Balancing Act

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.

1146707477
Balancing Act

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.

26.99 Pre Order
Balancing Act

Balancing Act

by Paula Chase

Narrated by Eric Lockley, Tyla Collier

Unabridged

Balancing Act

Balancing Act

by Paula Chase

Narrated by Eric Lockley, Tyla Collier

Unabridged

Audiobook (Digital)

$26.99
FREE With a B&N Audiobooks Subscription | Cancel Anytime
$0.00

Free with a B&N Audiobooks Subscription | Cancel Anytime

START FREE TRIAL

Already Subscribed? 

Sign in to Your BN.com Account

Available for Pre-Order. This item will be released on October 21, 2025

Listen on the free Barnes & Noble NOOK app


Related collections and offers

FREE

with a B&N Audiobooks Subscription

Or Pay $26.99

Overview

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.


Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"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.” - Kirkus

"Chase brings her signature style, wonderful language, and unflinching look at competitive athletics to this series opener. Establishing a realistic world is no small feat, and Chase delivers incredible characters, great settings, and drama galore." - Booklist (starred review)

Product Details

BN ID: 2940194798551
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Publication date: 10/21/2025
Series: The Heights , #1
Edition description: Unabridged
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews