Dara is in 5th grade and certain that she will move from England to Hollywood to be a famous actress. When she doesn't get the starring role - of any part really - in the school play, she's shocked and sad. The drama teacher encourages her to join drama club to develop her skills. When she takes this leap, she learns about more than just acting. She learns about how to see the world from someone else's point of view, something that doesn't come naturally for over the top, dramatic Dara.
When one of her best friends goes back to the orphanage from where they were both adopted in Cambodia, it really gives Dara pause and opportunity to think about her feelings about her origins.
It's over the top at first and that turned me off a bit, but the author delves into some deeper issues and Dara gets more complex over the course of the book. Making the book much more than it seems in the early chapters. It would appeal to some younger middle school readers. ( )

DARA PALMER’S MAJOR DRAMA by Emma Shevah tells the humorous story of a girl who comes to terms with the fact that she’s not a amazing actress.

Dara and her best friend enjoy practicing their dramatic faces and anticipate getting lead roles in the upcoming musical. When Dara doesn’t make the cut, she thinks it’s because she’s a Cambodian adoptee. However she soon discovers that she simply lacks acting skills. Her humorous voyage of self-discovery will charm young readers.

Librarians will find this middle grade novel will appeal to youth readers who enjoy humorous realistic fiction. Of particular note is the focus on diversity, adoption, identity, and personal development. The title would be an excellent choice for reading groups and class discussions.

To learn more about the author, go to https://emmashevah.com/.

Published by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky on July 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher. ( )