KidsBuzz

Mariko Turk

Dear Librarians,

THE OTHER SIDE OF PERFECT means a lot of different things to me. It's a ballet book that challenges ballet's deeply engrained racist history. It's a love story where the heroine often does unlovable things. It's a coming-of-age tale about a girl whose life falls apart... but she puts it back together again, piece by messy piece. It's the book of my heart and I hope you love it as much as I do.

Mariko Turk
www.MarikoTurk.com

  "A love story with a refreshing focus on confronting systemic racism." —Kirkus "Debut novelist Turk writes with a great deal of nuance... A well-choreographed story of hope, resilience, and personal growth." —Booklist

"A strong portrayal of musical theater, ballet, the arts, and culture all merged into a coming-of-age story that will resonate with teens." —School Library Journal

  "...a persuasive and winning first-person narrative." —Publishers Weekly

  A captivating story of love, loss, identity and rediscovering your truth. Perfectly en pointe! —The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling

    "Beautifully written, funny, and heartfelt, The Other Side of Perfect is a must-read debut. Alina is a character to cheer for and cherish." —Emma Mills, author of First & Then and Lucky Caller

  "A nuanced exploration of shattered dreams and new beginnings. Full of pain and beauty, like the best ballet." —Jenna Guillaume, author of What I Like About Me and You Were Made For Me.