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Casting April
Not yet published
Expected 16 Jun 26Twelve-year-old April is a spectacular actress and is determined to land the starring role in the school play but no one believes she can do it because of her tracheostomy tube—a heartwarming story of friendship, identity, and the importance of chasing your dreams.
Sixth grader April Xue lives and breathes all things Broadway. When she builds up the courage to audition for the lead role in the school play, she thinks she's knocked it out of the park — until she finds out that she's been assigned to the stage crew. April is devastated—it seems like the curtain is closing on her dream of being an actor.
A day later, April overhears that the theater director, Ms. Rooney, decided not to cast her because she's disabled. With the help of her best friend, a sneaky student reporter, and her spirited castmates, April learns to confront her own insecurities as a performer and proves to everyone (including Ms. Rooney) that she deserves a fair shot — all in time for opening night.
Sixth grader April Xue lives and breathes all things Broadway. When she builds up the courage to audition for the lead role in the school play, she thinks she's knocked it out of the park — until she finds out that she's been assigned to the stage crew. April is devastated—it seems like the curtain is closing on her dream of being an actor.
A day later, April overhears that the theater director, Ms. Rooney, decided not to cast her because she's disabled. With the help of her best friend, a sneaky student reporter, and her spirited castmates, April learns to confront her own insecurities as a performer and proves to everyone (including Ms. Rooney) that she deserves a fair shot — all in time for opening night.
288 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 16, 2026
About the author
Wendy Lu
1 book57 followersWendy Lu is a journalist, a children’s book author, and a global speaker on disability representation in the media. For years, she has worked as an editor and a reporter covering disability, politics, and culture. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and more. She was named on Forbes’s 30 Under 30 for her efforts to improve disability coverage. Wendy is also the author of “Casting April,” a contemporary middle-grade novel from Penguin Random House about a talented disabled girl who loves all things Broadway — and who would do anything for the spotlight. She is represented by Abigail Frank at Greenburger Kids. Wendy lives in New York with her husband, Andrew, and their turtle, Little Cloud.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 9, 2026
Disability representation, the Asian diaspora, and musical theatre all in one book? Sign me up! I’m so glad I spotted this through the Get Underlined Program because it led me to reading the complimentary audiobook from PRH Audio in immersion with a gifted copy from RH Kids.
This is such a wonderful debut from Wendy Lu. Even without knowing anything about her personally, you can feel the passion and lived experience woven throughout the story. Books written from a place of genuine understanding always stand out, and the experiences of these characters felt incredibly authentic as the story unfolded.
This book captures living with a disability so well, not only showing the day-to-day realities and emotions for the individual, but also the complicated reactions and responses from the people around them. Nothing is presented as black and white, which made it feel all the more realistic. I also really loved how immersed the reader becomes in the Asian culture throughout the story. I learned quite a bit along the way without ever feeling like I was being “taught.” The information flowed naturally through the plot and character interactions.
I do think this skews toward the younger end of the middle grade age range, both in the prose and in the narration by Sunny Lu (who I don’t believe is related to the author). I struggled a bit with the narration at first because some of the phrasing felt unusual to me, and there wasn’t a ton of differentiation between the characters, especially the kids versus the adults, which made it feel even younger overall. She also narrated at a very swift pace for much of the book, but would occasionally slow down considerably even when the prose didn’t seem to call for it. Eventually my brain adjusted and it became a non-issue, and I was comfortably reading at 1.5x speed, but in the end I do think I would have enjoyed this one more had I stuck to just my eyeball reading.
The theatre references are plentiful and, dare I say, maybe even a little too plentiful at times. It definitely leans niche in places, but theatre geeks will absolutely eat this up. Readers who aren’t as immersed in the theatre world may either feel a little lost or end up learning something along the way. There are also a ton of references to Hamilton and, as a theatre geek myself who admittedly doesn’t love that musical, it became a bit much for me personally... but I digress.
In the end, this is a delightful and entertaining book that celebrates inclusion while also exploring the many layers surrounding disability, both from the perspective of the disabled individual and the world around them. It’s such a thoughtful way for young readers to learn not only about a particular experience, but also how to respond, advocate for, and support their peers.
This would make such a fantastic addition to both school and home libraries. It’s also enjoyable as an adult read, which makes it perfect to buddy read with a young reader in your life.
This is such a wonderful debut from Wendy Lu. Even without knowing anything about her personally, you can feel the passion and lived experience woven throughout the story. Books written from a place of genuine understanding always stand out, and the experiences of these characters felt incredibly authentic as the story unfolded.
This book captures living with a disability so well, not only showing the day-to-day realities and emotions for the individual, but also the complicated reactions and responses from the people around them. Nothing is presented as black and white, which made it feel all the more realistic. I also really loved how immersed the reader becomes in the Asian culture throughout the story. I learned quite a bit along the way without ever feeling like I was being “taught.” The information flowed naturally through the plot and character interactions.
I do think this skews toward the younger end of the middle grade age range, both in the prose and in the narration by Sunny Lu (who I don’t believe is related to the author). I struggled a bit with the narration at first because some of the phrasing felt unusual to me, and there wasn’t a ton of differentiation between the characters, especially the kids versus the adults, which made it feel even younger overall. She also narrated at a very swift pace for much of the book, but would occasionally slow down considerably even when the prose didn’t seem to call for it. Eventually my brain adjusted and it became a non-issue, and I was comfortably reading at 1.5x speed, but in the end I do think I would have enjoyed this one more had I stuck to just my eyeball reading.
The theatre references are plentiful and, dare I say, maybe even a little too plentiful at times. It definitely leans niche in places, but theatre geeks will absolutely eat this up. Readers who aren’t as immersed in the theatre world may either feel a little lost or end up learning something along the way. There are also a ton of references to Hamilton and, as a theatre geek myself who admittedly doesn’t love that musical, it became a bit much for me personally... but I digress.
In the end, this is a delightful and entertaining book that celebrates inclusion while also exploring the many layers surrounding disability, both from the perspective of the disabled individual and the world around them. It’s such a thoughtful way for young readers to learn not only about a particular experience, but also how to respond, advocate for, and support their peers.
This would make such a fantastic addition to both school and home libraries. It’s also enjoyable as an adult read, which makes it perfect to buddy read with a young reader in your life.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
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0 stars romance - middle grade, so very clean
0 stars language - once again, middle grade
Thank you Penguin Random House for the ARC! This review is my own facts and opinions.
☆⛤♥⭑plot⭑♥⛤☆
April has lived her whole life with a tracheotomy tube, something that helps her breathe and that she needs to live. However, it sticks out from her neck and is very visible. She doesn’t let that stop her. She absolutely loves musical theater and when she sees her school is doing a play she signs up immediately. She thinks her audition goes great, but then she is regulated to stage crew, with no acting role whatsoever. She overhears the theater teacher say that the reason she isn’t cast is because of her tube and she creates a plan to show Mrs. Rooney (the teacher) that she can do it.
☆⛤♥⭑thoughts⭑♥⛤☆
I LOVED this book! I really enjoyed reading this book. It reminded me of A Chance To Fly, a book in which Nat (who is in a wheelchair) tries out for Wicked and has a role with no dancing and has to fight for her role. I really hope that the author writes more books because I really enjoyed reading this story. It was a page-turner because I was really invested in the story and really enjoyed reading it!
☆⛤♥⭑april⭑♥⛤☆
April was such a fun character and she threw herself into the whole show. She was a very strong character who fought to be seen as more than her disability. She was very kind, even when people were rude to her about her tracheotomy. I felt for her, as she expected to have a good role, even the lead role and to be regulated to absolutely nothing on stage and just an offstage role. When she had to deal with other kids, she was kind and patient to a point and then she would say what needed to be said.
☆⛤♥⭑theater⭑♥⛤☆
As someone who loves theater, the music, watching the shows, being in them, all of it, this book was like a dream come true. It felt very realistic and just how I remember my last few shows. The kids in the show were all passionate, but there was that one kid who just doesn’t really care.
xoxo
emma
https://emmaisabookworm.blogspot.com/...
Watch me unbox this book!
https://youtube.com/shorts/heyV_7dDAS...
Follow my Youtube for unboxings and other bookish content!
https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaIsABookworm
0 stars romance - middle grade, so very clean
0 stars language - once again, middle grade
Thank you Penguin Random House for the ARC! This review is my own facts and opinions.
☆⛤♥⭑plot⭑♥⛤☆
April has lived her whole life with a tracheotomy tube, something that helps her breathe and that she needs to live. However, it sticks out from her neck and is very visible. She doesn’t let that stop her. She absolutely loves musical theater and when she sees her school is doing a play she signs up immediately. She thinks her audition goes great, but then she is regulated to stage crew, with no acting role whatsoever. She overhears the theater teacher say that the reason she isn’t cast is because of her tube and she creates a plan to show Mrs. Rooney (the teacher) that she can do it.
☆⛤♥⭑thoughts⭑♥⛤☆
I LOVED this book! I really enjoyed reading this book. It reminded me of A Chance To Fly, a book in which Nat (who is in a wheelchair) tries out for Wicked and has a role with no dancing and has to fight for her role. I really hope that the author writes more books because I really enjoyed reading this story. It was a page-turner because I was really invested in the story and really enjoyed reading it!
☆⛤♥⭑april⭑♥⛤☆
April was such a fun character and she threw herself into the whole show. She was a very strong character who fought to be seen as more than her disability. She was very kind, even when people were rude to her about her tracheotomy. I felt for her, as she expected to have a good role, even the lead role and to be regulated to absolutely nothing on stage and just an offstage role. When she had to deal with other kids, she was kind and patient to a point and then she would say what needed to be said.
☆⛤♥⭑theater⭑♥⛤☆
As someone who loves theater, the music, watching the shows, being in them, all of it, this book was like a dream come true. It felt very realistic and just how I remember my last few shows. The kids in the show were all passionate, but there was that one kid who just doesn’t really care.
xoxo
emma
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to #NetGalley, Wendy Lu and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sixth grader April Xue loves everything about Broadway and dreams of becoming a star. So when auditions for the school play arrive, April finally works up the courage to try out for the lead role. She’s sure she gave an amazing audition, but instead of getting cast, she’s placed on the stage crew. April is crushed. Then she overhears something even worse: the theater director, Ms. Rooney, didn’t cast her because of her disability. Determined to prove everyone wrong, April teams up with her best friend, a curious student reporter, and her supportive cast mates. Along the way, she learns to believe in herself, speak up for what’s fair, and show the whole school that she belongs in the spotlight.
What an amazing book and one that definitely resinated with me. This book was such a relatable and inspiring read. I especially connected with April because, like her, I also had a disability in middle school and understood a lot of the feelings she experienced such as wanting to fit in, prove yourself, and be treated fairly. April’s struggles felt very real, and it was easy to cheer for her as she learned to stand up for herself and follow her dreams.
What makes this book so fun to read is that it doesn’t just focus on the school play. It also includes all the typical middle school drama and problems that readers will recognize: friendships, rumors, and trying to figure out where you belong. The story balances emotional moments with funny and exciting scenes, especially as opening night gets closer.
Even if you’re not interested in theater, this book has something for everyone. It’s about friendship, confidence, and not letting other people decide what you can or cannot do. April is a character that many middle schoolers will see themselves in, and her journey makes you want to keep turning the pages to see what happens next.
Sixth grader April Xue loves everything about Broadway and dreams of becoming a star. So when auditions for the school play arrive, April finally works up the courage to try out for the lead role. She’s sure she gave an amazing audition, but instead of getting cast, she’s placed on the stage crew. April is crushed. Then she overhears something even worse: the theater director, Ms. Rooney, didn’t cast her because of her disability. Determined to prove everyone wrong, April teams up with her best friend, a curious student reporter, and her supportive cast mates. Along the way, she learns to believe in herself, speak up for what’s fair, and show the whole school that she belongs in the spotlight.
What an amazing book and one that definitely resinated with me. This book was such a relatable and inspiring read. I especially connected with April because, like her, I also had a disability in middle school and understood a lot of the feelings she experienced such as wanting to fit in, prove yourself, and be treated fairly. April’s struggles felt very real, and it was easy to cheer for her as she learned to stand up for herself and follow her dreams.
What makes this book so fun to read is that it doesn’t just focus on the school play. It also includes all the typical middle school drama and problems that readers will recognize: friendships, rumors, and trying to figure out where you belong. The story balances emotional moments with funny and exciting scenes, especially as opening night gets closer.
Even if you’re not interested in theater, this book has something for everyone. It’s about friendship, confidence, and not letting other people decide what you can or cannot do. April is a character that many middle schoolers will see themselves in, and her journey makes you want to keep turning the pages to see what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars. Good choice for 4th grade and up, especially those with an interest in theater. April has a disability and BIG dreams of being a Broadway star. When auditions for an original play are posted, she signs up with the encouragement of her best friend, Ruby. A first-generation American, her hard-working, over-protective parents aren't sure it is a good choice for her. Plenty of theater drama, middle school drama, friend drama, parent drama, and teacher drama to keep readers engaged. April's voice is that of a sixth grader, and young readers will relate to many of her experiences and emotions. All in all, a solid middle-grade read. Thank you to NetGalley for the EArc of this one.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A joyful, big-hearted, curtain-raising triumph that’s impossible not to root for. Wendy Lu crafts an unforgettable heroine in April Xue, whose love for theater shines brighter than any spotlight—and whose journey captures both the sting of being underestimated and the thrill of stepping up anyway. With warmth, wit, and empathy, the story explores friendship, self-confidence, and fighting for your place when the world tries to sideline you. A love letter to kids who dare to dream big and demand to be seen—sure to be an instant and timeless classic.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A very sweet, poignant story about the limitations others place on you when you are disabled. Wendy Lu crafts a very dynamic character in April, one who loves to perform and chafes against the constrictions from her mom and director. Performers in particular will love all of the musical references, though there is also a lot for non-performers to enjoy. This would make a solid addition to any middle grade realistic fiction shelf!
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf Books for Young Readers for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf Books for Young Readers for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Disclaimer that I am the author’s husband and thus, I suppose, biased. That said, this is an incredibly powerful story about a talented theater kid and the assumptions that stand in her way. Wendy has written a compelling, charming, and nuanced character in April, whom readers of all backgrounds will identify with in her struggle to make her voice heard. Fans of musical theatre, Chinese diaspora literature, coming-of-age stories, and even sci-fi will all find something to love in this book!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A good portrayal of the thespian world, but it took me a while to enjoy the story. April makes a host of bad decisions, but there's a good character arc.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews