Tara Takes the Stage

Gr 4–7—Tara is excited about auditions for the community theater's production of The Wizard of Oz until a different kind of drama erupts with her family's bakery. A celebrated Bollywood star has requested a tasting for her upcoming wedding at the same time as the audition. Tara, who is Indian American, is torn over whether she should go to the audition or help her parents. As part of the "Yes No Maybe So" series, which is similar in concept to "Choose Your Own Adventure," readers make choices throughout the story, which follow Tara getting the starring role, a secondary role, special attention from the Bollywood star, attending the wedding reception, or going to the movies with her crush. Words relating to Tara's Indian culture are randomly italicized, which can pull readers out of the narrative. Tween speak is prevalent, but not artificially inserted. Although there's not much drama or tension, the fun of flipping through the book to choose different paths will engage readers.