In this raw, searingly honest debut young adult novel, a former aspiring ballerina must confront her past in order to move forward from a devastating fall that leaves her without the use of her legs.
Genie used to fouettĂŠ across the stage. Now the only thing sheâs turning are the wheels to her wheelchair. Genie was the star pupil at her exclusive New York dance school, with a bright future and endless possibilities before her. Now that the future sheâs spent years building toward has been snatched away, she canât stand to be reminded of itâeven if it means isolating herself from her best friends and her mother. The only wish this Genie has is to be left alone.
But then she meets Kyle, who also has a âused to be.â Kyle used to tumble and flip on a gymnastics mat, but a traumatic brain injury has sent him to the same physical therapist that Genie sees. With Kyleâs support, along with her best friendâs insistence that Genieâs time at the barre isnât over yet, Genie starts to see a new pathâone where she doesnât have to be alone and she finally has the strength to heal from the past.
But healing also means confronting. Confronting the booze her mother, a recovering alcoholic, has been hiding under the kitchen sink; the ex-boyfriend who was there the night of the fall and wonât leave her alone; and Genieâs biggest, most terrifying secret: the fact that the accident may not have been so accidental after all.