitting), and it was worth every minute. Maya Ameyaw has crafted a powerfully raw debut that touches on so many subjects without ever losing its unique spark. The book tackles so many things that felt deeply personal in one way or another, from familial relationships, first loves, race and trauma, and mental health. There are parts of it that are hard to read, but they’re truly so important to see represented. And despite the heavier topics being addressed, it’s also a sweet love and coming-of-self story for Aisha. I highly recommend it.
When I first heard about this book, I was immediately interested because of the focus on a teenage ballerina, as well as the darker sides of dance in a contemporary setting. What’s even better is that this book delivers, with this beautiful tension between Aisha’s love for dance and the pain that it and the world around it has caused her. It’s an unflinching depiction of the racism within the world of ballet and art in general, but the story isn’t focused on telling us something we should already know, but exposing that layer so Aisha can see how she navigates the world in spite of it.
While it’s hard for me to write a lot about it, I greatly appreciated the mental health aspects included in the story. Aisha’s struggle with an eating disorder was hard to read, and I would warn potential readers to take care of themselves before, during, and after reading, but it’s also a righteous part of the story, and one that I felt was very well-written.
On a lighter note, this book also delivers a beautiful love story, one wrapped up in all the trappings of teenage romance and its sweetness. I loved to see the normalization of queerness and two bisexual characters validated in their identity throughout, even if they do face some struggles. Even more, I loved seeing Aisha and Ollie develop their romance, something soft and real despite the roadblocks and baggage in their way. And while it was a major part of the story, it never felt as if it wrongfully overshadowed Aisha’s other relationships, especially as she healed her relationships with her best friend, Neil, and her father.
I greatly enjoyed this debut, even in its difficult to read moments, and I truly cannot wait to see what Maya Ameyaw does next.
I absolutely devoured this book (basically all in one sitting), and it was worth every minute. Maya Ameyaw has crafted a powerfully raw debut that touches on so many subjects without ever losing its unique spark. The book tackles so many things that felt deeply personal in one way or another, from familial relationships, first loves, race and trauma, and mental health. There are parts of it that are hard to read, but they’re truly so important to see represented. And despite the heavier topics being addressed, it’s also a sweet love and coming-of-self story for Aisha. I highly recommend it.
When I first heard about this book, I was immediately interested because of the focus on a teenage ballerina, as well as the darker sides of dance in a contemporary setting. What’s even better is that this book delivers, with this beautiful tension between Aisha’s love for dance and the pain that it and the world around it has caused her. It’s an unflinching depiction of the racism within the world of ballet and art in general, but the story isn’t focused on telling us something we should already know, but exposing that layer so Aisha can see how she navigates the world in spite of it.
While it’s hard for me to write a lot about it, I greatly appreciated the mental health aspects included in the story. Aisha’s struggle with an eating disorder was hard to read, and I would warn potential readers to take care of themselves before, during, and after reading, but it’s also a righteous part of the story, and one that I felt was very well-written.
On a lighter note, this book also delivers a beautiful love story, one wrapped up in all the trappings of teenage romance and its sweetness. I loved to see the normalization of queerness and two bisexual characters validated in their identity throughout, even if they do face some struggles. Even more, I loved seeing Aisha and Ollie develop their romance, something soft and real despite the roadblocks and baggage in their way. And while it was a major part of the story, it never felt as if it wrongfully overshadowed Aisha’s other relationships, especially as she healed her relationships with her best friend, Neil, and her father.
I greatly enjoyed this debut, even in its difficult to read moments, and I truly cannot wait to see what Maya Ameyaw does next.
April 10, 2023
3.75 stars rounded up
June 16, 2023
I received a copy via the publisher because I was the panel host for an event with the author. This did not affect my review at all.
WHEN IT ALL SYNCS UP was a beautiful portrayal of a young Black dancer who not only faces the difficult challenge of being a fantastically gifted dancer, but also the racism from her co-dancers, and the stresses of looking the "perfect" part and achieving it in a very dangerous way.
Aisha, the main character, is a girl who is living on the literal edge of her mental health. She decides she needs a change in her life when she is passed over another opportunity because of how she looks, and when a certain numbness crawls over her as the mounting stress threatens to overwhelm her. As a result, her new life change has her confronting some of the ghosts in her past, a best friend who wears his happy mask very well until he doesn't, and a gifted musician who may be the biggest support Aisha didn't know she needed.
I loved this one. From the descriptions of the gorgeous dances, to the emotional depth of all of these characters, I felt like I was watching Aisha dance through her character growth on the stage that was her book. I deeply enjoyed it, including the incredibly flawed and at-times dangerous relationships she has with a parent.
I think this book will be perfect for the teen bipoc readers who are either in dance themselves, or in an artistic field that has always catered to white people. I think it will also be a super important read for those with mental health concerns that want to see characters they might be able to relate to. I think this book is a beautiful reminder that you aren't as alone as you think and that sometimes, when done in a safe way, you just have to let yourself feel your emotions and the pain you're bottling inside.
Happy reading!
WHEN IT ALL SYNCS UP was a beautiful portrayal of a young Black dancer who not only faces the difficult challenge of being a fantastically gifted dancer, but also the racism from her co-dancers, and the stresses of looking the "perfect" part and achieving it in a very dangerous way.
Aisha, the main character, is a girl who is living on the literal edge of her mental health. She decides she needs a change in her life when she is passed over another opportunity because of how she looks, and when a certain numbness crawls over her as the mounting stress threatens to overwhelm her. As a result, her new life change has her confronting some of the ghosts in her past, a best friend who wears his happy mask very well until he doesn't, and a gifted musician who may be the biggest support Aisha didn't know she needed.
I loved this one. From the descriptions of the gorgeous dances, to the emotional depth of all of these characters, I felt like I was watching Aisha dance through her character growth on the stage that was her book. I deeply enjoyed it, including the incredibly flawed and at-times dangerous relationships she has with a parent.
I think this book will be perfect for the teen bipoc readers who are either in dance themselves, or in an artistic field that has always catered to white people. I think it will also be a super important read for those with mental health concerns that want to see characters they might be able to relate to. I think this book is a beautiful reminder that you aren't as alone as you think and that sometimes, when done in a safe way, you just have to let yourself feel your emotions and the pain you're bottling inside.
Happy reading!
July 7, 2023
solid 3.5 ⭐️!!!
February 25, 2025
This book was beautifully written and mentioned important topics such as racism, alcoholism, and eating disorders. It explored uncomfortable topics in a meaningful way. I especially loved how expressing emotions through dance and music helped the characters get through their tough times. I felt like I really understood Aisha’s struggles with ballet like I was right there with her even though she is much different to me. Overall fantastic and inspiring book! 🩷🩰
May 1, 2023
When It All Syncs Up beautifully illustrates the emotional cadences of family, friendship, and self love. Although written as a YA novel, the themes experienced by each character are very mature, allowing readers of every age the opportunity to relate to the storylines. The themes that struck me the most are the colorism and micro aggressions experienced by the protagonist, Aisha. She is the only Black ballerina in her program and as the reader becomes immersed into Aisha’s world of dance, it is evident how that isolation impacts Aisha’s mental health. As a Black woman, I have often been the only Black person occupying a space, and because of the author’s honesty in this harsh reality that she so eloquently illustrates, I was able to see myself in this character.
Described as “perfect for fans of Euphoria and Tiny Pretty Things” When It All Syncs Up will tug at your heartstrings, allow you to check in your own mental health, and create space for you to examine diversity in your friend groups.
Described as “perfect for fans of Euphoria and Tiny Pretty Things” When It All Syncs Up will tug at your heartstrings, allow you to check in your own mental health, and create space for you to examine diversity in your friend groups.
July 2, 2023
Dance with all of the tough emotions! This book really takes on a lot of teenage issues along with being at school for dance.
Aisha was struggling at her expensive dance school and while visiting her friend Neil, she auditions for his more public school. Fast forward into her year at the new school, she has some of the same issue, but also starts to connect with her emotions more including finding Ollie.
This book handles a lot of issues well through Aisha and her friends school year including, racism, teenage drinking, family divorce, anxiety, and eating disorders. These things are also big issues in the ballet world and Aish finds how hard it is to use modern dance to let out and show the emotions.
Overall a good coming of age book the emphasizes that it's ok to get help.
Thank you to Annick Press and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
Aisha was struggling at her expensive dance school and while visiting her friend Neil, she auditions for his more public school. Fast forward into her year at the new school, she has some of the same issue, but also starts to connect with her emotions more including finding Ollie.
This book handles a lot of issues well through Aisha and her friends school year including, racism, teenage drinking, family divorce, anxiety, and eating disorders. These things are also big issues in the ballet world and Aish finds how hard it is to use modern dance to let out and show the emotions.
Overall a good coming of age book the emphasizes that it's ok to get help.
Thank you to Annick Press and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
August 13, 2023
This was a heartfelt, YA debut that tackles some tough issues as aspiring Black ballet dancer Aisha comes to terms with not getting a prestigious apprenticeship position and decides to enroll in public school instead.
Aisha also reconnects with her former dance partner and friend as he goes through his own battles with alcoholism. Part YA coming of age story, part romance, this book was certainly heavy at times. Aisha deals with racism in the dance industry, an eating disorder, mental health problems (dissociative identity disorder) and hard to please parents.
Good on audio narrated by Max Amani and perfect for fans of books like The turning pointe by Vanessa L. Torres or Until we break by Matthew Dawkins. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Aisha also reconnects with her former dance partner and friend as he goes through his own battles with alcoholism. Part YA coming of age story, part romance, this book was certainly heavy at times. Aisha deals with racism in the dance industry, an eating disorder, mental health problems (dissociative identity disorder) and hard to please parents.
Good on audio narrated by Max Amani and perfect for fans of books like The turning pointe by Vanessa L. Torres or Until we break by Matthew Dawkins. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
September 17, 2023
This book was awesome! It follows Aisha, a black dancer, as she moves in with her friend Neil in Toronto and starts at a new school after not making the cut for her last audition. Aisha deals with racism from the other girls in ballet with her, as well as dealing with pressure from her mom and an eating disorder. At the same time, Neil is struggling with alcoholism. Aisha and Ollie, Niels friend end up together. When Aisha falls at the recital and ends up in the hospital, she finally realizes that she needs help and starts her recovery. This book is really well written and deals with a lot of complicated issues.
February 13, 2024
Overall a pretty good read... this novel definitely covered a lot of tough topics, in a way that I think was powerful. The underlying messages of having a good support system that can look out for you (even when you don't think you need it) and getting professional help to deal with issues are ideas that I think are very relevant and still need to be discussed. Plus, reading about Ollie and Aisha's love story was so cute + sweet. Yeah, overall a good read!
November 20, 2023
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
When It All Syncs Up is a story which begins with ballet. With the racism within the dance community and the pressures of success. The costs, secrets, and the disordered eating in the community. It's also a story focused on friendship and control. When It All Syncs Up showcases the secrets we keep from the ones we love, the support we have around us - and struggle to accept - and finding our place.
When It All Syncs Up is a story which begins with ballet. With the racism within the dance community and the pressures of success. The costs, secrets, and the disordered eating in the community. It's also a story focused on friendship and control. When It All Syncs Up showcases the secrets we keep from the ones we love, the support we have around us - and struggle to accept - and finding our place.
February 11, 2024
What a wonderful debut.
January 27, 2024
This is really a good book that touches on eating disorders and disassociating and the author does a great job describing the two. As a former black teen ballet student who had to deal with racism and making sure I stay slim, this definitely hit home. The characters are well developed and I felt like a teenager again. Definitely recommend reading this book.
October 16, 2022
Big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
As soon as I saw this was a queer ballet book, I was so here for it and I was not disappointed!
Aisha is a black ballet dancer but at her last school, once again didn't get the part because she didn't "look" the part. Enough is enough. Her best friend Neil convinces her to go to his school, but similar issues still arise. There is still discrimination and politics involved but at this new school she starts to fall for Neil's best friend, but also has to deal with her own traumatic past and Neil's, while trying to overcome the harassment from her fellow ballet dancers.
This book was really good and deals with a lot of deep issues. Some trigger warnings for the book include racism, disordered eating, depression, alcohol abuse, and anxiety. I really enjoyed how the characters interacted with each other and Aisha's characterization. She felt very real and has to overcome many obstacles in her short life. I also enjoyed all the details about ballet and dance. I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the author's next book!
As soon as I saw this was a queer ballet book, I was so here for it and I was not disappointed!
Aisha is a black ballet dancer but at her last school, once again didn't get the part because she didn't "look" the part. Enough is enough. Her best friend Neil convinces her to go to his school, but similar issues still arise. There is still discrimination and politics involved but at this new school she starts to fall for Neil's best friend, but also has to deal with her own traumatic past and Neil's, while trying to overcome the harassment from her fellow ballet dancers.
This book was really good and deals with a lot of deep issues. Some trigger warnings for the book include racism, disordered eating, depression, alcohol abuse, and anxiety. I really enjoyed how the characters interacted with each other and Aisha's characterization. She felt very real and has to overcome many obstacles in her short life. I also enjoyed all the details about ballet and dance. I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the author's next book!
September 4, 2024
an amazing book about healing and growth. This book goes through the ups and downs of society, racism, and mental health. I relate to this book on a different level. Beautifully written.
September 23, 2022
When It All Syncs up is a beautiful and emotional novel about a trio of flawed and deeply sympathetic teens grappling with anxiety, addiction, racism, strained family dynamics, and past trauma in the lead up to their art school’s winter showcase. Contemporary YA lives and dies by the strength of its main cast of characters, and I am pleased to report that Aisha, Ollie, and Neil are fully realized people who are easy to love, even when their issues cause them to fumble and hurt one another. But also Ollie is the best, I love this precious cinnamon bun, every love interest should be an Ollie clone from here on, Ollie solo book when??? Though this is a book about an aspiring ballerina, you don’t need to have any prior knowledge of dance to love this book with your whole heart. Highly recommend.
August 14, 2024
Aisha, a passionate ballet dancer, faces discrimination at her elite academy, prompting her to transfer to her best friend Neil's art school for a fresh start. However, she soon encounters racism and bullying there as well, forcing her to confront her past traumas and navigate the complexities of friendship, romance, and her dance career.
*please review content warnings prior to reading*
First of all - a moment for this cover please? Stunning. Second - I loved this book. Wow. Aisha was a character I immediately wanted to root for. I want her to be happy. I was furious on her behalf for the blatant discrimination and racism, along with the microaggressions she dealt with constantly.
Also, she was handling all of this while her mother is not in her life and her dad lives in Tokyo. As the layers of this story peel back, we see so much more of her life and the trauma she experienced. My heart broke for her. Her relationship with ballet was so complex.
I loved her friendship with Neil. How vulnerable she became through dance. Learning to manage her feelings. I loved her growing friendship and relationship with Ollie. Such a strong friendship group! The special teacher in Hannah. Madame.
This book was so special. So many heavy topics were treated with love and care, and I felt in my heart the author had experience with all of them.
Oh and I loved the cute epilogue!! (And it leads into the next book!!)
*please review content warnings prior to reading*
First of all - a moment for this cover please? Stunning. Second - I loved this book. Wow. Aisha was a character I immediately wanted to root for. I want her to be happy. I was furious on her behalf for the blatant discrimination and racism, along with the microaggressions she dealt with constantly.
Also, she was handling all of this while her mother is not in her life and her dad lives in Tokyo. As the layers of this story peel back, we see so much more of her life and the trauma she experienced. My heart broke for her. Her relationship with ballet was so complex.
I loved her friendship with Neil. How vulnerable she became through dance. Learning to manage her feelings. I loved her growing friendship and relationship with Ollie. Such a strong friendship group! The special teacher in Hannah. Madame.
This book was so special. So many heavy topics were treated with love and care, and I felt in my heart the author had experience with all of them.
Oh and I loved the cute epilogue!! (And it leads into the next book!!)
January 30, 2023
4.5 stars!
There's a fine line between writing about serious topics and taking readers on the journey of serious topics without simply going for shock value. Maya Ameyaw toes that line beautifully.
It's important that realistic fiction isn't a sunshine and rainbows approach, but rather a complex array of emotions, experiences, and failures. Aisha, Neil, and Ollie each have distinct backgrounds, personal interests, and goals; yet, they find ways to support each other, even when they don't agree.
I liked seeing each character stumble, and fall, and fly. Life is messy. Hormones, not-quite-developed brains, balancing being a kid vs responsibilities.... it doesn't make navigating every day issues like crushes, classes, and parents any easier, so I think that while not every reader will connect with the dancing and singing aspects of the characters, there's still relatability in the shared experiences.
The wrap up was slightly too neat for me, but sometimes life DOES work out, and it's okay to show that, too.
I'll need to tell my students about: mature language, sexual scenes, violence, mental health, verbal abuse, eating disorders, alcohol, drugs, divorce, LQBTQIAP+, racial discrimination
**Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press Ltd. for the free ARC prior to publication. All opinions
expressed are my own.**
There's a fine line between writing about serious topics and taking readers on the journey of serious topics without simply going for shock value. Maya Ameyaw toes that line beautifully.
It's important that realistic fiction isn't a sunshine and rainbows approach, but rather a complex array of emotions, experiences, and failures. Aisha, Neil, and Ollie each have distinct backgrounds, personal interests, and goals; yet, they find ways to support each other, even when they don't agree.
I liked seeing each character stumble, and fall, and fly. Life is messy. Hormones, not-quite-developed brains, balancing being a kid vs responsibilities.... it doesn't make navigating every day issues like crushes, classes, and parents any easier, so I think that while not every reader will connect with the dancing and singing aspects of the characters, there's still relatability in the shared experiences.
The wrap up was slightly too neat for me, but sometimes life DOES work out, and it's okay to show that, too.
I'll need to tell my students about: mature language, sexual scenes, violence, mental health, verbal abuse, eating disorders, alcohol, drugs, divorce, LQBTQIAP+, racial discrimination
**Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press Ltd. for the free ARC prior to publication. All opinions
expressed are my own.**
September 18, 2022
An absolutely stunning novel, WHEN IT ALL SYNCS UP has a voice that is both grounded and gorgeous, and a quick pacing that makes it impossible to put down. An exploration of trauma and healing, it is such an important story that will mean the world to readers and stay with them long after the final page.
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