Jack and Louisa: Act 2

Gr 4–7—Best friends and fellow Musical Theater Nerds (MTNs) Jack and Louisa are anxiously awaiting auditions for their middle school musical, Guys and Dolls. The dramatic duo, fresh off their successful performance in the community theater production of Into the Woods, hope to land the comedic leads. Lou is convinced that Jack, a refugee from New York City who appeared in Broadway shows until his voice started to change, is a shoo-in for the role of Nathan. However, Jack's theater résumé may work against him when a new director with Broadway credentials of her own takes over the play. How many stars can one school play sustain? This second entry in the series brings back the duel voices of Jack (sweet and sensitive) and Louisa (emotional and quick-tempered) in alternating chapters. The characters are more fully developed in this book, as the two friends weather the highs and lows of theater and middle school. Jack struggles with his emotions after unexpectedly meeting the young boy who replaced him in his last Broadway show, while Lou falls under the spell of their new director. Starstruck, Lou fails to notice that the director systematically belittles and bullies Jack. When Lou finally realizes what is happening, her reaction is impulsive, passionate, and pure Lou. Although reading the first book in the series would provide background, this entry works well as a standalone. One does not have to be an MTN to enjoy this title.