What do you think?
Rate this book
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: The Road Trip
An original novel inspired by the hit Disney+ series HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: THE MUSICAL THE SERIES.
Join everyone's favorite Wildcats from the Disney+ smash hit original series High school Musical: The Musical: The Series in this novel by New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz.
On the heels of their wildly successful run of High School Musical, the gang learns of a can't-miss opportunity—a High School Musical convention in the next state. There's something for everyone: panels about mounting your next hit show, cafeteria-tray-dance workshops, Wildcat cosplay, and even a special appearance from the pooch who played Sharpay's dog (well, one of her puppies, that is).
Ready to hit the road, the crew immediately begins making plans. Nini can't wait to use the weekend to show how much she cares for Ricky (especially since they just got back together). Kourtney debates signing up for a singing workshop (especially if she's maybe, just maybe, considering auditioning for the next show), and Gina and Ashlyn decide it'll be the perfect trial run for living together (especially because Gina has never actually had a friendship last this long). Carlos can't wait to help Miss Jenn prep for the spring musical, even if Seb has to stay behind to help with the family farm. But car breakdowns, late starts, and a lost E.J. throw a wrench in their plans.
Will the East Highers get the weekend getaway of their dreams? Or will the bumps on the road get the better of them?
Join everyone's favorite Wildcats from the Disney+ smash hit original series High school Musical: The Musical: The Series in this novel by New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz.
On the heels of their wildly successful run of High School Musical, the gang learns of a can't-miss opportunity—a High School Musical convention in the next state. There's something for everyone: panels about mounting your next hit show, cafeteria-tray-dance workshops, Wildcat cosplay, and even a special appearance from the pooch who played Sharpay's dog (well, one of her puppies, that is).
Ready to hit the road, the crew immediately begins making plans. Nini can't wait to use the weekend to show how much she cares for Ricky (especially since they just got back together). Kourtney debates signing up for a singing workshop (especially if she's maybe, just maybe, considering auditioning for the next show), and Gina and Ashlyn decide it'll be the perfect trial run for living together (especially because Gina has never actually had a friendship last this long). Carlos can't wait to help Miss Jenn prep for the spring musical, even if Seb has to stay behind to help with the family farm. But car breakdowns, late starts, and a lost E.J. throw a wrench in their plans.
Will the East Highers get the weekend getaway of their dreams? Or will the bumps on the road get the better of them?
272 pages, Hardcover
First published May 4, 2021
35 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
About the author
Melissa de la Cruz
187 books15.9k followersMelissa de la Cruz is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for teens including The Au Pairs series, the Blue Bloods series, the Ashleys series, the Angels on Sunset Boulevard series and the semi-autobiographical novel Fresh off the Boat.
Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.
She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.
Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University (and minored in nightclubs and shopping!).
She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter.
Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.
She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.
Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University (and minored in nightclubs and shopping!).
She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
May 12, 2025
Nice continuation of a great series! Definitely reminiscent
April 1, 2021
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Disney-Hyperion for a digital galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions expressed are entirely my own. As a huge High School Musical and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series fan I was very excited to read this book. This being said I had very high expectations and they were met. I felt that the book captured the show and the characters perfectly. It was a very entertaining and fun read. The writing and storyline were fast-paced and there were lots of fun HSM and HSMTMTS jokes for fans to laugh at. I would definitely recommend this book to not only fans but anyone looking for a fun and fast-paced read.
May 23, 2021
EN/FR
EN: good story, easily read. I liked to see the characters of the series again and know more about them
FR : j'ai trouvé l'histoire sympa et qui se lit vite. De plus, j'ai bien aimé retrouvé les personnages de HSMTMTS et en connaître un peu plus sur eux
EN: good story, easily read. I liked to see the characters of the series again and know more about them
FR : j'ai trouvé l'histoire sympa et qui se lit vite. De plus, j'ai bien aimé retrouvé les personnages de HSMTMTS et en connaître un peu plus sur eux
September 5, 2023
B'H for HSMTMTS <3 This book was such an unexpected treat: the author (who has her own subdivision at Disney???) wrote (what I'm referring to as) high quality fan-fic about what could have happened between seasons 1 and 2 and then Disney published it, so now it's canon and I love that vm. The book was multi-POV (**fun**) and her Miss Jenn voice was literally laugh out loud funny. The EJ arc was, by turns, humorous, sweet, and a beautiful conceptualization of how his character changed between seasons. Love, love, love. The Carlos POV made me love Carlos even more. Ditto Ashlyn, Ricky, and Big Red. Agh! So glad this book exists and my library had a copy of it :)
July 1, 2021
YASSSSS QUEEN
June 3, 2021
[Blog]::[Youtube]::[Twitter]::[Instagram]::[Pinterest]::[Bloglovin]
I admit! I loved the High School Musical movies when they first aired on Disney Channel. However, I never watched the new series, so I wasn’t sure if I would understand the plot. However, after reading this book, I am EXCITED to binge-watch the series as it sounds like a lot of fun!
The beginning of the book was a bit bumpy, for, as I said, I could not comprehend what was going on. But, after a few pages in, I was having a ball with the characters. The characters are adorable, quirky, and fun. The author added unique story arcs for each character, like the friendship between Ashlyn and Gina, Nini boosting Kourtney’s confidence. Similarly, I loved E.J’s zen attitude from attending one of the workshops. Moreover, Miss Jenn is hilarious in the role and is one of the main reasons I want to watch the series.
Moreover, I also enjoyed the romance between some of the characters, particularly Ashlyn and Big Red. Nothing much happened with Nini and Ricky, which was unfortunate, as they had much potential. However, I laughed a lot at the scenes when Ricky gets paired with E.J at the workshop. The author blends in elements of humor wonderfully throughout the story that had me chuckling many times. Moreover, the author also narrates the story in a unique and fun manner, whether through E.J’s “Insta Interludes” or Miss Jenn’s top lists. The format change made the book enjoyable and exciting.
Overall, “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: The Road Trip” is a fun, light-hearted story that I would recommend to those who loved the movies or enjoy watching the series. Excuse me while I start binge-watching the show.
March 12, 2021
This was cute! Melissa de la Cruz perfectly captured the personalities and traits of each character from HSM: The Musical: The Series!
This books picks up right where the show left off, with the gang going to a cast party at Denny's after their performance. While at the party, Carlos gets a notification reminder about a High School Musical convention happening the next weekend a few hours away and knows the gang just has to go.
There are tons of references to the show and original movies in this book, and you probably won't get the book if you haven't watched them first since no background is really explained. There are some bigger refs (like drama that went on between all the characters) and some smaller ones (like how they can't risk Natalie's emotional support hamster escaping across state lines). Some of them were pretty funny, and I learned a lot of fun HSM trivia lol
I loved all of the different narrations!!! Each character narrates about five chapters, and it was fun to see how their stories overlapped. There were a lot of new friendships and duos formed in this, and it was really fun to read the friendships forming and hearing each person's thoughts about them!
My favorite were EJ's Insta Interludes where he was recording himself at the convention. I was cracking up at the ones where he ended up at the meditation convention instead of HSMCon lololol
This book is aimed at 8-12 year olds, so just remember that going into it and make sure your expectations match that. The writing is simple and things are pretty one dimensional and surface level. This is not a deep or intellectual book; it's def just fluffy and fun. It's pretty good for what it is!
Overall: super cute and fun. I'm way over the targeted age range, but I liked it all the same. I can't wait for HSM The Series season 2, it's for real been over a year since the first one came out. let's goooooo
huge thanks to disney and netgalley for the arc in exchange for this honest review:)
This books picks up right where the show left off, with the gang going to a cast party at Denny's after their performance. While at the party, Carlos gets a notification reminder about a High School Musical convention happening the next weekend a few hours away and knows the gang just has to go.
There are tons of references to the show and original movies in this book, and you probably won't get the book if you haven't watched them first since no background is really explained. There are some bigger refs (like drama that went on between all the characters) and some smaller ones (like how they can't risk Natalie's emotional support hamster escaping across state lines). Some of them were pretty funny, and I learned a lot of fun HSM trivia lol
I loved all of the different narrations!!! Each character narrates about five chapters, and it was fun to see how their stories overlapped. There were a lot of new friendships and duos formed in this, and it was really fun to read the friendships forming and hearing each person's thoughts about them!
My favorite were EJ's Insta Interludes where he was recording himself at the convention. I was cracking up at the ones where he ended up at the meditation convention instead of HSMCon lololol
This book is aimed at 8-12 year olds, so just remember that going into it and make sure your expectations match that. The writing is simple and things are pretty one dimensional and surface level. This is not a deep or intellectual book; it's def just fluffy and fun. It's pretty good for what it is!
Overall: super cute and fun. I'm way over the targeted age range, but I liked it all the same. I can't wait for HSM The Series season 2, it's for real been over a year since the first one came out. let's goooooo
huge thanks to disney and netgalley for the arc in exchange for this honest review:)
May 6, 2021
I’m old. Not like 'old' old, but old enough that I never felt like the target demographic that the original High School Musical was marketed towards. That doesn’t mean that I haven’t seen the original film and the sequel and the third film like a dozen times. That also doesn’t mean that I don’t know every lyric of every song. Because I do. But that does mean that I’m old enough that when I watched the first episode of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+, I decided that I was officially old. (READ MORE: https://yourmoneygeek.com/review-high...)
I have a vague understanding of the plot of the series, but mostly I just knew that there was some behind-the-scenes drama about a “Driver’s License.” I jumped straight into High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: The Road Trip completely unaware of what has been happening to these characters. Fortunately, you don’t really have to know everything to enjoy this book.
The author, Melissa de la Cruz, cleverly began each character’s chapter with more than enough information to give you a really clear picture on where each teen is emotionally. They’re all coming from the high of their closing night performance, there have been fights, break-ups, make-ups, and all of that teen drama that high school thrives on.
The book centers around the cast of characters from High School Musical: The Series going to a High School Musical convention and attending panels and workshops and meeting the original cast. Which is just, you know, a really fun concept.
Personally, I related to Miss Jenn while reading the book. I too would totally be geeked out at the prospect of meeting Lucas Grabeel. Not because of High School Musical though, but because of Halloweentown High. I also loved the interlude chapters with “Six Things Miss Jenn Realizes at the Motel, in Random Order” and “Miss Jenn’s Top Five Regrets at #HSMCon.”
The book is very well written and it’s fun regardless of your attachment to High School Musical. It’s definitely the perfect book for fans of the series who are wanting a little more fun from their new favorite characters. It might even be the perfect book for getting your teen or tween into reading this summer.
The chapters alternate between each of the main characters: Nini, Carlos, Kourtney, Big Red, Ashlyn, Ricky, and E.J., though sometimes it was difficult to tell the difference between their voices. Which, given what I saw of the first episode of the series, probably isn’t a book problem. I really loved the “Insta Interludes” from E.J. and the interspersed text bubbles, which gave the book a very modern feel.
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: The Road Trip manages to capture the heart of the new Disney+ series, while playing into the nostalgia of the original film franchise, making this the perfect book for fans of the originals to enjoy with the children in their life who know High School Musical for the series.
The book is geared towards 8-12-year-olds, though I do think it skews towards the 12-16 demographic. It’s a fun, easy read with some really clever choices and interesting characters.
I have a vague understanding of the plot of the series, but mostly I just knew that there was some behind-the-scenes drama about a “Driver’s License.” I jumped straight into High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: The Road Trip completely unaware of what has been happening to these characters. Fortunately, you don’t really have to know everything to enjoy this book.
The author, Melissa de la Cruz, cleverly began each character’s chapter with more than enough information to give you a really clear picture on where each teen is emotionally. They’re all coming from the high of their closing night performance, there have been fights, break-ups, make-ups, and all of that teen drama that high school thrives on.
The book centers around the cast of characters from High School Musical: The Series going to a High School Musical convention and attending panels and workshops and meeting the original cast. Which is just, you know, a really fun concept.
Personally, I related to Miss Jenn while reading the book. I too would totally be geeked out at the prospect of meeting Lucas Grabeel. Not because of High School Musical though, but because of Halloweentown High. I also loved the interlude chapters with “Six Things Miss Jenn Realizes at the Motel, in Random Order” and “Miss Jenn’s Top Five Regrets at #HSMCon.”
The book is very well written and it’s fun regardless of your attachment to High School Musical. It’s definitely the perfect book for fans of the series who are wanting a little more fun from their new favorite characters. It might even be the perfect book for getting your teen or tween into reading this summer.
The chapters alternate between each of the main characters: Nini, Carlos, Kourtney, Big Red, Ashlyn, Ricky, and E.J., though sometimes it was difficult to tell the difference between their voices. Which, given what I saw of the first episode of the series, probably isn’t a book problem. I really loved the “Insta Interludes” from E.J. and the interspersed text bubbles, which gave the book a very modern feel.
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: The Road Trip manages to capture the heart of the new Disney+ series, while playing into the nostalgia of the original film franchise, making this the perfect book for fans of the originals to enjoy with the children in their life who know High School Musical for the series.
The book is geared towards 8-12-year-olds, though I do think it skews towards the 12-16 demographic. It’s a fun, easy read with some really clever choices and interesting characters.
May 5, 2021
I picked up High School Musical because it was an extension of the show. The show was horribly corny but you had to watch and sing along. The book took the same route. The characters stayed the same and worked just as well in written form. The kids go on a road trip to a High School Musical convention and all the normal teenage drama ensues. Definitely a fun book for fans, and I think that it could work for those who have not watched the show yet. I am not sure I would want my younger child reading it, more around the ages of the kids in the show, but other than that, definitely works well for HSM fans.
May 18, 2024
2.5 ⭐️ I had way too high expectations for this book. I am a big fan of the show, but this book was very disappointing. The whole time, Nini was trying to tell Ricky that she is going to YAC and by the end of the book, she still hasn’t told him! I feel like this book was a bit rushed, maybe would have been better if it is was longer. If you are a fan of the show, this book is worth checking out but if not, it’s a massive skip for me. It kind of felt all over the place. Every chapter I read, I felt like I was reading a completely different story. Thought this would be a five star, but it was a 2.5 ⭐️ :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
July 12, 2021As a fan of High School Musical The Musical The Series, this book was cute insight into the lives of East High's students on the way to an HSM convention. I really appreciated the different forms of writing for different characters (Ms. Jen, EJ) and found this is a nice pick me up as someone who was excited and awaiting the arrival of Season 2. Also EJ's insta posts were my fav (who knew he could be so profound lol) Also wish this could be set to screen as a feature episode. Disney+ it's your move you know what to do.
June 24, 2021
A really basic read 🤷🏾♀️ i definitely wasn’t expecting anything groundbreaking I just needed something to cleanse my palette after the atrocity that was “spin the dawn”. super cute and i ❤️ hsmtmts
July 6, 2021
This was a pretty decent book. I enjoy watching HSMTMTS so this book was a fun read. Not much happened, because they had to leave room for the TV show to actually develop their relationships, but it was still enjoyable. The characters' voices were on point, whenever I read the dialog I could picture their voices saying it. A quick read and a fun story.
April 11, 2023
I really enjoyed it. I love the series and I had to pick this up. It fits with the show perfectly. Perfect for fans.
May 31, 2021
i couldn’t learn of this books existence and then not read it. solid 2.5 stars for a children’s book being read by a 23 year old under the guise of keeping it for my second grade classroom library <3
August 21, 2021
Awww I really liked this HSMTMTS extra book! It's set between season 1 and 2, and provide a nice story for what would've happened in the interlude. I love how it show the pov of each character. A good read for those waiting for S2 (even though I read it after I had watched S2 lol).
May 5, 2021
Thank you so much to Disney Publishing Worldwide & Netgalley for an arc copy!
AND
Happy Release Day
Before starting my review, FUN FACT
High School Musical is my childhood! I remember when the first movie came out I was in elementary and my friends and I were obsessed! (especially with Troy Bolton...ZAC EFRON)
I am now in my 20s...and I’m happy and proud to say that the High School Musical franchise are one of my guilty pleasures <3
Soooo I’ll be honest and say I have not seen the tv show prior to this book coming out…In fact, I was even weary in starting this tv show. It is actually because of this book that I decided to watch the tv show!
AND I AM SO HAPPY I DID!!!
Don’t get me wrong, these aren’t as good as the movies (for me) but it was still so very enjoyable! I loved each and every character and how close and tight they all are. I love the reimagination of this. The show had me cringing, smiling and laughing. I just couldn’t help but get hooked.
And can I say Melissa De La Cruz, the author of this book did the tv show and CHARACTERS justice! It was so brilliantly written. It felt like I was watching an episode of the tv show. Sooo if you have seen the tv show go check this book out!
The book is set right after the big performance of season 1. All characters are planning a road trip to a HSM convention...HOWEVER...not everything goes as planned…
What I adore from the tv show was how unique and special each character is. I love how they had their own story to tell. So, thank you to the author for having each character get a POV!!! It gave me the exact same feel. I just loved how it portrayed them so well and that I got to see them grow as a performer and individual. I’m just so mind blowned by how accurate the author got the personalities of each character sooo right!
And can I just say that as much as love each and every character, after reading this E.J. holds such a special place in my heart <3 HE IS JUST A SWEETIE!
This book was such a fun read.
This is really a great read to get me ready for season 2!
AND
Happy Release Day
Before starting my review, FUN FACT
High School Musical is my childhood! I remember when the first movie came out I was in elementary and my friends and I were obsessed! (especially with Troy Bolton...ZAC EFRON)
I am now in my 20s...and I’m happy and proud to say that the High School Musical franchise are one of my guilty pleasures <3
Soooo I’ll be honest and say I have not seen the tv show prior to this book coming out…In fact, I was even weary in starting this tv show. It is actually because of this book that I decided to watch the tv show!
AND I AM SO HAPPY I DID!!!
Don’t get me wrong, these aren’t as good as the movies (for me) but it was still so very enjoyable! I loved each and every character and how close and tight they all are. I love the reimagination of this. The show had me cringing, smiling and laughing. I just couldn’t help but get hooked.
And can I say Melissa De La Cruz, the author of this book did the tv show and CHARACTERS justice! It was so brilliantly written. It felt like I was watching an episode of the tv show. Sooo if you have seen the tv show go check this book out!
The book is set right after the big performance of season 1. All characters are planning a road trip to a HSM convention...HOWEVER...not everything goes as planned…
What I adore from the tv show was how unique and special each character is. I love how they had their own story to tell. So, thank you to the author for having each character get a POV!!! It gave me the exact same feel. I just loved how it portrayed them so well and that I got to see them grow as a performer and individual. I’m just so mind blowned by how accurate the author got the personalities of each character sooo right!
And can I just say that as much as love each and every character, after reading this E.J. holds such a special place in my heart <3 HE IS JUST A SWEETIE!
This book was such a fun read.
This is really a great read to get me ready for season 2!
June 10, 2021
Really fun read! A fun little bridge between the seasons of the show and gives us a glimpse at the thoughts of some of the characters.
I didn’t give the book any stars as it doesn’t add to the whole story of HSMTMTS but I still really enjoyed the day read.
I didn’t give the book any stars as it doesn’t add to the whole story of HSMTMTS but I still really enjoyed the day read.
May 17, 2021
Apologies, Melissa de la Cruz, but I may have picked up 1 or 2 books from you in the past and did not like. My expectations were low here, but after a Disney Channel marathon of Season 1 of HSMTMTS, I figured I'd give this a chance... and this is the 1st book from you I actually enjoyed.
Admittedly, the series gave you a lot of content, characterization and tone. So shout out to the creative team at Disney for a great foundation. Thank you to the author for not messing it up.
Since I just ended the show -- yup, that final tap dance number -- the story picked up right where the show ended, which allowed us to live in the world for a bit longer. No new discoveries here, author is just keeping the plate warm until Disney serves up the next course of Season 2.
Admittedly, the series gave you a lot of content, characterization and tone. So shout out to the creative team at Disney for a great foundation. Thank you to the author for not messing it up.
Since I just ended the show -- yup, that final tap dance number -- the story picked up right where the show ended, which allowed us to live in the world for a bit longer. No new discoveries here, author is just keeping the plate warm until Disney serves up the next course of Season 2.
May 7, 2021
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: THE MUSICAL: THE SERIES: THE ROAD TRIP is a fun book that compliments the show by diving into the characters more with a cute story. The theatre students are excited when they find out there is a HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL convention in the next state. Of course, they know they must go, and so it's time for a road trip!
Nini and Ricky have just gotten back together, and she's excited to spend the weekend with him - but wants to wait to give him some news that might change everything. Gina and Ashlyn are thinking about living together and excited to give it a try. Others have their own plans for how this weekend will be epic, but things ultimately don't quite go to plan.
This book is really written for fans, and already knowing the show and movies will definitely boost enjoyment. There are a lot of characters featured and their perspectives are all shown, so already knowing who is who will really help to follow along. The writing is light and fun, and the story is every bit as cute as you'd expect. It's perfect for the older middle grade crowd, but HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL fans of all ages will enjoy extending the fun with this book.
I also enjoyed the interludes of other materials, such as instagram posts and Miss Jenn's lists/rules. These were really fun additions and helped capture personalities and add to the story. Overall, this was a cute and charming middle grade read, perfect for fans of the HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL franchise.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Nini and Ricky have just gotten back together, and she's excited to spend the weekend with him - but wants to wait to give him some news that might change everything. Gina and Ashlyn are thinking about living together and excited to give it a try. Others have their own plans for how this weekend will be epic, but things ultimately don't quite go to plan.
This book is really written for fans, and already knowing the show and movies will definitely boost enjoyment. There are a lot of characters featured and their perspectives are all shown, so already knowing who is who will really help to follow along. The writing is light and fun, and the story is every bit as cute as you'd expect. It's perfect for the older middle grade crowd, but HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL fans of all ages will enjoy extending the fun with this book.
I also enjoyed the interludes of other materials, such as instagram posts and Miss Jenn's lists/rules. These were really fun additions and helped capture personalities and add to the story. Overall, this was a cute and charming middle grade read, perfect for fans of the HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL franchise.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
May 19, 2021
I love HSMTMTS and reading this book filled the hole in my heart waiting for the rest of season 2!
May 6, 2021
Exactly what I expected. Cute, fluffy and cheesy in a good way. Of course I'm not exactly the demographic for this book but I ADORE the show and so I couldn't pass up reading this. And I'm glad I did.
Each character had their own little struggles they were faced with that were solved by the end; Ricky's decision of where he would spend Christmas, Miss Jenn NEEDING the trip to be perfect only to realize it's imperfections made it perfect, Nini (who got her autographs but still hasn't told Ricky about YAC), Kourtney and her struggle with taking singing to the stage, Ashlyn, Big Red and the word Hey, Gina continuing to grow friendships, EJ's HILARIOUS Instagram videos and Carlos and Seb...MY BABIES!! I LOVE THEM!
Definitely a quick, cute read with lots of fun HSM references. It got me really excited for the show's return next week!
Each character had their own little struggles they were faced with that were solved by the end; Ricky's decision of where he would spend Christmas, Miss Jenn NEEDING the trip to be perfect only to realize it's imperfections made it perfect, Nini (who got her autographs but still hasn't told Ricky about YAC), Kourtney and her struggle with taking singing to the stage, Ashlyn, Big Red and the word Hey, Gina continuing to grow friendships, EJ's HILARIOUS Instagram videos and Carlos and Seb...MY BABIES!! I LOVE THEM!
Definitely a quick, cute read with lots of fun HSM references. It got me really excited for the show's return next week!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2023
this made me cry. We don't talk about it.
February 27, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Disney Publishing for a review copy of this book.
I’m a big high school musical fan. Have been since I watched Troy and Gabriella sing on that snowy New Years night back in 2006. I also grew up not far from where they filmed the movies!
So when it was announced they were doing a series based on the films but they would take place at the high school where they filmed it, I was pretty excited! I loved the series and loved watching it with my oldest daughter, a new wildcat fan.
Anyway, I digress!
This book starts off immediately after the first season ended and the cast and crew are headed to Jackson hole for a high school musical convention. Why is the convention there and not in salt lake? I don’t know. I feel that would’ve worked better, especially since it’s the middle of winter!
Despite that qualm of mine, this was a fun read and included different perspectives like in the series. EJs POV is like a social media post even! Of course things don’t always go according to plan but hey, they’re all in this together right?
If you’re a fan of high school musical the musical the series, definitely give this a read while we wait for season 2 to give us answers we so desperately want from season 1!
I’m a big high school musical fan. Have been since I watched Troy and Gabriella sing on that snowy New Years night back in 2006. I also grew up not far from where they filmed the movies!
So when it was announced they were doing a series based on the films but they would take place at the high school where they filmed it, I was pretty excited! I loved the series and loved watching it with my oldest daughter, a new wildcat fan.
Anyway, I digress!
This book starts off immediately after the first season ended and the cast and crew are headed to Jackson hole for a high school musical convention. Why is the convention there and not in salt lake? I don’t know. I feel that would’ve worked better, especially since it’s the middle of winter!
Despite that qualm of mine, this was a fun read and included different perspectives like in the series. EJs POV is like a social media post even! Of course things don’t always go according to plan but hey, they’re all in this together right?
If you’re a fan of high school musical the musical the series, definitely give this a read while we wait for season 2 to give us answers we so desperately want from season 1!
April 7, 2021
I didn't really like this book. It kind of was a joke. The series on Disney+ was amazing, this just was not it.
March 5, 2021
5 ⭐️
-
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
-
This book was SUCH a delight!
I'm a big fan of the Disney+ series that this is based on (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series) as well as a fan of the original High School Musical movies, having grown up with them. This was such a great addition to the new series and I think it's the perfect way to bridge the gap between seasons 1 and 2.
This book picks up right after the finale of season 1 of HSMTMTS with the post-show cast party and it's so fun to see the characters acting like normal high school theatre kids joking around at Denny's. De La Cruz uses multiple characters' perspectives to follow as large an array as possible, just as the show does. She then follows the cast to a BroadwayCon-esque convention specifically for High School Musical fans where they run into their typical hijinks left and right, but still manage to have a blast. It also leaves a perfect opening to jump right into season 2 of the series, but won't be so necessary that anyone would feel they're missing out between seasons if they don't get a chance to read this.
There are a ton of musical theatre and HSM references that will stand out to any theatre fan, but it also will be fun read for anyone who enjoyed the Disney+ series in general. This was such a cute story and I would've loved to read even more, but it felt like the perfect length for a YA novelization. I can't wait until season 2 of the show comes out so I can see more of their adventures!
-
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
-
This book was SUCH a delight!
I'm a big fan of the Disney+ series that this is based on (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series) as well as a fan of the original High School Musical movies, having grown up with them. This was such a great addition to the new series and I think it's the perfect way to bridge the gap between seasons 1 and 2.
This book picks up right after the finale of season 1 of HSMTMTS with the post-show cast party and it's so fun to see the characters acting like normal high school theatre kids joking around at Denny's. De La Cruz uses multiple characters' perspectives to follow as large an array as possible, just as the show does. She then follows the cast to a BroadwayCon-esque convention specifically for High School Musical fans where they run into their typical hijinks left and right, but still manage to have a blast. It also leaves a perfect opening to jump right into season 2 of the series, but won't be so necessary that anyone would feel they're missing out between seasons if they don't get a chance to read this.
There are a ton of musical theatre and HSM references that will stand out to any theatre fan, but it also will be fun read for anyone who enjoyed the Disney+ series in general. This was such a cute story and I would've loved to read even more, but it felt like the perfect length for a YA novelization. I can't wait until season 2 of the show comes out so I can see more of their adventures!
May 17, 2021
On the night of their successful performance, the team learns that there is a High School Musical convention in the next state over. The convention has something for everyone and the cast members will be making special appearances.
They are ready to hit the road and they can't wait to make plans for their weekend together. Nini wants to use this weekend to show how much she cares for Ricky since they just got back together. Kourtney wants to sign up for a signing workshop and maybe audition for the next show. Gina and Ashlyn are using the weekend as a trial run for living together. Carlos is excited to help Miss Jenn realize her dreams and prep for the spring musical.
I recall seeing this movie and remember how much interest it garnered when I was younger. Honestly, I didn't even realize that the movie was still a hit. This was my first book of the series and I realized towards the middle of the book, that the books needed to be read in order. It does seem like the book can be read as a standalone but, there were several previous story references that were lost to me. I also had a hard time following along with the characters and after a while, all the characters were starting to merge together. If you are a fan of the series, I would recommend this book. Otherwise, I would say to skip it.
They are ready to hit the road and they can't wait to make plans for their weekend together. Nini wants to use this weekend to show how much she cares for Ricky since they just got back together. Kourtney wants to sign up for a signing workshop and maybe audition for the next show. Gina and Ashlyn are using the weekend as a trial run for living together. Carlos is excited to help Miss Jenn realize her dreams and prep for the spring musical.
I recall seeing this movie and remember how much interest it garnered when I was younger. Honestly, I didn't even realize that the movie was still a hit. This was my first book of the series and I realized towards the middle of the book, that the books needed to be read in order. It does seem like the book can be read as a standalone but, there were several previous story references that were lost to me. I also had a hard time following along with the characters and after a while, all the characters were starting to merge together. If you are a fan of the series, I would recommend this book. Otherwise, I would say to skip it.
August 12, 2021
Ugh, FINALLY finished this book. Probably not a good thing to say in a review but when I was hoping to get this done before the season premiered and didn't finish it until after the season wrapped, I think that's an appropriate thing to say.
There's not really much to say about this book because it's really just... fine? Like it's not bad, exactly, it's just an average, throwaway interlude between the two seasons of the show. Disney trying to make even more money by targeting us book nerds. (But I borrowed it from my library's Hoopla app, so HA! In your face, you greedy mouse!)
Do I regret reading the book? No. Was it boring at times? Definitely. But it had its moments. Obviously I'm a fan of the show so I love the characters and I'm always happy to revisit them. But man, have I read fanfiction better than this. I don't mean the writing itself, because again, it's FINE, but the premise. A High School Musical convention, really? That would never exist in real life. This show can get pretty silly, but I think that's almost drawing a line.
Well, here's hoping this show gets renewed for a third season and maybe gets a better second interlude book, assuming they do publish another one. (It's another way to make money, since the Descendants book series is clearly over. Though it really doesn't have to be, but that's an argument for another day.)
There's not really much to say about this book because it's really just... fine? Like it's not bad, exactly, it's just an average, throwaway interlude between the two seasons of the show. Disney trying to make even more money by targeting us book nerds. (But I borrowed it from my library's Hoopla app, so HA! In your face, you greedy mouse!)
Do I regret reading the book? No. Was it boring at times? Definitely. But it had its moments. Obviously I'm a fan of the show so I love the characters and I'm always happy to revisit them. But man, have I read fanfiction better than this. I don't mean the writing itself, because again, it's FINE, but the premise. A High School Musical convention, really? That would never exist in real life. This show can get pretty silly, but I think that's almost drawing a line.
Well, here's hoping this show gets renewed for a third season and maybe gets a better second interlude book, assuming they do publish another one. (It's another way to make money, since the Descendants book series is clearly over. Though it really doesn't have to be, but that's an argument for another day.)
June 8, 2022
4/5
I am fairly neutral in my opinion on this bonus novel. I don't think it's particularly good, but it's not bad either considering as stories go. It does live up to its purpose of keeping loose ends tied up from what the ending of the tv series has given the audience.
Basically, this book takes place a little after the events of the first season of the series. We see a lot of that self POV from what the series has made with the sort of close-up interview in between scenes. Here in the novel, each one of them has their own chapters dedicated to their point of view as we all see them sort out their own problems (and not sort them out at all, which I believe is where a second season comes in as that same unresolved problem will be the focus conflict and the elephant in the room for the rest of the story.)
What I really want to point out however is how this book has made me watch the entirety of season one of the series because I can not, no matter how much I try, understand what's going on without much context on what happened with the main story. Believe me when I say I was so confused about who Nini was and I couldn't tell Ricky and EJ apart.
That goes with saying that you should watch the series first before reading this. And if you already have and have become a fan, well, I believe you'll like reading this.
I am fairly neutral in my opinion on this bonus novel. I don't think it's particularly good, but it's not bad either considering as stories go. It does live up to its purpose of keeping loose ends tied up from what the ending of the tv series has given the audience.
Basically, this book takes place a little after the events of the first season of the series. We see a lot of that self POV from what the series has made with the sort of close-up interview in between scenes. Here in the novel, each one of them has their own chapters dedicated to their point of view as we all see them sort out their own problems (and not sort them out at all, which I believe is where a second season comes in as that same unresolved problem will be the focus conflict and the elephant in the room for the rest of the story.)
What I really want to point out however is how this book has made me watch the entirety of season one of the series because I can not, no matter how much I try, understand what's going on without much context on what happened with the main story. Believe me when I say I was so confused about who Nini was and I couldn't tell Ricky and EJ apart.
That goes with saying that you should watch the series first before reading this. And if you already have and have become a fan, well, I believe you'll like reading this.
April 5, 2022
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: The Road Trip picks up right where season one of the show leaves off. The cast is celebrating a successful show when Miss Jenn discovers there’s going to be a High School Musical Convention only a few hours away. Of course she comes up with the perfect plan to go to the convention and convince a HSM star to help put the East High theater department on the map…what could go wrong? Oh, apparently everything.
This book was a cute and really quick read but you definitely need to have some knowledge of the series before going into it. The chapters are split up between the main characters of the show..which I liked because it helped move the story along well.I also haven’t kept up with the show so Im not sure if the loose ends in the book were resolved in the show. I do think you have to be a fan of the show and high school musical in general to really enjoy the book. For me it was just ok. I didn’t love it and I didn’t hate it.
Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the digital copy!
*I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This book was a cute and really quick read but you definitely need to have some knowledge of the series before going into it. The chapters are split up between the main characters of the show..which I liked because it helped move the story along well.I also haven’t kept up with the show so Im not sure if the loose ends in the book were resolved in the show. I do think you have to be a fan of the show and high school musical in general to really enjoy the book. For me it was just ok. I didn’t love it and I didn’t hate it.
Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the digital copy!
*I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews