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Not Starring Zadie Louise
In this charming middle grade novel that’s perfect for fans of Tim Federle and Gordon Korman, Zadie is determined to spend the summer helping at the community theater—but things go hilariously awry!
Zadie loves Tae Kwon Do, comic books, and outer space. She also loves visiting the community theater that her mom runs, especially the lighting grid over the stage and the stage manager’s booth, which is filled with levers and buttons like a spaceship control panel. So when the family’s finances suffer a blow and Zadie has to give up her usual activities to spend the summer at the theater, she doesn’t mind too much. After all, she’s always wanted to tech a show.
She knows she’d be great at it, but her mom and the new stage manager are totally opposed to the idea of having a kid do tech. Instead, Zadie’s stuck handing out snacks and folding flyers. But the future of the theater rides on this show, and Zadie is determined to help. She’s going to make Spinderella the hit of the season—unless she accidentally turns it into a disaster.
Zadie loves Tae Kwon Do, comic books, and outer space. She also loves visiting the community theater that her mom runs, especially the lighting grid over the stage and the stage manager’s booth, which is filled with levers and buttons like a spaceship control panel. So when the family’s finances suffer a blow and Zadie has to give up her usual activities to spend the summer at the theater, she doesn’t mind too much. After all, she’s always wanted to tech a show.
She knows she’d be great at it, but her mom and the new stage manager are totally opposed to the idea of having a kid do tech. Instead, Zadie’s stuck handing out snacks and folding flyers. But the future of the theater rides on this show, and Zadie is determined to help. She’s going to make Spinderella the hit of the season—unless she accidentally turns it into a disaster.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2022
4 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 18, 2023
3.5 stars
October 5, 2022
Bobbing from one ridiculous or tough situation to the next, this is a character, who packs more than just a little personality and spunk.
Zadie's summer is ruined, not that she can really complain too much...it'd be wrong considering the tough financial situation her family is stuck in. Still, she not only has to give up her favorite activities, but her mother is determined to have Zadie in her play. Luckily, Zadie doesn't even glisten a tiny touch of talent at try-outs, but her dreams of working with the tech instead sink just as quick as she almost plummets to her death from the lighting grid above. Stuck as a stage assistant, she's doomed to stupid tasks, but that doesn't mean Zadie's going to give up on making the show shine.
Theater fans will enjoy the setting and all the wonderful details that go with life on the stage, and not necessarily from the acting end. Zadie is involved with all sorts of side tasks, which does give interesting glimpses into everything involved in creating a show. These are trickled in with tons of humor, drama and fun because where Zadie is involved, nothing is ever boring.
While there are situations concerning family, friends, and determination to make something work, humor makes this tale flow. Much of these come from Zadie's own bad choices or mistakes, which create over-the-top moments and guarantee snickers and snorts. Plus, Zadie tends to rattle on in all directions thanks to her bubbly personality.
It's a cute read for those who enjoy drama mixed in with more than a few silly moments. I received an ARC and found Zadie to be a ton of fun.
Zadie's summer is ruined, not that she can really complain too much...it'd be wrong considering the tough financial situation her family is stuck in. Still, she not only has to give up her favorite activities, but her mother is determined to have Zadie in her play. Luckily, Zadie doesn't even glisten a tiny touch of talent at try-outs, but her dreams of working with the tech instead sink just as quick as she almost plummets to her death from the lighting grid above. Stuck as a stage assistant, she's doomed to stupid tasks, but that doesn't mean Zadie's going to give up on making the show shine.
Theater fans will enjoy the setting and all the wonderful details that go with life on the stage, and not necessarily from the acting end. Zadie is involved with all sorts of side tasks, which does give interesting glimpses into everything involved in creating a show. These are trickled in with tons of humor, drama and fun because where Zadie is involved, nothing is ever boring.
While there are situations concerning family, friends, and determination to make something work, humor makes this tale flow. Much of these come from Zadie's own bad choices or mistakes, which create over-the-top moments and guarantee snickers and snorts. Plus, Zadie tends to rattle on in all directions thanks to her bubbly personality.
It's a cute read for those who enjoy drama mixed in with more than a few silly moments. I received an ARC and found Zadie to be a ton of fun.
March 29, 2022
Not Starring Zadie Louise is a funny, relatable summer read that tackled the real issue of familial financial insecurity. I loved the warm family dynamics in Zadie's multicultural home, the island town they live in, and the sweet relationship between Zadie and her grandma. Zadie is also passionate about STEM and space and is a boisterous protagonist whom readers will love. I also liked McCullogh's
Across the Pond
and I definitely recommend this one.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2022
Zadie is determined but it feels like she keeps messing up as her Mom prepares the acting crew for the upcoming play. Zadie does not give up!
Students will love Zadie's "oopsies" and her determination to find her place in the play! Excellent middle grade read!
#STEM #STEAM
Students will love Zadie's "oopsies" and her determination to find her place in the play! Excellent middle grade read!
#STEM #STEAM
October 25, 2022
What worked:
Zadie has a love for everything space-related but she does not have any interest in performing on stage like her mother and younger sister. That creates a problem when she’s forced to spend the summer at a theater where her mother is producing a play. The author accentuates Zadie’s frustrations by having her find solace sitting among the rafters and lights, high above the stage. Unfortunately, she’s forbidden from climbing up there anymore and struggles to stay amused and out of trouble for the rest of the summer. She has no idea how many new, significant complexities await.
Many readers can identify with Zadie as her good intentions are misinterpreted by others, including her mother. She notices things others do not and tries to prevent problems only to cause distractions during play practices. She attempts to make up for any ill feelings by taking the initiative to help in other areas but things do not work out as she intends. How many times do we think our actions are good only to find out others view the situations differently? Zadie’s kind heart and compassion make it a challenge for her to stay out of the way and not get involved.
Family dynamics are key factors in the story’s development. Financial problems cause the parents to make drastic changes as they can’t afford Zadie’s favorite summer programs and the father makes extra money driving visitors around the island. Zadie’s younger sister has a passion for acting so she becomes emotional at times due to Zadie’s distractions. However, the sisters still have a close bond that’s hard to break. A big problem unfolds when Zadie discovers her grandmother may be moving out of the house and leaving the state. Zadie is especially sensitive to this information and makes it her mission to find a way to make her grandmother stay.
What didn’t work as well:
Readers will need to enjoy theater as most of the setting takes place on or around the stage and the author includes backstage information about producing a play. Nevertheless, these details help describe the effort and multitude of jobs required to put on a show.
The Final Verdict:
Readers will enjoy Zadie’s kindness and love and they’ll root for her despite her many mistakes. Her family issues will only add to her endearment. This book is wonderful for young readers and I recommend you give it a shot.
Zadie has a love for everything space-related but she does not have any interest in performing on stage like her mother and younger sister. That creates a problem when she’s forced to spend the summer at a theater where her mother is producing a play. The author accentuates Zadie’s frustrations by having her find solace sitting among the rafters and lights, high above the stage. Unfortunately, she’s forbidden from climbing up there anymore and struggles to stay amused and out of trouble for the rest of the summer. She has no idea how many new, significant complexities await.
Many readers can identify with Zadie as her good intentions are misinterpreted by others, including her mother. She notices things others do not and tries to prevent problems only to cause distractions during play practices. She attempts to make up for any ill feelings by taking the initiative to help in other areas but things do not work out as she intends. How many times do we think our actions are good only to find out others view the situations differently? Zadie’s kind heart and compassion make it a challenge for her to stay out of the way and not get involved.
Family dynamics are key factors in the story’s development. Financial problems cause the parents to make drastic changes as they can’t afford Zadie’s favorite summer programs and the father makes extra money driving visitors around the island. Zadie’s younger sister has a passion for acting so she becomes emotional at times due to Zadie’s distractions. However, the sisters still have a close bond that’s hard to break. A big problem unfolds when Zadie discovers her grandmother may be moving out of the house and leaving the state. Zadie is especially sensitive to this information and makes it her mission to find a way to make her grandmother stay.
What didn’t work as well:
Readers will need to enjoy theater as most of the setting takes place on or around the stage and the author includes backstage information about producing a play. Nevertheless, these details help describe the effort and multitude of jobs required to put on a show.
The Final Verdict:
Readers will enjoy Zadie’s kindness and love and they’ll root for her despite her many mistakes. Her family issues will only add to her endearment. This book is wonderful for young readers and I recommend you give it a shot.
May 30, 2022
4.5 stars for Zadie Louise, who is described like this: "She gets carried away, you know? Doesn't think things through. It's one disaster after another." Due to family financial struggles she's not doing her usual summertime activities, but will instead be spending the summer at her mom's theater...where one thing after another goes wrong. I liked the realistic family depictions and I think theater kids, in particular, will enjoy this story.
August 24, 2022
After studying theater in college, I LOVED reading this middle grade book following an aspiring Techie along her journey to assistant stage manager. The author drops fun theatre references throughout including the cat Andrew Lloyd Weber. I especially loved how interconnected and real the relationships felt. And Zadie’s many mishaps kept me laughing along the way.
October 5, 2022
As a theatre nerd myself, I LOVED this novel and especially the character of Ana María, the awesome stage manager and a role model for Zadie. Every time Zadie's well-intentioned but misdirected actions went off the rails, I saw a little bit of young Susan in her. A great MG novel about family, proving yourself, and finding your place.
December 8, 2023
Not Starring Zadie Louise: DNF. I think the description for the edition I read wasn't very accurate--this is not about a kid who likes theater, at least as far as I read! As someone who was a theater kid, I found Zadie rather annoying.
July 17, 2025
3.5 rounded up. A lot of the big things happen (ironically) off stage of the book, so there isn't as much tension as one would expect. Still, Zadie is a sweet protagonist with a big Charlie Brown bad luck curse hanging over her.
March 28, 2024
Cute book that had a lot of conversations about women in STEAM. I enjoyed this, and the antics of the main character! I did feel like there were some plot holes that never got resolved.
November 7, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus or Netgalley
December 26, 2022
Family budget cuts have left 10yo Zadie Louise Gonzalez stuck at Bainbridge Youth Theater this summer instead of tae kwon do and Science Kidz camp like last year. Her mom is the director of BYT, so she and her older sister 12yo Lulu can spend the summer there. Lulu is thrilled - she loves acting and is excited about this year's show, but Zadie isn't at all interested in performing, she'd rather learn to work the light board - but her mother says tech is off limits for kids. Zadie helps where she can - handing out snacks and staying out of the way. The future of the youth theater program is in doubt, so this show has to be perfect. But Zadie's help often turns into a disaster.
Theater school is so much fun, and I loved McCullough's viewpoint. The mean girls who don't like their part, the bored director's kid getting in trouble, even the costume parade - it fealt authentic and realistic. Although the trouble Zadie caused was unintended, it was still pretty bad stuff to happen (she nearly fell from the light rail - oh my heart!) the adults handled it sensibly and Zadie didn't get away with anything. Theater kids will like "Not Staring Zadie Louise". Zadie is American, her father is Guatemalan, her grandmother is Scandinavian.
Crossposted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
Theater school is so much fun, and I loved McCullough's viewpoint. The mean girls who don't like their part, the bored director's kid getting in trouble, even the costume parade - it fealt authentic and realistic. Although the trouble Zadie caused was unintended, it was still pretty bad stuff to happen (she nearly fell from the light rail - oh my heart!) the adults handled it sensibly and Zadie didn't get away with anything. Theater kids will like "Not Staring Zadie Louise". Zadie is American, her father is Guatemalan, her grandmother is Scandinavian.
Crossposted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
July 27, 2023
2024 Children's Sequoyah
Zadie reminds me a bit of Junie B or Ramona. She has the best intentions but makes the biggest messes in the process. It tackles some big issues but is also light-hearted.
Zadie reminds me a bit of Junie B or Ramona. She has the best intentions but makes the biggest messes in the process. It tackles some big issues but is also light-hearted.
September 7, 2023
Zaide Louise is stuck at the community theater this summer with her mom and older sister. But while Lulu loves being on the stage, Zadie would rather be doing the one thing her mom doesn't want kids doing, aka tech stuff. To make sure that Spinderella is a hit, Zadie is going to help out with everything. It'll be the hit of the season unless it accidentally turns into a disaster.
This was a fun, adorable book about theater. Zadie has to come into her own and work her way to being asked to work in tech, but she also feels like she's consistently messing things up. On top of that self-doubt, she's having to deal with her mother moving to Florida AND her dad taking on a second job because he's not making enough money. McCullough did a wonderful job tackling these big issues that so many kids face with effortless ease. I also learned a lot about theater along the way!
This was a fun, adorable book about theater. Zadie has to come into her own and work her way to being asked to work in tech, but she also feels like she's consistently messing things up. On top of that self-doubt, she's having to deal with her mother moving to Florida AND her dad taking on a second job because he's not making enough money. McCullough did a wonderful job tackling these big issues that so many kids face with effortless ease. I also learned a lot about theater along the way!
July 4, 2023
I’m a little biased bc I love Joy McCullough anyway, but I thought this was fun and sweet. Zadie’s voice felt authentically child-like to me, and as an accident-prone theatre kid myself, I related a lot to the characters in this book.
The line “Sometimes your problems aren’t the biggest problems in the world, but they’re still your biggest problem.” was just perfect for reminding me as an adult that kid’s problems ARE real problems.
The line “Sometimes your problems aren’t the biggest problems in the world, but they’re still your biggest problem.” was just perfect for reminding me as an adult that kid’s problems ARE real problems.
March 19, 2022
Loved this story of Zadie - forced to hang out at her mom's theater company for summer vacation, she wants more responsibilities! However, trouble seems to find her - until it doesn't! Lots of kids at my school are getting into theater! They will love this fun book - also great family and friendship lessons! Great, all-around book!
#bookposse
#bookposse
October 8, 2022
Zadie is trying to help her mom stage a show that will help the youth theatre impress the town council and retain its funding. Disaster strikes, however, despite (and because of) her best efforts. A new stage manager finally lets Zadie assist and things begin to turn around… the show must go on after all. Really enjoyable, an ode to the arts and to technical theatre.
May 12, 2023
It's a cute realistic fiction. Deals with money problems and bullying well. I really felt for Zadie when she was trying to find ways to keep her Grandma with her, and how she was trying to fix all the possible money problems. She found her place in theater, something the rest of her family already had. It was cute.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews