Russell, Rachel
Renee, Tales From a Not-So-Glam TV Star. Simon
and Schuster Audio, 2014. (unbar.) 3 CDs. 3:45 hrs.
Nicki Maxwell has a lot on her plate. After getting an
invitation to meet with a big record producer, Nicki and her friends, Chloe,
Zoe, and Brandon get offered a recording contract and Nicki, her own reality
show for the month of March. Not, however, before catching McKenzie, the school
bully, and her friends stealing Nicki, Chloe, and Zoe’s backstage passes.
Jealous and furious with Nicki, McKenzie is determined to break any chances
Nicki has with dating Brandon and becoming a pop star. To add pressure on
Nicki, Brandon needs Nicki’s help in writing a scholarship essay in order to
stay at WCD, the expensive private school everyone goes to. As Nicki’s schedule
gets filled up with vocal lessons, recording studio time, her increased
homework load, and reality tv show problems, Nicki begins to wonder if she will
be able to handle all the pressure. To make matters worse, she keeps forgetting
to meet with Brandon. Will Nicki find a way to stop McKenzie from ruining her
chance with Brandon without ruining them herself? Will she be able to handle
her dream of being a pop princess?
Narrator, Jenni Barber has a unique voice and easily
distinguishes the characters. The author’s and narrator’s narrative styles are
complementary of each other and easily engage the reader. Although the characters are a little
under-developed, they are likable and entertaining. The plot is engaging,
realistic, and will appeal to elementary and middle school students who enjoy
books like Diary of A Wimpy Kid. Listeners who like realistic fiction, school
stories, and friendship stories will enjoy this audiobook.
4 stars, Grades 4 to 8
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