REVIEWS
School Library Journal
"...the story is full of heart, making it appealing to High School Musical fans. The text is riddled with musical theater references, and aspiring actors will enjoy the theater tips and lingo... VERDICT This realistic title is recommended for general purchase by public and school libraries, especially those with a thriving theater geek scene."
Children's Literature
"the book encourages readers to follow their dreams"
New York Metro Parents
"Best Book For Budding Stars"
Middle Shelf Magazine
"Imaginative and inspiring! Just goes to show you don't have to wait until you're grown up to live your dreams."
Booklist
"Never underestimate the power of a Broadway-obsessed tween. Readers familiar with the drama kid phenomenon—encompassing camps, voice lessons, dance classes, predawn drives to auditions, and trips to New York City to see the Great White Way—will not be surprised at the energy and determination Anya brings to her plan of creating an all-kids musical production in her suburban subdivision’s disused rec center. Disappointed at her middle school’s lack of a drama club, Anya teams up with the slightly dreamy Austin, a talented playwright whose knowledge of musical theater almost rivals her own, and her younger sister, who brings a realist’s perspective to Anya’s starry-eyed plans. Soon enough, everyone is involved in putting on the show. Kids who live for this stuff will appreciate the musical theater in-jokes... Based on the author’s own experience, this will be a satisfying choice for fans of Tim Federle’s Better Nate than Ever (2013) and Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Kate Wetherhead’s Jack & Louisa (2015)."
Kiss The Book
"...Curtain Up will give the young theater lover a fun read. Full of musical and Broadway references, these kids are sophisticated actors and directors, wise beyond their years, and real kids. Based on the real life story of the Random Farm Kids theater company in New York. "
Read this wonderful review by 9-year-old Mary McCoy!
New Moon Girls
"Books Where Girls Are Beautiful As Themselves"
Greenburgh Public Library
Best of 2015