Grades 4 - 6
This is a middle-grade crush story in which Mattie (Matilda) lends a hand playing Romeo when the male lead drops out of the school production of Romeo and Juliet. As the production progresses, Mattie realizes she likes the supremely likable Gemma (playing Juliet). In addition to all of the usual 8th grade angst, Mattie is now questioning her identity. Her friends and family are supportive, but she’s still not sure what it all means. A charming story that does not move much beyond warm feelings, but progresses in a parallel to Shakespeare’s masterpiece. It will have readers dying to know what’s going to happen and cheering Mattie on to the end.