Jack and Louisa: Act 1

Gr 6–8—Lou, a self-proclaimed MTN (Musical Theater Nerd) returns home from summer theater camp to discover a new family, with a boy her age, moving into the neighborhood. When she spies Jack wearing a Mary Poppins Broadway show T-shirt, Lou wonders if she has found a kindred spirit, a fellow MTN. She is ecstatic to learn that Jack not only hails from New York City, but has actually appeared in several Broadway musicals. However, Jack left New York in humiliation after his voice started to change during rehearsals for a new play. When the two tenuous friends start seventh grade, Jack declares himself finished with theater, and tries out for the soccer team instead. But Lou won't give up on him, and when the community theater announces auditions for Into the Woods, she is confident that she and Jack are destined for the leads, whether he knows it or not. The story is told alternately in the voices of Lou and Jack, which allows the personalities of both characters to shine. Lou is passionate and sarcastic, Jack is angry and unsure. Their relationship develops in fits and starts as they learn to trust each other. While there are no surprises in this book, it is an entertaining examination of friendship and theater.—Nancy Nadig, Penn Manor School District, Lancaster, PA