A parent should reach for this book when their creative teen feels their dreams are being dismissed in favor of a more 'practical' path. This story is a delightful romantic comedy about Chloe, a talented ballerina who defies her mom's wishes by embarking on a secret road trip to audition for a prestigious dance conservatory. Her solo plan is hilariously derailed when her annoying but charming neighbor, Eli, tags along. It beautifully explores themes of independence, self-confidence, and balancing family loyalty with personal ambition. Ideal for ages 13-18, this book offers a positive, gentle way to open conversations about trust, communication, and supporting your child's unique passions, all wrapped in a joyful story of Black ambition and first love.
The core conflict is the tension between a teen's artistic dream and a parent's practical fears. This is handled directly and with empathy for both sides. The mother's perspective is rooted in her own grief and desire for her daughter's security. The resolution is hopeful, emphasizing compromise and improved communication. The approach is entirely secular.
Ideal Reader
A teen, ages 13-16, who feels their artistic or non-traditional passions are misunderstood by family. This reader dreams of independence and is navigating the sweet awkwardness of a first crush. It's a perfect fit for teens seeking joyful, positive stories centered on Black characters.
Parent Prep
No special prep is needed. The book can be read cold. The romance involves some kissing but is very chaste and sweet. Parents could benefit from reading the conversations between Chloe and her mom to see a relatable conflict resolved through listening and love, but it is not essential for the teen's reading experience. A parent hears their teen exclaim, "You just don't understand my dreams!" following a tense discussion about college or future careers. The parent might notice their teen becoming secretive or withdrawn about their hobbies and passions.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will be drawn to the fun of the road trip, the cute romance, and the idea of a secret adventure. An older teen (15-18) will connect more with the deeper themes: the struggle for artistic validation, the weight of parental expectations, and the complexity of communicating your identity to those you love.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many YA novels that use conflict to explore trauma, this book is a celebration of Black joy, ambition, and creativity. Its strength is its low-stakes, high-charm premise. The classic road trip trope provides a fun, cinematic structure for a sweet romance that prioritizes positive representation and heartfelt family dynamics.
Read plot summary
Chloe Pierce, a talented Black teen ballerina, feels stifled by her mother, who wants her to pursue a conventional college degree instead of dance. When her mom forbids her from attending a crucial audition for a conservatory, Chloe orchestrates a secret 200-mile road trip. Her meticulous plan is upended when her neighbor, Eli, discovers her secret and blackmails his way into getting a ride for himself and his dog. The journey becomes a series of comical misadventures, car trouble, and detours, all while a sweet, tentative romance blossoms between them.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Chloe's mom isn't a villain; she loves her daughter but is afraid for her future. Why do you think she was so against the ballet audition? Can you understand her point of view?
2
Eli and Chloe start out as bickering neighbors. What specific moments on their road trip changed their relationship and what did they learn about each other's hidden pressures?
3
Chloe chose to lie to her mom and sneak away for the audition. Do you think she made the right choice? What could she or her mom have done differently to communicate better?
4
The story celebrates pursuing an artistic career. What message does the book send about balancing your dreams with practical concerns like college and financial stability?
