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Zack Delacruz #3
Upstaged
Zack is back—and taking on the school play!
Bah humbug! Zack Delacruz wants to win the role of Scrooge in Davy Crockett Middle School’s production of A Christmas Carol —and Abhi’s admiration, too. But he’s not the only one trying out for the play. So are José (El Pollo Loco), Marquis, and Janie, who dreams of being all three ghosts. What role will Zack end up playing on stage . . . and in his life? Bowling balls, gurgling stomachs, complete chaos, and quick detective work turn this year’s drama into a spectacular scene that will have actors rising to new heights—literally—and leave readers rolling in the aisles.
Bah humbug! Zack Delacruz wants to win the role of Scrooge in Davy Crockett Middle School’s production of A Christmas Carol —and Abhi’s admiration, too. But he’s not the only one trying out for the play. So are José (El Pollo Loco), Marquis, and Janie, who dreams of being all three ghosts. What role will Zack end up playing on stage . . . and in his life? Bowling balls, gurgling stomachs, complete chaos, and quick detective work turn this year’s drama into a spectacular scene that will have actors rising to new heights—literally—and leave readers rolling in the aisles.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published November 6, 2018
3 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Anderson
198 books62 followersLibrarians note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 6, 2019
Life gets turned in ways Zach never expected, when the school puts on a play, and thanks to a girl, he suddenly finds himself doing something he never wanted to—auditioning for the main part in the play.
When the school librarian announces the new play, The Christmas Carol, Zach's friends suddenly want to take part. Zach wants nothing to do with it, but then the girl that he might like bats her eyes at him, and the next moment, he's secretly planning on auditioning. Even before the auditions, the excitement and funny personality traits of Zach's friends ensure many hilarious moments. Then, the cast is chosen and chaos really begins.
This is the third book in the series. I have not read the other two, but still had no problem diving into this book. In other words, it can be read as a stand alone.
This book is fun, and it's the characters which make it shine. Each one of Zach's friends has a very distinct personality, and each carries a quirky trait. The author does not go at this subtly, but allows these oddities to come out full force. It's silly, it's giggle-worthy, and still, it comes across realistic. While humor abounds and the situations threaten to run out of control, these are moments middle graders can sympathize with and see themselves reflected in. The self-insecurities, friendship issues, first girl problems and teacher predicaments hit home despite the sillier scenes.
While the play, The Christmas Carol, suggests this might make a great holiday read, the story itself does not rotate around holiday themes and easily slides in to any time of year. The school setting is well done, never overly described but captures the atmosphere nicely. The dialogue flows well, and although some remarks seem odd for the age group, it fits the personalities well. The entire thing is a humorous school drama which kids will smile and laugh through the entire way.
I received a complimentary copy and found this to be such a lovely read that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
When the school librarian announces the new play, The Christmas Carol, Zach's friends suddenly want to take part. Zach wants nothing to do with it, but then the girl that he might like bats her eyes at him, and the next moment, he's secretly planning on auditioning. Even before the auditions, the excitement and funny personality traits of Zach's friends ensure many hilarious moments. Then, the cast is chosen and chaos really begins.
This is the third book in the series. I have not read the other two, but still had no problem diving into this book. In other words, it can be read as a stand alone.
This book is fun, and it's the characters which make it shine. Each one of Zach's friends has a very distinct personality, and each carries a quirky trait. The author does not go at this subtly, but allows these oddities to come out full force. It's silly, it's giggle-worthy, and still, it comes across realistic. While humor abounds and the situations threaten to run out of control, these are moments middle graders can sympathize with and see themselves reflected in. The self-insecurities, friendship issues, first girl problems and teacher predicaments hit home despite the sillier scenes.
While the play, The Christmas Carol, suggests this might make a great holiday read, the story itself does not rotate around holiday themes and easily slides in to any time of year. The school setting is well done, never overly described but captures the atmosphere nicely. The dialogue flows well, and although some remarks seem odd for the age group, it fits the personalities well. The entire thing is a humorous school drama which kids will smile and laugh through the entire way.
I received a complimentary copy and found this to be such a lovely read that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
February 12, 2019
Zack and his group of friends are all back for a third round of adventure or rather misadventure. This time around the group of sixth graders are all involved in performing the winter play, The Christmas Carol.
Some things haven’t changed. Zack is still trying to win favor with Abhi. Janie still quotes movie lines with her lisp of sss words. However, the best friendship of Zack and Marquis is tested when they both end up trying out for the role of Scrooge.
Jose is still El Pollo Loco, but now he’s viewed as a friend by everyone and his antics are quite tame.
Kids who liked the first two books will likely enjoy this one too, but for me the spark was gone. There were no hysterically funny scenes that had me laughing out loud. Yes, Blythe was over the top as she tried to boss everyone in the play, but that’s about it. Overall, this book just didn’t have the energy and humor that the previous two books provided.
Some things haven’t changed. Zack is still trying to win favor with Abhi. Janie still quotes movie lines with her lisp of sss words. However, the best friendship of Zack and Marquis is tested when they both end up trying out for the role of Scrooge.
Jose is still El Pollo Loco, but now he’s viewed as a friend by everyone and his antics are quite tame.
Kids who liked the first two books will likely enjoy this one too, but for me the spark was gone. There were no hysterically funny scenes that had me laughing out loud. Yes, Blythe was over the top as she tried to boss everyone in the play, but that’s about it. Overall, this book just didn’t have the energy and humor that the previous two books provided.
January 5, 2019
I didn't realize that this was the 3rd book in this series, BUT, you can read any of them out of sequence, so I read this one (that and it was available)
The writing was almost too simple (it was definitely catered to a 4th grade reading level or reluctant reader) because the characters are in middle school.
The plot line is cute and simple. First time falling for a girl, first time being in a school play and the nerves that come from being onstage especially if its the iconic "A Christmas Carol", friendship tested, bullying, etc.
It does perfectly convey the smart-aleck behavior and dialogue of tweens though.
The writing was almost too simple (it was definitely catered to a 4th grade reading level or reluctant reader) because the characters are in middle school.
The plot line is cute and simple. First time falling for a girl, first time being in a school play and the nerves that come from being onstage especially if its the iconic "A Christmas Carol", friendship tested, bullying, etc.
It does perfectly convey the smart-aleck behavior and dialogue of tweens though.
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June 26, 2020What I love about these Zack Delacruz novels is that you can pick up any book, in any order. This is Book 3, and although I never read Book 1, I have thoroughly enjoyed each one and don't feel left behind. The story and characters are well-developed. Young readers will see themselves and their peers in the events, emotions, and reactions to middle school life.
I highly recommend this series for tweens and teens!
I highly recommend this series for tweens and teens!
January 16, 2019
Zach wants to be the start of his school play, but no matter what he will always be the start of this novel! In spite of him being a worry wart (or perhaps because of it.) he is a relatable character. In fact many middle school or‘s might find their own worries addressed in this book! With its fun character dynamics, The story will keep you turning the pages until the end.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews