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Upstaged
A shy seventh grader learns to step into the spotlight in this middle-grade novel.
Shira Gordon is painfully shy. She rarely speaks and blushes at everything. And yet, when she’s alone in her room, she’ll sing and dance, dreaming she were different. So when her best friend forces her to audition for their school’s production of The Music Man, she’s mostly hoping the play will get canceled. . . but a tiny part of her hopes she’ll get in.
And she does. As a member of the barbershop quartet. Playing a dude with a mustache is not exactly her dream role, but Shira is surprised by how much she loves rehearsing with her quirky new friends. When her teacher asks her to understudy the lead role, Marian the Librarian, she reluctantly accepts.
It’s not easy to understudy Monica Manley, an eighth-grade diva who will not be upstaged. And things get even more complicated when a mysterious prankster starts playing tricks on Monica and Shira’s crush joins the cast. But something keeps Shira going, and it might just be Marian herself. Sure, Marian is a leading lady, but she’s also misunderstood, lonely . . . and shy. And if a star can be shy, then maybe, just maybe, a shy person can be a star.
Shira Gordon is painfully shy. She rarely speaks and blushes at everything. And yet, when she’s alone in her room, she’ll sing and dance, dreaming she were different. So when her best friend forces her to audition for their school’s production of The Music Man, she’s mostly hoping the play will get canceled. . . but a tiny part of her hopes she’ll get in.
And she does. As a member of the barbershop quartet. Playing a dude with a mustache is not exactly her dream role, but Shira is surprised by how much she loves rehearsing with her quirky new friends. When her teacher asks her to understudy the lead role, Marian the Librarian, she reluctantly accepts.
It’s not easy to understudy Monica Manley, an eighth-grade diva who will not be upstaged. And things get even more complicated when a mysterious prankster starts playing tricks on Monica and Shira’s crush joins the cast. But something keeps Shira going, and it might just be Marian herself. Sure, Marian is a leading lady, but she’s also misunderstood, lonely . . . and shy. And if a star can be shy, then maybe, just maybe, a shy person can be a star.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published March 16, 2021
5 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! Shira is a twelve-year -old girl who is extremely, painfully shy. If invisibility cloaks were real, and accessible, she would live in one. When Shira and BF Cassie are chosen for parts in their school musical, The Music Man, Shira would rather evaporate than play a boy’s part in the barbershop quartet (with a mustache, no less!) But as the cast members work together to make the show a success, Shira discovers that being part of a group might not be such a bad thing, after all. And that maybe, being the center of attention, occasionally, isn’t so traumatic as she once thought.
Shira was such a relatable character! I was so shy in middle-school, I wanted to hide rather than do anything in front of people. Becoming a band member in high school helped; the happiness that comes from being part of a group, and succeeding as a team, is wonderful.
Oh, I think middle-grade readers, and even a bit older, would eat this story up! Should be in classrooms everywhere!
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg.32)-“ I know “shy” doesn’t get a lot of press these day. From a distance, it probably doesn’t seem much different from being quiet or calm or peaceful. Or boring. But for me, it’s like the inside of you wants to be talking and laughing, in the middle of everything, sitting at the table that’s having so much fun. But a piece of you won’t let you.”
Shira was such a relatable character! I was so shy in middle-school, I wanted to hide rather than do anything in front of people. Becoming a band member in high school helped; the happiness that comes from being part of a group, and succeeding as a team, is wonderful.
Oh, I think middle-grade readers, and even a bit older, would eat this story up! Should be in classrooms everywhere!
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg.32)-“ I know “shy” doesn’t get a lot of press these day. From a distance, it probably doesn’t seem much different from being quiet or calm or peaceful. Or boring. But for me, it’s like the inside of you wants to be talking and laughing, in the middle of everything, sitting at the table that’s having so much fun. But a piece of you won’t let you.”
August 23, 2021
The world is lacking in fun, upbeat, frothy realistic middle grade reads that don't feel manufactured in a factory. We need more books like Upstaged that are light-hearted but also realistic. It is very easy to like Shira and her group of friends. (Or maybe it just seemed that way to me because they are Theatre Kids.) Some of the supporting characters are stock, but it works for the story Asher is telling. It is a fun read and definitely something to have on hand for kids who enjoy the performing arts.
November 16, 2020
Shira loves to sing and dance and dream as much as she can... but only when she's alone... in her room... where nobody, especially the others at school, can see her dancing. But, when she's asked to audition for the school musical, The Music Man, in her chorus class she realizes that she'll have to now perform in front of other people. It all seems like a lot of pressure, but as she starts to enjoy her rehearsals and (most of) the other kids working on the show, she finds new talents and a place to she might even fit in.
First off, I have to start by telling you that I'm an actor and director (which is why I requested this book) and my first full show was The Music Man Jr. and I was 10 (maybe 11?), so this book already has some sentimental value to me.
Second off, I'm doing a project where I read any book I can find that features people participating in theatre, and this was part of that. So far, it may also be my favorite.
Diana Harmon Asher portrayed what it's like to be in a musical better than anyone else I've read so far. The amount of care that went into making this accurate to a rehearsal process was immeasurable and I am extremely thankful for that, especially right now. At this point, it's been almost a year since I got to rehearse or perform a show and I didn't know how much it would help to read someone else doing it! Most other books undervalue the time and work that goes into theatre at any level, but Upstaged didn't at all. Harmon Asher allowed Shira to be affected by the process and the other people working on the show, but also to connect to The Music Man itself. Being in a show is all of that. It's everyone from the person who resewed your button on for the third time, to the leads, to the painters, to the composers and their music, to the volunteers, to the writers, to the directors and stage managers and ensembles and orchestras and everyone else that I can't think of. That is what theatre is. And I think the author did a lovely job of portraying just that.
Shira is a shy, smart, and talented kid who doesn't quite know her own fantastic abilities yet. But her friends and teachers do a really lovely job of helping her see just amazing she is throughout the book.
I also appreciate how the Diva archetype was dealt with in this book, but like with most middle grades question many of the adult's decisions when it comes to how behavior is handled. That being said the adult hierarchy at the school and with the board was quite accurate. Most of the time you have to get through a lot of red tape to put on even a small production.
Overall, I would highly recommend this to middle grade readers and theatre practitioners. It has endearing characters, a moving plot, and a highly accurate look at what it means to be in a musical.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for letting me read this one!*
First off, I have to start by telling you that I'm an actor and director (which is why I requested this book) and my first full show was The Music Man Jr. and I was 10 (maybe 11?), so this book already has some sentimental value to me.
Second off, I'm doing a project where I read any book I can find that features people participating in theatre, and this was part of that. So far, it may also be my favorite.
Diana Harmon Asher portrayed what it's like to be in a musical better than anyone else I've read so far. The amount of care that went into making this accurate to a rehearsal process was immeasurable and I am extremely thankful for that, especially right now. At this point, it's been almost a year since I got to rehearse or perform a show and I didn't know how much it would help to read someone else doing it! Most other books undervalue the time and work that goes into theatre at any level, but Upstaged didn't at all. Harmon Asher allowed Shira to be affected by the process and the other people working on the show, but also to connect to The Music Man itself. Being in a show is all of that. It's everyone from the person who resewed your button on for the third time, to the leads, to the painters, to the composers and their music, to the volunteers, to the writers, to the directors and stage managers and ensembles and orchestras and everyone else that I can't think of. That is what theatre is. And I think the author did a lovely job of portraying just that.
Shira is a shy, smart, and talented kid who doesn't quite know her own fantastic abilities yet. But her friends and teachers do a really lovely job of helping her see just amazing she is throughout the book.
I also appreciate how the Diva archetype was dealt with in this book, but like with most middle grades question many of the adult's decisions when it comes to how behavior is handled. That being said the adult hierarchy at the school and with the board was quite accurate. Most of the time you have to get through a lot of red tape to put on even a small production.
Overall, I would highly recommend this to middle grade readers and theatre practitioners. It has endearing characters, a moving plot, and a highly accurate look at what it means to be in a musical.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for letting me read this one!*
March 15, 2021
[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
4.5 stars = I loved it! Would re-read.
This was a delight! I loved the author's last book - Sidetracked - and this was equally fun. I loved Shira and all of the pieces of her story. I loved the Music Man moments and how Shira understood and identified with Marian. Shira's shyness was simply that - it wasn't the paralyzing sort of anxiety I was expecting. It's more that she's an introvert with some natural levels of anxiety who finds ways to come out of her shell when she's encouraged by her friends and she confronts the scary thing - like performing - head on. This is a terrific friendship story with some awesome, humorous moments. I highly recommend it!
4.5 stars = I loved it! Would re-read.
This was a delight! I loved the author's last book - Sidetracked - and this was equally fun. I loved Shira and all of the pieces of her story. I loved the Music Man moments and how Shira understood and identified with Marian. Shira's shyness was simply that - it wasn't the paralyzing sort of anxiety I was expecting. It's more that she's an introvert with some natural levels of anxiety who finds ways to come out of her shell when she's encouraged by her friends and she confronts the scary thing - like performing - head on. This is a terrific friendship story with some awesome, humorous moments. I highly recommend it!
February 10, 2021
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As someone who loves musicals, I adored Upstaged and found it a charming middle-grade novel.
The author wrote the characters very nicely. She describes the characters and the plot in a personal manner that makes you easily connect with them. Moreover, she brings the life of the theatre in an energetic yet realistic way. I could feel the rush of excitement and urgency as the cast got closer to their performance. Although I have never seen “The Music Man,” I enjoyed how the author brought the musical to life in the plot. After reading the story, I surely want to watch the play’s rendition.
Most of the characters shine in the story and are entertaining. Shira is excellent in the lead. She is shy and hates attention but has lovely friends, like Cassie, Paul, and her barbershop quartet, who root for her. I loved how the author describes the perfect pitch simply and effectively through Shira. Similarly, Monica is devious in the negative role and one of those mean girls you love to hate. For some reason, I also found Sophie hilarious, and I wished to see more of her. On a side note, I also enjoyed the side storyline as to who the “Blue Marauder” was.
However, while I loved everything about the story, I thought Ms. Channing’s character was a tad out of place. It felt as though she just came for a few chapters and disappeared. In my opinion, she was a character who did not make any difference to the storyline with her presence.
Apart from that, this was an adorable middle-grade novel that I enjoyed.
February 19, 2021
4.5 stars!!
When I was growing up, I was a shy child. When I started junior high, I became more so because I was 5 foot 9 and was left on my own when my best friend went to a different school. This is why I immediately felt a kinship with the heroine of this story, Shira. She, too, would become tongue tied and blush when anyone new spoke to her. In Shira’s words (which described my 12 year old self perfectly), “shy...is like the inside of you wants to be talking and laughing… but a piece of you won’t let you.” And just like me, she was a closet singer and dancer. In the privacy of her bedroom, Shira would lose all of her inhibitions as she sang and danced to her favorite musicals, but when the music teacher asked her to audition for MUSIC MAN she froze. Luckily, though, she had a caring and persuasive teacher who was able to appreciate the talents she chose to hide.
UPSTAGED is all about Shira finding the courage and confidence to believe in yourself. It’s about Shira realizing what she thinks of as a character flaw, is simply part of who she is. And finally, it’s about Shira finding the wisdom to recognize those around her who support her and believe in her, are the friends she’s really looking for.
This story was a joy to read. It’s heartwarming, and at times hilarious. It was refreshing to read a story that wasn’t as serious as some of the MG books are, but it was also one that offers comfort to middle graders. It is reassuring to know that at times even though our world seems to work best for the extroverts, sometimes the introverts win, too.
It’s a book for grades 4-7 and is available March 16. Be sure and pre order it now for the libraries and your home library. Thank you to the author for the e book preview.
When I was growing up, I was a shy child. When I started junior high, I became more so because I was 5 foot 9 and was left on my own when my best friend went to a different school. This is why I immediately felt a kinship with the heroine of this story, Shira. She, too, would become tongue tied and blush when anyone new spoke to her. In Shira’s words (which described my 12 year old self perfectly), “shy...is like the inside of you wants to be talking and laughing… but a piece of you won’t let you.” And just like me, she was a closet singer and dancer. In the privacy of her bedroom, Shira would lose all of her inhibitions as she sang and danced to her favorite musicals, but when the music teacher asked her to audition for MUSIC MAN she froze. Luckily, though, she had a caring and persuasive teacher who was able to appreciate the talents she chose to hide.
UPSTAGED is all about Shira finding the courage and confidence to believe in yourself. It’s about Shira realizing what she thinks of as a character flaw, is simply part of who she is. And finally, it’s about Shira finding the wisdom to recognize those around her who support her and believe in her, are the friends she’s really looking for.
This story was a joy to read. It’s heartwarming, and at times hilarious. It was refreshing to read a story that wasn’t as serious as some of the MG books are, but it was also one that offers comfort to middle graders. It is reassuring to know that at times even though our world seems to work best for the extroverts, sometimes the introverts win, too.
It’s a book for grades 4-7 and is available March 16. Be sure and pre order it now for the libraries and your home library. Thank you to the author for the e book preview.
December 7, 2020
The story: 7th grader Shira, talented but shy, can’t figure out how she got talked into auditioning for the school musical, and she’s more horrified than pleased when she gets cast as the high tenor in the The Music Man’s barbershop quartet. Just as she’s getting used to the idea of singing with a mustache, she’s also assigned to understudy for mean girl/lead actress Monica. When the unthinkable happens, will Shira be able to move past her overpowering shyness and save the day?
June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence G; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse G; Magic & the occult G; GLB content G; adult themes G; overall rating G (good from grades 4-7.)
Liz's comments: Once Shira becomes Monica's understudy, there’s really only one way for this plot to go. Even so, this serves almost as a backdrop for Shira’s character development--going from having only one friend to having many as she becomes part of an ensemble for the first time, having a crush on the wrong boy until she realizes who the right one is, and learning to stand up for herself and her friends without being mean. It’s also a fun behind-the-scenes look at the process of putting on a school play (and it will have readers checking their streaming service for Meredith Wilson’s classic musical too). Hand this one to fans of Andrew Keenan-Bolger’s "Jack and Louisa" books or Tim Federle’s "Better Nate Than Ever", as well as to the school theatre crowd and shy girls everywhere.
June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence G; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse G; Magic & the occult G; GLB content G; adult themes G; overall rating G (good from grades 4-7.)
Liz's comments: Once Shira becomes Monica's understudy, there’s really only one way for this plot to go. Even so, this serves almost as a backdrop for Shira’s character development--going from having only one friend to having many as she becomes part of an ensemble for the first time, having a crush on the wrong boy until she realizes who the right one is, and learning to stand up for herself and her friends without being mean. It’s also a fun behind-the-scenes look at the process of putting on a school play (and it will have readers checking their streaming service for Meredith Wilson’s classic musical too). Hand this one to fans of Andrew Keenan-Bolger’s "Jack and Louisa" books or Tim Federle’s "Better Nate Than Ever", as well as to the school theatre crowd and shy girls everywhere.
Did Not Finish
February 3, 2021I really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately I couldn't get through it. So I decided to put it down at 58%. Here are the reasons why I couldn't get through it.
It felt like Upstaged was just another story about a shy girl wanting to be in a musical and getting over her shyness. And there's nothing wrong with that storyline in itself, it's just that Upstaged didn't add a single new thing to the table. It has the same type of characters with the same characteristics and the same plot as any other book/film/series with a similar storyline.
I just couldn't get over the cliches in this story. Especially the way Monica was portrayed. She is a musical loving bully and is exactly like every other character with those 'traits': she's girly. She's just a younger copy of Sharpay from HSM. And I have to admit I'm just so tired of this portrayel of girly girls who love make up, clothes and other girly things as the bad guys (or well, girls) & the bullies. Their love for girly things is always used in a negative way, for example to make them look vain. But guess what liking girly things doesn't equal being vain or being a bully.
I'm impatiently waiting for a MG book or film, preferably about musicals, where the girly girl is not the bully or the bad guy.
*I received an e-arc of this book through Netgalley, but that doesn't influence my opinion in any way.*
It felt like Upstaged was just another story about a shy girl wanting to be in a musical and getting over her shyness. And there's nothing wrong with that storyline in itself, it's just that Upstaged didn't add a single new thing to the table. It has the same type of characters with the same characteristics and the same plot as any other book/film/series with a similar storyline.
I just couldn't get over the cliches in this story. Especially the way Monica was portrayed. She is a musical loving bully and is exactly like every other character with those 'traits': she's girly. She's just a younger copy of Sharpay from HSM. And I have to admit I'm just so tired of this portrayel of girly girls who love make up, clothes and other girly things as the bad guys (or well, girls) & the bullies. Their love for girly things is always used in a negative way, for example to make them look vain. But guess what liking girly things doesn't equal being vain or being a bully.
I'm impatiently waiting for a MG book or film, preferably about musicals, where the girly girl is not the bully or the bad guy.
*I received an e-arc of this book through Netgalley, but that doesn't influence my opinion in any way.*
February 23, 2023
I could just tell you that I read UPSTAGED aloud with my tween son in thirds, and we stayed up past midnight reading the last third...and just end it there. I could also tell you that we lost track of time reading each time we sat down with UPSTAGED. And that'd be enough. I could also tell you that we anticipated sitting down with UPSTAGED each time--and that I recognized some of those characters from my own life. And that'd be plenty...
But there's so much more I want to tell you about this wonderful Middle Grade read. The dialogue was so natural and spot on. It had perfect pacing and movement throughout. And we were rooting for the shy protagonist, Shira, from the get go. She's loveable and it's clear there's so much more going on than what she's showing on the surface.
The fear of being seen while also feeling desperate to be seen is something most tweens/teens and many adults can relate to. We've already been privy to the opinions others have of us. And if we believe them, we question who we are.
Luckily, Shira has Marian the Librarian to challenge her to dig a little deeper to find the answer to that question.
A fantastic read that I'd recommend to anyone, especially theatre fans. Brava, Ms. Harmon Asher!
But there's so much more I want to tell you about this wonderful Middle Grade read. The dialogue was so natural and spot on. It had perfect pacing and movement throughout. And we were rooting for the shy protagonist, Shira, from the get go. She's loveable and it's clear there's so much more going on than what she's showing on the surface.
The fear of being seen while also feeling desperate to be seen is something most tweens/teens and many adults can relate to. We've already been privy to the opinions others have of us. And if we believe them, we question who we are.
Luckily, Shira has Marian the Librarian to challenge her to dig a little deeper to find the answer to that question.
A fantastic read that I'd recommend to anyone, especially theatre fans. Brava, Ms. Harmon Asher!
August 9, 2021
Painfully shy, Shira is talented, but can’t get over her stage fright. Her friend, Cassie convinces her to try out for the school’s musical, The Music Man. Shira gets the part as the mean girl in school’s understudy. Soon Shira finds herself navigating the world of drama as romances bud, new friendships are formed, and mysterious attempts to sabotage the play begin to occur. Will Shira find her own way to shine? Will she ever realize that the spotlight isn’t as frightening as it seems? The plot is genuine, funny, and realistically portrays behind-the-scenes of musicals. The main character grows tremendously throughout the book and adds an engaging element into the story. The characters are multifaceted, realistic, and add a level of depth to the book. Fans of drama, plays, and realistic fiction will enjoy reading this book. 4 stars, 4 to 7.
Please note: This was a review copy given to us by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No financial compensation was received.
Please note: This was a review copy given to us by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No financial compensation was received.
June 27, 2023
I knew I'd probably love this book, but it exceeded my expectations. Not only is it about school theater productions (which are always full of backstage dramas) but as it's set in a middle school the characters are discovering friendships, cliques, romantic relationships, etc, so there's an added layer of interpersonal drama to drive the plot. Much to my surprise the author did not just passively make The Music Man the show they're rehearsing and performing (a classic! beloved by many!) but the publisher got permission to use lyrics from the songs and really make that show an integral part of the story. I've already recommended it to a couple of my former high school castmates but I think any theater kid of present or past would really enjoy this book.
October 25, 2023
I loved this book! Like "A Chance To Fly," this was a super relatable book to me, not exactly because of the plot, but because it was a bout a school musical and coming out of your shell to make friends. I read this book super fast... I just couldn't put it down! I read it in pretty much one sitting because I just couldn't help it. This book was so sweet, and I really wish I could find more books like this about kids in a drama club, because I love reading something that I can connect so much with. 🎭🎶
PS.
I want to watch a production of "The Music Man!" I'd never heard of it before reading this book, but it sounds like a musical I would enjoy watching A LOT.
PS.
I want to watch a production of "The Music Man!" I'd never heard of it before reading this book, but it sounds like a musical I would enjoy watching A LOT.
October 24, 2020
This was such a fun book; as a lover of theater and a kid who found her people because of it, this book was so relatable. I love that the depictions of bullying didn't feel over the top and were dealt with in realistic ways. I loved watching our main character grow over the course of the story and learn to stick up for herself a little more. I thought the cast of characters were interesting and felt relatable. I definitely recommend this book for young readers and this would be a great book for classroom libraries!
November 10, 2020
Wonderfully sweet story set in an East Coast middle school and focused on shy student Shira Gordon who is mystified by the social pecking order and would really prefer if no one noticed her at all. However Shira's music teacher prevails on her to audition for the school production of The Music Man, ultimately casting her as both a member of the barbershop quartet and as an understudy for Marian the Librarian. Partially based on the author's own childhood experiences as a performer in the same musical, this book includes an entertaining plot, likeable characters, humor, and good life lessons.
June 3, 2021
Shira is a very shy girl, but her best friend Cassie gets her to audition for the school's musical "Music Man". Shira gets a role, but it's one of the barbershop quartet, which means, she has to play a boy. Throughout the book, Shira gets thrust into the spotlight, and slowly learns how to accept her space in the world. With very typical middle school drama, the reader gets to experience what it can be to come out of the shell. A fun read, full of humor and music, with supportive friends and family, perfect for a middle schooler trying to make their own way.
June 6, 2021
Seriously shy Shira steps out of her comfort zone and auditions for the middle school musical, The Music Man, at her best friend’s urging. She is embarrassed to be cast as a member of the barbershop quartet when she realizes this involves wearing a fake mustache. As she gets more comfortable with the spotlight, she is asked to be the understudy for Marian the Librarian which causes the mean girl cast as Marian to double-down on her hostility towards Shira. Crushes, new friendships, and pranks ensue.
July 5, 2021
I really loved the story provided in this novel centering a middle school production of Meredith Wilson's The Music Man. Hence 5 stars. Shira finds her place within a theatre family and gets her moment in the spotlight. There is also an element of mystery and drama that unfolds through the rehearsal process.
There were certainly elements that I find not incredibly believable...such as actually developing a true barbershop quartet in middle school students...but that's ok, I got to dive into barbershop recordings on YouTube which are just exquisite. =)
There were certainly elements that I find not incredibly believable...such as actually developing a true barbershop quartet in middle school students...but that's ok, I got to dive into barbershop recordings on YouTube which are just exquisite. =)
August 21, 2021
As an elementary school theater teacher, I found this to be a wonderful read. It truly captured the process behind creating a musical, as well as capturing the emotions do they cast.
I internalized the excitement as they went through tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and finally got to the final show. Shira was a strong main character and when she got a “boys” part, it truly showed how to be a part of an ensemble, anyone can play any part. It also depicted the life of an understudy role, which is equally important in theater.
I internalized the excitement as they went through tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and finally got to the final show. Shira was a strong main character and when she got a “boys” part, it truly showed how to be a part of an ensemble, anyone can play any part. It also depicted the life of an understudy role, which is equally important in theater.
January 5, 2025
It was a good book. I started it at 11 pm and stayed up until I finished it. Personally, though, it was much easier to relate to Cassie, unsure of herself playing townsperson number 4 or whatever, than Shira, who was all “woe is me I’m understudying the lead role and I’m playing a great role AND I have perfect pitch but (gasp) I have to wear a mustache so my life is awful.” Anyway, I thought it was a fun read overall. It was lighthearted and had its funny moments, and was a great middle school read.
September 22, 2025
Upstaged: a very enjoyable addition to the category of middle grade theater books. Diana Harmon Asher succeeds in creating a legitimately funny story, featuring a large and engaging cast. I'm often skeptical of "shy kid learns to come out of their shell" plotlines (they can feel contrived, and run the risk of minimizing or mocking neurodivergence), but here Harmon Asher shapes Shira's arc with care and nuance, so her growth feels believable and satisfying. And so fun! Recommended!
Read-alikes: Noah McNichol and the Backstage Ghost, Shannon in the Spotlight
Read-alikes: Noah McNichol and the Backstage Ghost, Shannon in the Spotlight
February 13, 2021
Shira is a shy, middle school student who is persuaded to audition for the school musical. Encouraged by her teacher and her best friend, she lands a supporting role, but is also asked to understudy the lead. The usual middle school rivalries result in some strained relationships and nasty tricks.
I really enjoyed this book and liked watching Shira’s confidence develop throughout the story.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book and liked watching Shira’s confidence develop throughout the story.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2021
Yes, in many ways this is the typical story of the girl who shakes out her hair and suddenly is beautiful, but for theater and/or musical kids it is a wonderful story. Shira overcomes her shyness, makes new friends, and learns to view people from an enlightened perspective. But what really made this book for me was the choice of musical. I think I know every song from The Music Man. Given how many schools still perform it every few years, I would imagine this book would resonate with many.
January 31, 2022
Since I was a Thespian in high school, I enjoyed this story about kids acting and performing the musical, The Music Man, in their middle school. I'm surprised middle schools have the resources to support this level of artistry for their students.
I caught myself singing the lyrics to many of the popular songs of the musical and now want to watch the movie or hopefully attend, in person, a school performance.
I caught myself singing the lyrics to many of the popular songs of the musical and now want to watch the movie or hopefully attend, in person, a school performance.
January 23, 2023
2.75 rounded up.
As someone who grew up loving drama and plays, I think this book really captured the play aspect just right. It was done well and one of the things I liked about this book. I also really liked Shira finding herself and how by the end she'd come out of her shell with an amazing friend group. What I had issues with were how predictable a lot of the plot was and also sometimes I swear the characters seemed too dramatic for me.
As someone who grew up loving drama and plays, I think this book really captured the play aspect just right. It was done well and one of the things I liked about this book. I also really liked Shira finding herself and how by the end she'd come out of her shell with an amazing friend group. What I had issues with were how predictable a lot of the plot was and also sometimes I swear the characters seemed too dramatic for me.
May 6, 2021
look, the clichés in this book are borderline campy, so i'm okay with them. this is super cute. made me smile a lot; the ending of this had my cheeks in so much pain.
again--i can't stress this enough--perfect mean girl
again--i can't stress this enough--perfect mean girl
June 3, 2021
3.5 stars for shy seventh grade Shira who is cast into the role of Jacey Squires in her middle school's production of Meredith Wilson's The Music Man. The ensemble of friends and players are delightfully quirky and the mean girl is a true villain. Very satisfying- especially if you know the play.
November 27, 2021
This coming of age novel was a cute and enjoyable read. I felt like the "villain" wasn't actually threatening, but that's how it frequently is in middle school. I appreciated that the romance was not a major part of this book, and I really liked the main characters support system.
January 14, 2022
This book was a lighthearted and enjoyable read. I liked the characters, and how they changed throughout the book. It had many parts to it, and I liked how although it was about a musical, there were other aspects too.
March 7, 2022
Outstanding book by an outstanding author. I see that a small minded reviewer took exception to a single instance in the book about a family photograph on a desk. Do not allow that to detract you or delay you in reading this exceptional work.
February 5, 2023
4.5 stars for this engaging story that is a must-read for any kid who enjoys being in school musicals...whether as the lead or a member of the chorus.
As a side note, by the time I finished reading I'd downloaded the soundtrack to The Music Man :)
As a side note, by the time I finished reading I'd downloaded the soundtrack to The Music Man :)
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