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Fearless #1
Fearless
Better Nate than Ever meets Love Sugar Magic in this spooky middle grade novel from Hamilton and Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez about a group of young thespians who must face the ghost haunting their theater.
The Ethel Merman Theater is cursed. No one is sure how or why, but the evidence speaks for itself. Show after show has flopped and the theater is about to close. Enter twelve-year-old Monica Garcia, who has been cast to star in a Broadway musical revival of The Goonies, the theater’s last chance to produce a hit before it shutters its doors for good.
The kids in the cast each have their own reasons for wanting to make the show a success, and all eyes in the theater world are on them. Will this show finally break the curse of the Ethel? The kids aren’t quite sure if the curse is even real, but when their first performance doesn’t quite go as planned, it certainly feels that way.
Then they realize the ghost light—the light that is always kept on at every theater in order to appease the ghosts—wasn’t lit! When the kids rush to flick the switch back on, they find themselves locked in the theater—but that’s the least of their problems when the ghost of the Ethel makes her debut appearance!
Can the cast overcome their fears and reverse the ghost’s curse before opening night so they can save the show—and their dreams?
The Ethel Merman Theater is cursed. No one is sure how or why, but the evidence speaks for itself. Show after show has flopped and the theater is about to close. Enter twelve-year-old Monica Garcia, who has been cast to star in a Broadway musical revival of The Goonies, the theater’s last chance to produce a hit before it shutters its doors for good.
The kids in the cast each have their own reasons for wanting to make the show a success, and all eyes in the theater world are on them. Will this show finally break the curse of the Ethel? The kids aren’t quite sure if the curse is even real, but when their first performance doesn’t quite go as planned, it certainly feels that way.
Then they realize the ghost light—the light that is always kept on at every theater in order to appease the ghosts—wasn’t lit! When the kids rush to flick the switch back on, they find themselves locked in the theater—but that’s the least of their problems when the ghost of the Ethel makes her debut appearance!
Can the cast overcome their fears and reverse the ghost’s curse before opening night so they can save the show—and their dreams?
240 pages, Hardcover
First published April 6, 2021
18 people are currently reading
652 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
October 9, 2022
Por el título y la reseña me esperaba una historia más enfocada en "la maldición del teatro", pero aunque ese no resultó ser el tema principal, si lo fueron otros como la amistad y el poder y magia que cada uno tiene y que lo que nos hace diferentes, así como que debes dar lo mejor de ti y poner tu corazón en lo hagas.
Siempre hay quien dice que los fantasmas no existen ya que todo siempre tiene una explicación lógica.
Siempre hay quien dice que los fantasmas no existen ya que todo siempre tiene una explicación lógica.
Read
June 20, 2021Written by Mandy G-- a fabulous actress who starred in "Hamilton" on Broadway and
is also my friend. Nothing is ever easy, but we somehow make it through each day!!
is also my friend. Nothing is ever easy, but we somehow make it through each day!!
June 10, 2021
This was a cute enough middle grade novel - it will definitely appeal to some of the kids I work with who are into theater and musicals. Monica is from California and is selected to be the understudy to the understudy in a Broadway musical... and due to a series of events she ends up rehearsing for the starring role. At the same time it seems the theater might be cursed and they don't know if the play will go on as planned. And of course it's up to Monica and the kids to try and break the curse.
The plot sounds fairly basic and generic, and it was in some senses. I'm a huge theater person and I've been into ghost stories or thrillers lately for some reason, but I actually didn't care for the "haunted" part of this book. The whole plot with the cursed theater just seemed confusing, convoluted, and not particularly logical.
I've seen a number of reviews here from theater people who have complaints about it not seeming realistic, but in this case I'm willing to suspend disbelief. It's a middle grade novel and if the author took the time to explain every little intricacy of Broadway and how productions and rehearsals work it would be probably be boring. It's a fun story and kids probably want to imagine them working up to a big "opening night" and not having to explain previews.
The writing itself was not bad but not great. It felt a bit stilted or forced in some sections, like she was following guidelines she'd learned in a creative writing class. There was also too much telling and not showing in some sections.
I definitely thought the highlights were the characters and themes of family and friendship. Monica struggles with following her dreams but also being on the other side of the country from her family and sick brother. She develops new friendships at the theater and it's nice to see these progress. It was also really refreshing to see Monica maintain a relationship with her best friend from home throughout the book. It would have been a very easy route to have them grow apart or for her friend to get upset that she's too busy with rehearsals to call as much, but their relationship is and remains strong. It's great to see two female friends in that situation.
I listened to this one on audiobook and the author narrates it herself and I thought it was very good. She has performed on Broadway herself.
Overall this was fine, not one of my favorites but I know some kids who will really enjoy it and I think there's a good audience for this kind of book.
The plot sounds fairly basic and generic, and it was in some senses. I'm a huge theater person and I've been into ghost stories or thrillers lately for some reason, but I actually didn't care for the "haunted" part of this book. The whole plot with the cursed theater just seemed confusing, convoluted, and not particularly logical.
I've seen a number of reviews here from theater people who have complaints about it not seeming realistic, but in this case I'm willing to suspend disbelief. It's a middle grade novel and if the author took the time to explain every little intricacy of Broadway and how productions and rehearsals work it would be probably be boring. It's a fun story and kids probably want to imagine them working up to a big "opening night" and not having to explain previews.
The writing itself was not bad but not great. It felt a bit stilted or forced in some sections, like she was following guidelines she'd learned in a creative writing class. There was also too much telling and not showing in some sections.
I definitely thought the highlights were the characters and themes of family and friendship. Monica struggles with following her dreams but also being on the other side of the country from her family and sick brother. She develops new friendships at the theater and it's nice to see these progress. It was also really refreshing to see Monica maintain a relationship with her best friend from home throughout the book. It would have been a very easy route to have them grow apart or for her friend to get upset that she's too busy with rehearsals to call as much, but their relationship is and remains strong. It's great to see two female friends in that situation.
I listened to this one on audiobook and the author narrates it herself and I thought it was very good. She has performed on Broadway herself.
Overall this was fine, not one of my favorites but I know some kids who will really enjoy it and I think there's a good audience for this kind of book.
January 20, 2024
I read this a few years ago and even though it was short I really enjoyed it. I loved that it had a New York Broadway setting as that is somewhere I hope to be one day and the mystery was really fun and definitely surprised me. Recommended for theatre kids or lovers of Broadway and mysteries. For ages 11 and up.
September 23, 2022
This book features a character a little like a Latina “Nate” (Tim Federle’s series that has been banned in a lot of states, most recently Texas) but intended for slightly younger readers.
Twelve-year old Moncia Garcia is following her dream to be a Broadway star. She gets a call up as an understudy to the musical Our Time and off she goes to NYC with her abuela.
After meeting her castmates, seeing how far along the cast is in rehearsals, and figuring out how school works on a Broadway play, she quickly learns all the girls playing this part before her have fallen to the theater’s curse. That’s why she was called up.
If she wants the play to go on, much less be a smash hit, she’ll have to figure out what the curse on the Ethel Merman Theater actually is, how it got there, and what it needs to stop haunting actors and dragging their productions and the theater down.
Even if it means she’s not on stage to make it happen.
I loved this quick tale. It’s a bit mysterious, but certainly not horror (I have a ton of great horror books planned for October!). And I loved that it was written by one of the actresses from Hamilton.
Enjoy!
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog, The Fabric of Words, for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
Twelve-year old Moncia Garcia is following her dream to be a Broadway star. She gets a call up as an understudy to the musical Our Time and off she goes to NYC with her abuela.
After meeting her castmates, seeing how far along the cast is in rehearsals, and figuring out how school works on a Broadway play, she quickly learns all the girls playing this part before her have fallen to the theater’s curse. That’s why she was called up.
If she wants the play to go on, much less be a smash hit, she’ll have to figure out what the curse on the Ethel Merman Theater actually is, how it got there, and what it needs to stop haunting actors and dragging their productions and the theater down.
Even if it means she’s not on stage to make it happen.
I loved this quick tale. It’s a bit mysterious, but certainly not horror (I have a ton of great horror books planned for October!). And I loved that it was written by one of the actresses from Hamilton.
Enjoy!
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog, The Fabric of Words, for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
June 23, 2021
"Fearless" follows Monica Garcia, a talented seventh-grader who loves to sing and dreams of a life on Broadway. Along with her abuelita, we follow their journey from a small town in California to opening night on Broadway. Along the way, Monica meets her Fearless Squad. Together, they learn that anything and everything is possible, especially on Broadway.
This book is so much fun and such a great adventure. It's a Broadway adventure and a love letter to Broadway. This story is perfect for those middle schoolers who don't have an art program but have a deep love of musical theater. It's important to create stories so kids can see themselves in the arts and know that a life in the arts is possible.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/man...
This book is so much fun and such a great adventure. It's a Broadway adventure and a love letter to Broadway. This story is perfect for those middle schoolers who don't have an art program but have a deep love of musical theater. It's important to create stories so kids can see themselves in the arts and know that a life in the arts is possible.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/man...
January 5, 2025
This book is what I consider a very chill read, theres not much to engage into but I genuinely loved the descriptive writing of the atmosphere, I really felt like I was in that musty, dusty, crusty theatre when it was described in the book. The adventures are so fun and I love how each character is so distinct from one another and so diverse too, in like the BEST way. (Disney could only WISH to achieve that)
Its a book you'd wanna read for fun and more like a book to use in your free time, its not to heavy nor too overly fantasy, but I do like the broadway x magic thing, very fun. However I dont remember much of the book other than the nutshell summary I have saved in my brain, but what I do know is at the time I read it (I was decently young) I loved it.
Its a book you'd wanna read for fun and more like a book to use in your free time, its not to heavy nor too overly fantasy, but I do like the broadway x magic thing, very fun. However I dont remember much of the book other than the nutshell summary I have saved in my brain, but what I do know is at the time I read it (I was decently young) I loved it.
June 7, 2021
Quick mystery / ghost story.
Monica and her Abulea have flown into NYC from California so that Monica can be an understudy in a Broadway play. The problem is that the theatre is haunted and the ghosts are causing all sorts of issues. Monica and the other teenage cast members set out to solve the mystery and reverse the curse that was placed on the theatre.
Monica and her Abulea have flown into NYC from California so that Monica can be an understudy in a Broadway play. The problem is that the theatre is haunted and the ghosts are causing all sorts of issues. Monica and the other teenage cast members set out to solve the mystery and reverse the curse that was placed on the theatre.
February 21, 2023
3.5⭐️
Very cute, yet very oddly inaccurate snapshot of rehearsing a musical. Having been written by a real-life Broadway star, I expected a little more accuracy. The characters were enjoyable and I loved the story.
Very cute, yet very oddly inaccurate snapshot of rehearsing a musical. Having been written by a real-life Broadway star, I expected a little more accuracy. The characters were enjoyable and I loved the story.
May 2, 2021
SOOO CUTE!! the audiobook is just *chefs kiss*. is narrated by queen miss mandy gonzalez herself and especially when she starts to sing??? YES. this is not the best middle-grade book or anything but is brilliantly adorable and did learn a lot about broadway
November 2, 2021
A cute, fun and spooky middle grade about theater, a curse, and friendships. It was fun and sweet and perfect during spooky season!
November 29, 2021
RTC
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a finished copy for review.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a finished copy for review.
January 28, 2021
12yo Monica is a star in her local community theater in California, but she auditions for and wins the chance of a lifetime to understudy one of the children in a Broadway production (still in rehearsals). Arriving at the "cursed" Ethel Merman Theater, she finds herself assuming the role as her predecessor has been injured. So, Mandy and her new friends - the other child cast members - set out to see if they can break the curse before opening night.
As an adult and former theatre teacher, I was alarmed at the lack of supervision allowing the dangerous situations the children got themselves into. I'm surprised the theater hadn't been shut down. Full of backstage antics and theater history - especially regarding superstitions, young thespians will enjoy this light read, but I will pass on the purchase.
Crossposted to https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
As an adult and former theatre teacher, I was alarmed at the lack of supervision allowing the dangerous situations the children got themselves into. I'm surprised the theater hadn't been shut down. Full of backstage antics and theater history - especially regarding superstitions, young thespians will enjoy this light read, but I will pass on the purchase.
Crossposted to https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
June 14, 2023
This was a spooky musical adventure. If you've ever performed on stage, dreamed of performing on stage, or are just a fan of theatre I recommend this for a bit of light, cozy, NYC fun.
February 3, 2022
4 1/2: Such a cute middle school book about being fearless (both literally and figuratively!), while finding your voice!
May 16, 2024
This book was excellent, and I loved it so much. I loved the plot, characters, and the mystery in this book.
Reread and I loved it even more the second time!
Review updated:5/16/24-9.43/10 0r 5/5
Characters-10
The characters in this book are delightfully fun. I love how the kids and adults have their own stories to follow, and their personalities keep the book interesting. Seeing the characters interact in this book is great. I'm big on Found Family, especially in Middle-Grade Books, and this book has strong Found Family vibes. With books like this, it's easy to have characters that are over the top, but Fearless is one where the characters feel grounded.
Atmosphere-10
Lots of the action in this book takes place in the Ethel Merman Theatre in New York City. There's a curse on the theatre, and the dark mysterious setting adds to the vibes of this book. I also love the moments outside of the theater on the streets of New York City.
Writing-10
One of the first things that drew me to this book was the writing. I loved how the writing was easy to follow, but also it made sense for this age group. I love the interludes in this book, and how the book incorporates music.
Plot-9
Fearless has an engaging plot. I enjoy following the clues and figuring out the mystery along with the characters. Outside of the mystery, there's a fun story about what goes into putting on a show, and the behind the scenes of the fun rehearsal process.
Intrigue-9
Fearless is an intriguing story. I love seeing the mystery unravel and how the characters come to a conclusion.
Logic-9
This book does a great job of explaining the emotions of the characters, and the story.
Enjoyment-9
I love this book so much. I think it's the perfect combination of fun and heartwarming. Kids and adults alike, especially ones involved in theatre, may enjoy the story.
Reread and I loved it even more the second time!
Review updated:5/16/24-9.43/10 0r 5/5
Characters-10
The characters in this book are delightfully fun. I love how the kids and adults have their own stories to follow, and their personalities keep the book interesting. Seeing the characters interact in this book is great. I'm big on Found Family, especially in Middle-Grade Books, and this book has strong Found Family vibes. With books like this, it's easy to have characters that are over the top, but Fearless is one where the characters feel grounded.
Atmosphere-10
Lots of the action in this book takes place in the Ethel Merman Theatre in New York City. There's a curse on the theatre, and the dark mysterious setting adds to the vibes of this book. I also love the moments outside of the theater on the streets of New York City.
Writing-10
One of the first things that drew me to this book was the writing. I loved how the writing was easy to follow, but also it made sense for this age group. I love the interludes in this book, and how the book incorporates music.
Plot-9
Fearless has an engaging plot. I enjoy following the clues and figuring out the mystery along with the characters. Outside of the mystery, there's a fun story about what goes into putting on a show, and the behind the scenes of the fun rehearsal process.
Intrigue-9
Fearless is an intriguing story. I love seeing the mystery unravel and how the characters come to a conclusion.
Logic-9
This book does a great job of explaining the emotions of the characters, and the story.
Enjoyment-9
I love this book so much. I think it's the perfect combination of fun and heartwarming. Kids and adults alike, especially ones involved in theatre, may enjoy the story.
April 15, 2021
[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
2.5 stars = Mostly solid to solid, issues but okay overall
This one didn't work for me. There's not a lot of character development except with the main character, so not an ensemble story even though there is a quartet of kids working together on the mystery. There are a lot of spots where background information is dropped into the text instead of into dialogue, but there's no way the main character would know the information. It's third person POV, but these pieces felt like they should have been spoken or revealed in another way (This could have been a great story for multiple POV with the four kids). At the least, it was telling instead of showing; done in a different way it would have made the story stronger.
The basics for an interesting paranormal story with fun insider information about theater/Broadway are here, but they could have been presented in a different way to make the story stronger.
2.5 stars = Mostly solid to solid, issues but okay overall
This one didn't work for me. There's not a lot of character development except with the main character, so not an ensemble story even though there is a quartet of kids working together on the mystery. There are a lot of spots where background information is dropped into the text instead of into dialogue, but there's no way the main character would know the information. It's third person POV, but these pieces felt like they should have been spoken or revealed in another way (This could have been a great story for multiple POV with the four kids). At the least, it was telling instead of showing; done in a different way it would have made the story stronger.
The basics for an interesting paranormal story with fun insider information about theater/Broadway are here, but they could have been presented in a different way to make the story stronger.
Read
June 22, 2021DNF at 50% - I like the theatre parts and references and the narration of the audiobook is good, but I'm not really feeling the "curse" plot line.
July 28, 2021
This was cute but the show the kids were doing sounds so bad 💀
March 8, 2021
4 ⭐️
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Thank you so much to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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This was a super cute YA story for all the theatre lovers out there.
Fearless is the story of Monica Garcia, a twelve-year-old making her Broadway debut in "Our Time" at the Ethel Merman Theater. She's originally cast as the understudy to the understudy, but through the misfortunes of the theater's "curse", she is thrust into the lead and thrown into rehearsals fresh off the plane from California. It's up to Monica and her fellow child cast mates, April, Hudson, and Relly, to solve the curse of the Ethel Merman Theater so that their show can be a hit on Broadway.
This was definitely a cute read that gave me "Better Nate Than Ever" and "Jack and Louisa" vibes with a bit more of a mystery. The cast of characters were diverse and very realistic, while also easy for young readers to follow. It's short and sweet for YA audiences and wraps up the mystery so that there's no cliffhanger.
My only issues with it were the blatant differences from what rehearsing a professional show would be. Coming from an author with plenty of experience on Broadway (though not as a child actor, so the experience is a bit different), I had more realistic expectations for some of the big plot moments. (i.e. Broadway shows rehearse in a studio or rehearsal hall - not the actual theater until tech rehearsals, there was no stage manager running the rehearsals, previews are only briefly mentioned while the emphasis is all on opening night and not their first performance with an audience, the Legacy Robe going to a Principal cast member and not an Ensemble member, there seemed to be no marketing team at all and the kids had to take matters into their own hands, etc.) Most of these changes the average reader won't know, but to someone in the industry they're very glaring.
However, I thought there were several changes from the real world the that made the story more fun actually! (The Ethel Merman Theater - that would be fantastic! But she mentioned there were still 41 Broadway theaters...so which one doesn't exist in the universe of Fearless?)
Overall, this was a very fun story and a great debut for Mandy Gonzalez - perfect for middle school readers. I'd happily read any other stories she may publish in the future!
-
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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This was a super cute YA story for all the theatre lovers out there.
Fearless is the story of Monica Garcia, a twelve-year-old making her Broadway debut in "Our Time" at the Ethel Merman Theater. She's originally cast as the understudy to the understudy, but through the misfortunes of the theater's "curse", she is thrust into the lead and thrown into rehearsals fresh off the plane from California. It's up to Monica and her fellow child cast mates, April, Hudson, and Relly, to solve the curse of the Ethel Merman Theater so that their show can be a hit on Broadway.
This was definitely a cute read that gave me "Better Nate Than Ever" and "Jack and Louisa" vibes with a bit more of a mystery. The cast of characters were diverse and very realistic, while also easy for young readers to follow. It's short and sweet for YA audiences and wraps up the mystery so that there's no cliffhanger.
My only issues with it were the blatant differences from what rehearsing a professional show would be. Coming from an author with plenty of experience on Broadway (though not as a child actor, so the experience is a bit different), I had more realistic expectations for some of the big plot moments. (i.e. Broadway shows rehearse in a studio or rehearsal hall - not the actual theater until tech rehearsals, there was no stage manager running the rehearsals, previews are only briefly mentioned while the emphasis is all on opening night and not their first performance with an audience, the Legacy Robe going to a Principal cast member and not an Ensemble member, there seemed to be no marketing team at all and the kids had to take matters into their own hands, etc.) Most of these changes the average reader won't know, but to someone in the industry they're very glaring.
However, I thought there were several changes from the real world the that made the story more fun actually! (The Ethel Merman Theater - that would be fantastic! But she mentioned there were still 41 Broadway theaters...so which one doesn't exist in the universe of Fearless?)
Overall, this was a very fun story and a great debut for Mandy Gonzalez - perfect for middle school readers. I'd happily read any other stories she may publish in the future!
April 13, 2021
This book definitely has some great elements that I adored but overall, fell a little flat for me. Monica Garcia excitedly comes to NYC to make her Broadway debut as an understudy with her Abuela. She leaves behind a hardworking family with a struggling farm and a younger brother with medical issues that cause financial strain. She joins the cast of a new musical hoping to best the curse that is said to haunt it's theater, the Ethel Merman. Mysterious occurrences keep riddling the production though so Monica and her cast mates team up to save the day.
My favorite parts were the relationships: between Monica and her Abuela (and how her Abuela loves musicals too and always helps Monica forward in her career), between Monica and her best friend (the long distance support was so sweet), and the budding relationships between Monica and her cast mates. Gonzalez also tears down the walls and gives a little backstage info about Broadway like no matter how grand the lobby and seats are, the backstage is old and smelly. However, the general overview of "how it works" on Broadway is very idealized and I'm not sure if that was done intentionally to dumb it down for kids (something I hate) or if Gonzalez herself has an idealized version because she is an actor (this is coming from someone who works in theater management so I very familiar with the minutiae, good and bad). For instance, opening night is not the first performance... that's first preview. And reviewers come to performances leading up to opening night but are very rarely at opening night itself. Also, there is no way a group of kids can perform numbers from a super hush-hush upcoming Broadway musical in public, let alone on TV, without permission and contracts from a whole host of people.
The plot as a whole felt too broad and unformed. While I really enjoyed Monica's arc as a young actor getting her first gig, I felt like we very quickly veered into a weird ghost story, mystery solving gang plot that I felt wasn't as strong. It also ended way too easily and in my opinion, dumbly. There was an attempt to connect Monica's family history and lore with what was happening with the theater which didn't land very well and just convoluted the plot even more.
Gonzalez narrates the audiobook though and does a fabulous job (now I need her to narrate more!). Despite it's shortcomings, it's still a fun juvenile novel and is great for fans of theater and mysteries. and
My favorite parts were the relationships: between Monica and her Abuela (and how her Abuela loves musicals too and always helps Monica forward in her career), between Monica and her best friend (the long distance support was so sweet), and the budding relationships between Monica and her cast mates. Gonzalez also tears down the walls and gives a little backstage info about Broadway like no matter how grand the lobby and seats are, the backstage is old and smelly. However, the general overview of "how it works" on Broadway is very idealized and I'm not sure if that was done intentionally to dumb it down for kids (something I hate) or if Gonzalez herself has an idealized version because she is an actor (this is coming from someone who works in theater management so I very familiar with the minutiae, good and bad). For instance, opening night is not the first performance... that's first preview. And reviewers come to performances leading up to opening night but are very rarely at opening night itself. Also, there is no way a group of kids can perform numbers from a super hush-hush upcoming Broadway musical in public, let alone on TV, without permission and contracts from a whole host of people.
The plot as a whole felt too broad and unformed. While I really enjoyed Monica's arc as a young actor getting her first gig, I felt like we very quickly veered into a weird ghost story, mystery solving gang plot that I felt wasn't as strong. It also ended way too easily and in my opinion, dumbly. There was an attempt to connect Monica's family history and lore with what was happening with the theater which didn't land very well and just convoluted the plot even more.
Gonzalez narrates the audiobook though and does a fabulous job (now I need her to narrate more!). Despite it's shortcomings, it's still a fun juvenile novel and is great for fans of theater and mysteries. and
March 18, 2021
A girl's determination meets Broadway in an interesting mix of achieving dreams, theater, and a tiny bit of mystery and sabotage.
Monica's dreams are coming true; she's headed for Broadway as an understudy. Her goal to become a star is sliding closer, and with it the dream of helping to support her hard working parents and her brother, who has severe medical conditions. But when she reaches the theater in New York, problems arise. Thanks to a curse, the two actresses ahead of her have suffered from an accident or left, leaving her in the leading role with three other kids. When a star is injured as well, she realizes that this might be a real problem, but she still has other things to worry about as her brother suffers from yet another seizure.
The author has done a wonderful job at weaving in all sorts of aspects about theater...from the backstage to props to set-ups and then working in information including historical facts and even some hints at the business end of things. So, theater fans are going to enjoy diving into this one quite a bit. It's a rich setting with tons to enjoy.
Starting out in Monica's school back in California, this tale glides through her first moments in New York with her abuela and right into the theater, where she immediately sees the results of the curse. While I expected a bit more tension, action, and mystery in this one, the story focuses more on Monica and her working through the idea of being on Broadway, her role, and the wishing she could help her family, especially as her younger brother and his suffering causes a constant worry. The curse of the theater does sink in much better during the second half of the book, and Monica does have a lot to deal with on several fronts. It's a nicely done tale and great for kids, who dream of theater themselves.
I received an ARC and am giving it 3.5 while rounding up.
Monica's dreams are coming true; she's headed for Broadway as an understudy. Her goal to become a star is sliding closer, and with it the dream of helping to support her hard working parents and her brother, who has severe medical conditions. But when she reaches the theater in New York, problems arise. Thanks to a curse, the two actresses ahead of her have suffered from an accident or left, leaving her in the leading role with three other kids. When a star is injured as well, she realizes that this might be a real problem, but she still has other things to worry about as her brother suffers from yet another seizure.
The author has done a wonderful job at weaving in all sorts of aspects about theater...from the backstage to props to set-ups and then working in information including historical facts and even some hints at the business end of things. So, theater fans are going to enjoy diving into this one quite a bit. It's a rich setting with tons to enjoy.
Starting out in Monica's school back in California, this tale glides through her first moments in New York with her abuela and right into the theater, where she immediately sees the results of the curse. While I expected a bit more tension, action, and mystery in this one, the story focuses more on Monica and her working through the idea of being on Broadway, her role, and the wishing she could help her family, especially as her younger brother and his suffering causes a constant worry. The curse of the theater does sink in much better during the second half of the book, and Monica does have a lot to deal with on several fronts. It's a nicely done tale and great for kids, who dream of theater themselves.
I received an ARC and am giving it 3.5 while rounding up.
March 9, 2021
Written by Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez (Hamilton, In the Heights, and Wicked), this middle-grade novel combines mystery and musical theater in a very entertaining way. Protagonist Monica travels from California to New York when a big break as understudy for a Broadway show is offered. But her arrival finds a once great theater now in shabby splendor, rehearsals plagued with accidents, and a rumored curse on the entire thing. Can Monica and the other child actors find the clues to why the theater's luck has run out in time to save their own show?
Monica's character is well-developed. Readers will see the close relationship with her grandmother Abuelita, who accompanies her to New York and also with her brother Freddy. Although she is a bit shy, she still makes friends with the other actors and gets along well with the adults she meets. Her determination to save the production stems from her own love of performing, but also from her knowledge of what a successful show will mean for her family and for the others involved.
The curse shows itself in large and small mishaps and problems. Some may be the type of accidents that could happen in any theater, but others seem too bizarre to be anything but the result of vengeful spirits or some other negative force. As the kids investigate, they learn more about the history of the theater housing their show and readers learn more about Broadway in general. (It certainly helps that the author has inside knowledge of theater traditions.)
Recommended for upper elementary or early middle school readers who enjoy mysteries, have a love of the theater, or prefer stories with a group of friends working together to solve a problem or puzzle.
Monica's character is well-developed. Readers will see the close relationship with her grandmother Abuelita, who accompanies her to New York and also with her brother Freddy. Although she is a bit shy, she still makes friends with the other actors and gets along well with the adults she meets. Her determination to save the production stems from her own love of performing, but also from her knowledge of what a successful show will mean for her family and for the others involved.
The curse shows itself in large and small mishaps and problems. Some may be the type of accidents that could happen in any theater, but others seem too bizarre to be anything but the result of vengeful spirits or some other negative force. As the kids investigate, they learn more about the history of the theater housing their show and readers learn more about Broadway in general. (It certainly helps that the author has inside knowledge of theater traditions.)
Recommended for upper elementary or early middle school readers who enjoy mysteries, have a love of the theater, or prefer stories with a group of friends working together to solve a problem or puzzle.
March 4, 2021
Thank you to #Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of Fearless by Mandy Gonzalez. This middle grade fiction novel will be out April 6, 2021. All opinions are my own.
Monica has dreams of becoming a Broadway start and now she's getting her chance. Monica has been cast as the understudy in an upcoming Broadway show at the famous Ethel Merman Theater. When she arrives, she discovers that she's no longer the understudy but the lead as the original star quit and Monica watched the first understudy get wheeled into an ambulance. Monica quickly learns from her castmates that the theater is cursed. As opening night gets closer stranger things start to happen. Monica and her friends are determined to find a way to reverse the curse and they set out to unravel the mysteries the theater holds.
Fearless is a cute middle grade novel full of Broadway history. I really enjoyed learning about Broadway traditions and superstitions. The main theme of this novel is about not letting fear get in your way. The characters are bright and vivid. This book is an interesting combination of adventure and mystery. While the focus is on a curse and it seems like supernatural things are happening the plot stays firmly rooted in realistic fiction by providing reasons for the various happenings (like old wiring as the reason for the lights flickering and rats causing the rustling sounds). This is a fun novel that fans of Broadway are sure to enjoy.
Monica has dreams of becoming a Broadway start and now she's getting her chance. Monica has been cast as the understudy in an upcoming Broadway show at the famous Ethel Merman Theater. When she arrives, she discovers that she's no longer the understudy but the lead as the original star quit and Monica watched the first understudy get wheeled into an ambulance. Monica quickly learns from her castmates that the theater is cursed. As opening night gets closer stranger things start to happen. Monica and her friends are determined to find a way to reverse the curse and they set out to unravel the mysteries the theater holds.
Fearless is a cute middle grade novel full of Broadway history. I really enjoyed learning about Broadway traditions and superstitions. The main theme of this novel is about not letting fear get in your way. The characters are bright and vivid. This book is an interesting combination of adventure and mystery. While the focus is on a curse and it seems like supernatural things are happening the plot stays firmly rooted in realistic fiction by providing reasons for the various happenings (like old wiring as the reason for the lights flickering and rats causing the rustling sounds). This is a fun novel that fans of Broadway are sure to enjoy.
May 17, 2021
Monica, a middle schooler from California, gets a call to be an understudy on Broadway. Her working class family doesn’t have much in the way of money, and this is always in need for her brother Freddy’s medical bills, but her abuelita spends her savings to take them both on this dream. What Monica doesn’t expect is that she will star and not be the understudy, due to a number of bizarre accidents that seem to plague the theatre, and a strange envelope arrives to her hotel with a key. A key that might break the curse if Monica and her newfound friends on Broadway can find what it unlocks.
This will certainly be a big hit for kids who adore theatre, acting, singing - anything to do with performing arts and Broadway. The history and lore of Broadway, curses and what to do to avoid them, are woven in its pages. The friendships formed on stage, and how tight they can become from working together, are highlighted, although individual character development could use improvement since clearly Monica and her friends have depths.
The audiobook is absolutely gorgeous and read by the author. There is singing and poetry, especially during the interludes between chapters, and she is a magnificent performer herself. The pacing, especially during atmospheric and thrilling scenes, is well done and guarantees some jumps out of chairs.
Thank you to Libro.fm for a courtesy copy.
Recommended for upper elementary and middle school, especially those who love theatre and the arts.
This will certainly be a big hit for kids who adore theatre, acting, singing - anything to do with performing arts and Broadway. The history and lore of Broadway, curses and what to do to avoid them, are woven in its pages. The friendships formed on stage, and how tight they can become from working together, are highlighted, although individual character development could use improvement since clearly Monica and her friends have depths.
The audiobook is absolutely gorgeous and read by the author. There is singing and poetry, especially during the interludes between chapters, and she is a magnificent performer herself. The pacing, especially during atmospheric and thrilling scenes, is well done and guarantees some jumps out of chairs.
Thank you to Libro.fm for a courtesy copy.
Recommended for upper elementary and middle school, especially those who love theatre and the arts.
March 22, 2021
I'm on a NetGalley binge, y'all.
What a fun backstage pass to how a Broadway show works—with a little mystery thrown in, of course.
As a big fan of Mandy Gonzales since In the Heights (I loved the LMM shout-out in the book) I was looking forward to this. I am not aware of many middle grade novels out there written from a real Broadway star so she hit that sweet spot for me in that regard.
The story starts immediately with Monica on her way to NYC after getting the call to be an understudy in a new show celebrating adventure movies of the 80s. Fearless was very plot(s?)-driven, and as someone who prefers a deeper dive into characters, I was a little disappointed because there were so many cute, quirky characters but I felt like I never got to know them. The plot itself was all over the place. It’s sort of about this new show opening and Monica getting to follow her dreams, but also about mysterious goings-on, like stars dropping out after injury, Monica having a secret key with nowhere to put it, and the theatre itself in desperate need of saving. This story either could have been longer or hashed out over multiple books.
This would be great to pair with Tim Federle’s Nate series!
What a fun backstage pass to how a Broadway show works—with a little mystery thrown in, of course.
As a big fan of Mandy Gonzales since In the Heights (I loved the LMM shout-out in the book) I was looking forward to this. I am not aware of many middle grade novels out there written from a real Broadway star so she hit that sweet spot for me in that regard.
The story starts immediately with Monica on her way to NYC after getting the call to be an understudy in a new show celebrating adventure movies of the 80s. Fearless was very plot(s?)-driven, and as someone who prefers a deeper dive into characters, I was a little disappointed because there were so many cute, quirky characters but I felt like I never got to know them. The plot itself was all over the place. It’s sort of about this new show opening and Monica getting to follow her dreams, but also about mysterious goings-on, like stars dropping out after injury, Monica having a secret key with nowhere to put it, and the theatre itself in desperate need of saving. This story either could have been longer or hashed out over multiple books.
This would be great to pair with Tim Federle’s Nate series!
May 2, 2021
Thank you to Simon & Schuster audio and libro.fm for free access to the advanced listener's copy of Fearless.
I really enjoyed this author-narrated story in which Monica gets the chance of a lifetime when given the role of understudy to a lead in a Broadway show. She and her abuela travel to NYC and adventure ensues. Will Monica be able to star on stage? Will the show be able to overcome a series of strange accidents? Is the theater really cursed or is it haunted?
I liked the growth we see in Monica over time, and particularly enjoyed her energetic, star struck abuela. The storyline was engaging, and age appropriate clues were given along the way, with a few twists at the end. Lots of good examples of foreshadowing too.
I had to struggle with myself to suspend belief that a grandmother would allow her 12 year old who had never been to NYC to get herself to and from her destinations alone, and at times had no idea where she was. There were also some other "can that really happen that way in today's world" moments. But, this is fiction, and the story is interesting and fun, so I let those questions slide away as I got caught up in the new developments in the plot.
I really think kids who enjoy theater and acting, especially those who dream big, will love this book. It would be great for a family road trip audiobook!
I really enjoyed this author-narrated story in which Monica gets the chance of a lifetime when given the role of understudy to a lead in a Broadway show. She and her abuela travel to NYC and adventure ensues. Will Monica be able to star on stage? Will the show be able to overcome a series of strange accidents? Is the theater really cursed or is it haunted?
I liked the growth we see in Monica over time, and particularly enjoyed her energetic, star struck abuela. The storyline was engaging, and age appropriate clues were given along the way, with a few twists at the end. Lots of good examples of foreshadowing too.
I had to struggle with myself to suspend belief that a grandmother would allow her 12 year old who had never been to NYC to get herself to and from her destinations alone, and at times had no idea where she was. There were also some other "can that really happen that way in today's world" moments. But, this is fiction, and the story is interesting and fun, so I let those questions slide away as I got caught up in the new developments in the plot.
I really think kids who enjoy theater and acting, especially those who dream big, will love this book. It would be great for a family road trip audiobook!
May 15, 2021
Musically-talented Monica Garcia arrives in New York City to be the understudy of one of the actors of Our Times. But the musical and the theater where it will be performed seem plagued by a series of unfortunate events. Accidents cause some actors to drop out of the show, and even the set and props aren't working right. Before she can settle in, twelve-year-old Monica is promoted to a starring role and becomes determined to figure out if the rumored curse on the theater really exists, and if so, how to remove it. Along the way, she and her fellow cast members, Relly, Hudson, and April, bond and learn quite a lot about Broadway and theater history. Fans of musical theater will enjoy this one and appreciate Monica's supportive family, her love for her little brother Freddy, and her ever-supportive and patient grandmother. I loved the drama exercises and various personalities sprinkled into the story and how Monica builds her self-confidence over her time in New York. There are some holes and unanswered questions about how so many theater-people knew that Monica was the one to solve the mystery behind the curse, but most readers won't even notice.
March 24, 2021
Monica’s dream has come true. Not only is she traveling to New York, but she also gets to star in an actual Broadway musical. For so long, this has been an impossible dream, and knowing that it’s coming true is almost overwhelming. But when Monica arrives at the theater, the Ethel Merman, she soon learns that the production is having many issues. Many of them seem to be caused by this mysterious curse that insists on ruining every part of the musical. Actors keep leaving or getting injured, set pieces don’t work correctly, and the lights keep flickering on and off. Monica and her fellow castmates are going to have to figure out exactly what caused the curse at the Ethel Merman, or risk the production being cancelled once and for all.
I received an advanced reading copy of Fearless in exchange for an honest review. To read my full review, visit my blog here: https://stephsstoryspace.wordpress.co...
I received an advanced reading copy of Fearless in exchange for an honest review. To read my full review, visit my blog here: https://stephsstoryspace.wordpress.co...
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