Upstaged

by Patricia McCowan

Ellie is used to getting leading roles in her small-town school’s musicals, but her place at center stage disappears when her dad becomes the host of a breakfast TV show and they have to move to the big city. When Ellie auditions for—and lands—a spot with the Youth Works Theater Company, she comes up against a tight-knit group of talented, experienced and competitive triple-threat performers. Not only does she not get a lead, but she has to share a role with Marissa, a company veteran who seems determined to do all she can to outshine Ellie. Out of her depth and far from all that she’s known, Ellie wonders just what she has to do to stop feeling upstaged by everyone around her.

Genres: Young Adult

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 12, 2016

About the author

Born in Winnipeg, Canada, now lives in Toronto, Canada. Author of YA novel, HONEYCOMB (Orca Limelights) and stories in YA anthologies DARK TIMES (Ronsdale) and CLEAVAGE: BREAKAWAY FICTION FOR REAL GIRLS (Sumach).

Reviews

[Ciara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie isn't happy about having to move to the city and leave her best friend and her school's drama club behind. But when she auditions for the Youth Works Theater Company and lands a role in their next show, she thinks things might be starting to turn around! But then she learns that she will be sharing a role with her new nemesis, Marissa, and it's not even a lead! Can Ellie show everyone how good she is without trying to upstage Marissa?

As a theatre kid myself, I could relate to Ellie's struggles. I love how the good and bad parts of theatre are highlighted in this book, and it's done in a way that feels realistic. I also liked that the focus was on Ellie's development as a character and not on an underdeveloped showmance like so many books are. Definitely give this to any theatre kid in your life; they will love it!

[andrea ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s about a girl who’s name is Ellie and moves to a new town and has to share the spotlight with someone. She’s never done that before so she has to deal with it and find a way to get through it. This story is for people who like theater stuff.

[Karen Upper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about a teen who has to learn to adapt and cope with sharing the limelight.
An easy read for those who are interesting in a book that showcases the Arts - in this case about being in a Theatrical production.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An authentic story about belonging and sharing the spotlight, set in the lively world of musical theater.