How to Act Like a Kid: Backstage Secrets of a Young Performer

Gr 6 Up—Hodges began his acting career as an alternative to his negative academic start. He was so tiny that the doctors recommended growth hormones, he repeated kindergarten, he failed music because he couldn't read the lyrics under the bouncing ball, and he was diagnosed with dyslexia. With a supportive mom in his corner, he was whisked away from his multiple failures and propelled in a new direction. Enrolled in the best-known music school in Washington, DC, the boy began private singing classes, dance lessons, acrobatics, and more. Through homeschooling or a private tutor, he went on to slay his learning obstacles, become a young commercial actor, and soon evolved into a child star on Broadway. Hodges's story is largely told through a series of narratives displaying his youthful optimism, perseverance, and determination. The interesting side stories from his previous dance teachers, directors, acrobatics coach, vocal audition coach, to name some, balance out his narrative and underscore the demanding lifestyle and personal investment required to be a performer. They also shed another light on the boy, who, while successful, also seems effusively happy, good natured, and inspirational. Honestly, his good fortune feels almost too good to be true. His mother's investment is obvious but there's little mention of the personal and financial risks the family took. The book has an abundance of engaging photos of Hodges onstage and off and is chock-full of information, practical advice, and encouragement for aspiring performers.—Alison Follos, formerly at North Country School, Lake Placid, NY