By Invitation Only

A hard-working teen hoping to land a college scholarship and a nepo baby looking to prove herself collide at the world's most high-profile debutante ball in Paris in this young adult romance perfect for fans of American Royals and Better Than the Movies.

Every year, a hand-selected group of young women travel to Paris to make their debuts into high society at La Danse des Débutantes, the most exclusive debutante ball in the world. Being wealthy, royal, or famous gets you into the pool of potential debutantes, but only La Danse decides who is truly worthy of attending.

Chapin Buckingham, the daughter of two Hollywood legends, is one of the lucky few chosen to attend. Chapin's not usually a society girl, but she has her reasons for wanting to be crowned Debutante of the Year. Her chances seem good...until a fellow debutante creates a PR nightmare that has the eat-the-rich cohort calling for La Danse's cancellation.

Enter Piper Woo Collins. As the daughter of an EMT and winner of the International Science Fair Prize with a profile in Teen Vogue, Piper is the perfect, down-to-earth person who could restore La Danse's reputation. But Piper isn't interested in becoming a debutante--until they offer her a college scholarship...if she wins Debutante of the Year.

In competition for the crown, Piper and Chapin have every reason to clash. But at La Danse, everyone wants something. Piper and Chapin might just need each other to go from pawns in a game to ruling the board...

Author: Alexandra Brown Chang
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Published: 09/02/2025
Pages: 368
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 8.36h x 5.72w x 1.28d
ISBN: 9781665972437
Audience: Young Adult


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 08/15/2025

About the Author
Alexandra Brown Chang grew up in Los Angeles, in a family of four daughters and four rescue dogs. She graduated from Stanford University, where she majored in art history. Alexandra is also a member of the Princess Grace Foundation Guild, which champions emerging artists in all fields. By Invitation Only is her debut novel.