Molly’s Reviews > Not Your All-American Girl > Status Update

What an amazing story! I loved the representation and lessons. It never was forced. I learned new stuff. And I want to read more books like this!

Chapter 35

In the car park, her grandmas hand her a "Star Search" audition flyer. Lauren knows what she'll sing: Patsy. And wear: the Nudie Suit. Our girl is going places, with her family and friends by her side. A perfect supposed to.

There's also a cute little playbill at the end!

5/5/25

Chapter 35

Cast party. Lauren gives "Shake It Up" buttons to everyone. Even Mrs. Tyndall. She mentions they'll do an easier play called Alice in Wonderland. Lauren suggests casting Alice as someone not stereotypical to the looks in the book.

5/5/25

Chapter 34

Tara got 4th in her oratory competition. At their second play performance, they let the other kids in on the plan. A ton of the real book's cast are there. Once they get on stage, all, especially Lauren, perform!

Mrs. Tyndall is upset, but Principal Hoban approves. Also, cute note that Lauren and Tara were both wearing Vincent Chin buttons.

5/5/25

Chapter 33

In the bathroom, Tara helps Lauren re-dye her hair black with permanent markers. Not the best idea, but at least they have the opportunity to bond. Tara talks about how she envied Lauren's skills and looks. Not everything is as it seems.

Lauren tells Tara an idea of sharing solos and lines in the finale song. Tara is on board.


5/5/25

Chapter 33

Mrs. Tyndall is still picky with theater rules. Safta & Mini come to watch the dress rehearsal. Lauren uses her quick thinking to make sure there's no carastrophe.

Everything went great! Until the lights started flickering and a ghost, or a cat with a rhinestone problem happened.

Bao Bao & Wai Po also arrive. The dog hunts down and finds Mini backstage. The day is saved!

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Chapter 32

Safta and Wai Po help with costuming. Mini gets in trouble for eating rhinestones. Hopefully, that won't cause too much trouble...

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Chapter 33

Lauren meets Rabbi Doug. He tells her there are simple ways to stay connected to her religion.

5/5/25

Chapter 32

Lauren reaches out to Tara. She decides to tell her friend the truth about her feelings. How she likes country music, is still mad at Tara's reaction about Vincent Chin, the theater play events, and her own middle name.

The two girls talk through it. Maybe it would've been better if they had never tried out. Tara even suggests solutions. In a way, they make up. Or are on the path to it.

5/5/25

Chapter 31

After, Cheryl and Nick encourage her to sing a solo of her own. Lauren mentally prepares and sings "Country Roads". Everyone listening in hears. The only criticism she gets is that "Country Roads" is not an "authentic" country song.

5/5/25

Chapter 31

There, she meets Nashville Nick. They are both surprised when they meet. Not everything is as you expect. Or is a "supposed to".

The two girls are allowed to sing two verses to promote their play.

5/5/25