Veteran authors Wendy Shang and Madelyn Rosenberg have a combined impressive list of acclaimed children’s books that range from picture books to middle grade fiction. Together they venture into historical fiction with the 1980’s — yes, unfortunately that counts as “historical” — to tell of the mishaps and misadventures of plucky sixth-grader Lauren Horowitz.
Lauren Horowitz has a great support system. She is half Chinese and half Jewish and her grandmothers on both sides take turns fussing over her and her endeavors at home, while she and her best friend Tara are inseparable. Dubbed the “Royal We” by their fifth grade teacher, the besties will not do anything without each other. Thus when auditions for the school play Shake It Up are announced, it is only natural that the two try out together.
The first snag in their friendship arrives when the auditions come and the naturally musical Lauren sings a show stopping number. Oddly Mrs. Tyndall the drama teacher insists on casting Tara as the lead despite her less-than-stellar audition simply because she looks like the “all American girl” with her light complexion and blue eyes. Lauren with her black hair and brown eyes senses the undertones of racism in the decision. That coupled with Tara’s lack of understanding throws Lauren into confusion. Struggling to find where her role is in the play and community, Lauren finds solace in the music of Pasty Cline.
It is a treat to follow Lauren’s haphazard ventures, from singing for a friend’s t-shirt store, to building camaraderie within the chorus line. Lauren’s growth feels natural as she connects to the lyrics and soul of Patsy Cline as well as challenging her own biases and assumptions. The only time where the story slightly stalls is a random foray into a supernatural mystery. A ghost is rumored to haunt the school stage. Despite a few times Lauren and a few classmates are spooked, it doesn’t develop into much later. Overall it doesn’t detract from an enjoyable read that promotes friendships and acceptance of one’s identity.
