How to resolve AdBlock issue?
X
Review Detail
What You Always Wanted
Featured
Young Adult Fiction
2612
The play's the thing
Overall rating
4.0
Plot
4.0
Characters
4.0
Writing Style
4.0
When Maddie's family moves into a small and decrepit house because they are having financial difficulties, Maddie hopes that she can make friends in her new high school, and possibly get a part in a school drama production. She gets an answer to both wishes when she meets neighbor Angela, whose mother is the drama coach... and whose brother, Jesse, is awfully cute. Maddie is very talented, but manages to make the current diva, Rica, angry. Rica sabotages Maddie's audition by telling her to take a double does of allergy medicine, but Maddie bears her shame with good grace, especially when she gets an even better part in a community production. She manages to make friends, get involved in school, and have several boys interested in her. She's a huge fan of tap dancer Gene Kelly, and is secretly looking for a boy who can measure up. When she realizes that Jesse is a very talented tap dancer who quit because his father considered dancing beneath Jesse's athletic capabilities, she is instantly smitten. Will he feel the same way?
Good Points
Maddie's easy transition to her new school, and her success with her acting, make this an excellent teen fantasy book, reminiscent of the 1950s romance novels by Beverly Clearly or Rosamund duJardin. There are challenges, such as the family's straightened circumstances, but they are overcome with hard work and a supportive family.
This also delves into the nitty gritty of stage productions, from trying out, dealing with competition and drama, to the long hours spent practicing.
This series is particularly good about having characters that are racially diverse. Jesse's father is Hispanic, but his mother is not, and it's interesting that the book addresses that fact that his father wants him to date a Latina woman. This doesn't overshadow the romance or the plot of the story, but is a nice addition that rounds out the character.
Teen readers might not know who Gene Kelly is, but will hopefully be encouraged to research him after reading this amusing tale of high school drama... both on and off the stage.
This also delves into the nitty gritty of stage productions, from trying out, dealing with competition and drama, to the long hours spent practicing.
This series is particularly good about having characters that are racially diverse. Jesse's father is Hispanic, but his mother is not, and it's interesting that the book addresses that fact that his father wants him to date a Latina woman. This doesn't overshadow the romance or the plot of the story, but is a nice addition that rounds out the character.
Teen readers might not know who Gene Kelly is, but will hopefully be encouraged to research him after reading this amusing tale of high school drama... both on and off the stage.
Comments
Already have an account? Log in now or Create an account
Powered by JReviews
How to resolve AdBlock issue?
X
FEATURED GIVEAWAYS
Indie Superstars with the Authors of Of Thorns and Beauty + Giveaway (US Only)
Welcome to YA Books Central's "Indie Superstars" column. This event will spotlight the best and brightest of the indie community. You don’t want to miss out on these talented ...
Posted in News & Updates
Giveaway: The Meet-Cute Project (Rhiannon Richardson) ~ (US Only)
The Meet-Cute Project (US Only) Author: Rhiannon Richardson Release Date: January 12th, 2021 Publisher: Simon & Schuster BFYR About The Book To All the Boys...
Posted in News & Updates
Author Chat with Lani Forbes (The Jade Bones), Plus Giveaway! ~ (US/Can Only)
Today we're excited to chat with Lani Forbes author of The Jade Bones. Read on for more about Lani and her book, plus a giveaway! Meet Lani Forb...
Posted in News & Updates
Giveaway: Golden Dreg Boy Series (D.K. Dailey) ~ (US Only)
Golden Dreg Boy Series (US Only) by: D.K. Dailey Release Date: July 2nd, 2020 Publisher: Tillable Ground Dreams About The Book 2 Prequels: Golden Dreg Boy, Prequel, T...
Posted in News & Updates
Author Of The Week: Author Chat with Julie Kagawa (The Iron Raven), Plus Giveaway! ~ (US Only)
Welcome to our weekly special feature post, Author Of The Week !! Each week we will be interviewing a different YA author and highlighting their upcoming release! We will also be hosting a givea...
Posted in News & Updates
Author Chat with Lisi Harrison (Girl Stuff), Plus Giveaway! ~ (US Only)
Today we're excited to chat with Lisi Harrison author of Girl Stuff. Read on for more about Lisi and her book, plus a giveaway! Meet Lisi Harris...
Posted in News & Updates
Latest Book Listings Added
When fifteen-year-old Cuban American Mariana Ruiz’s father runs for president,...
City of Spells, the follow-up to Alexandra Christo's gritty YA...
A delightful Christmas board book filled with hilarious characters and...
Roland lives a quiet life filled with books, music, and...
Award-winning author-illustrator Susan Stockdale welcomes you to the Bird Show,...
Inspired by the Montessori method of education this unique board...
From New York Times bestselling author Alyssa Sheinmel comes...
Latest Member Reviews
"‘Admission’ by Julie Buxbaum is a modern and definitely current read on a topic that has been in the news...."
"‘Running’ by Natalia Sylvester is a trend-setting anthem for anyone who has ever wanted to be the change they wish..."
"CITY OF SPELLS is a stunning conclusion to an enthralling YA fantasy duology. The book plunges us into the story..."
"What worked: This is one intense psychological tale of a girl trying to reconnect with her sister after she joins..."
"SWEET & BITTER MAGIC is a lush and enthralling YA fantasy filled with magic, pain, and love. In this world,..."
"SING ME FORGOTTEN is an enchanting, compelling, and unexpected YA fantasy retelling of Phantom of the Opera. In this world,..."
"Rose Colter is adrift. She can't be where she was staying for the holidays but she can't go home yet..."
"PERFECT ON PAPER is a delightful YA romantic comedy. Darcy has been operating Locker 89 at her school for years...."
"Reviewed for YA Books Central A super cute and sweet story. The story: A year ago, a..."
"shine your icy crown by amanda lovelace is a 129-page collection of contemporary poems. It’s the second book in the..."
"THE CASTLE SCHOOL (FOR TROUBLED GIRLS) is a story of healing and friendship. Moira has been cast adrift since the..."
"Hercules proved he was a true hero and became a god like his parents, Zeus and Hera. Meg is thrilled..."
"FOLLOW YOUR ARROW is a heartfelt read about love, breaking up, and being true to yourself. CeCe has made a..."
"DOWN COMES THE NIGHT is an intriguing, slow-burn YA fantasy. Wren is a healer in the military of her queendom,..."
"A DARK AND HOLLOW STAR is a slowly building YA fantasy that takes the reader on a wild ride through..."
"It's South Carolina in 1962. Sixteen-year-old Evvie has two little sisters to take care of, a single mother, and finally..."
"DARK STARS by Danielle Rollins is the third book in her series of the same name. It begins with Dorothy..."
"Denver loves music and dreams of life making it with her R&B group, Angelic Voices. When the group (Denver, Dali,..."
"My favorite thing about this book is the Egyptian elements. Reading Lily’s adventures in pyramids gave me strong Indiana Jones..."
"Michael doesn't know what he wants to do with his life. He should go to community college to avoid the..."