OFF BALANCE

Two elite high school gymnasts manage secrets and scandal as they compete for the top spot in this follow-up to Balancing Act (2025).

Best friends Alicia “Leesh” Swanson, who’s Black, and Selena Torres, who’s Afro-Latina, adjust to a new normal after a rough start at the Heights School of Technology, Sports & Arts, their charter school. Leesh is adjusting to living with her newly discovered sister and former gymnastics rival, Chyna—and her old secret boo, Spencer, could be enrolling at the Heights. Leesh is happy with her boyfriend, Jamaal, but the history she shares with Spencer might be exposed if the anonymous gossip profile Hot Lipz keeps dropping hints on the Chatter app. Selena is starting to worry that Chyna and Leesh are forming a real sisterly bond, and she’ll be the odd one out. And then she learns that her old Winston Prep tormentor, white lacrosse player Spencer, might attend the Heights. His racist taunts were part of why she transferred and secretly reported him and his friends for vandalism. How does Hot Lipz know what really happened? As more secrets are revealed, Leesh and Selena struggle to maintain their bond and focus on the mat. This intriguing, layered story shows both parents’ and teens’ flaws and struggles. Personal relationships are front and center, built on explorations of media, influence, class, and friendship. A recap of events from the first book allows this sequel to work as a stand-alone.

Grounded, compelling, and full of drama.