Act I, Act II,Act Normal [Hardcover]

Martha Weston (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up

I felt my ears get hot. I'd gotten my wish--a big part--but this part? And in this play?

Topher Blakely has been waiting all his life to get the lead in the eight-grade play. But the contest winner is a fairy tale! At least Topher gets to act mean and wear a fake beard.

Topher and his best friend, Kip, know that from Populars to Losers, the label you get is the label you live, and nobody lets you forget it. At least half the school would rather eat rocks than try out for a play. Want people to think you're a geek or gay? Hang out near the theater. And Bad Daniel, the school bully, makes sure Topher never forgets it.

At least a guy can go home to relax, right? Won't Topher's savvy, undertanding parents, his adoring little sister, and his fun-loving pet cat put life in perspective? Yeah, rrriiiight. . .

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-Each year at Hope Springs Middle School, eighth graders write plays, and one is selected for production. Topher believes wholeheartedly that his friend Kip's mystery, The Sweet Tooth of Death, will be picked and that he will get the lead. Instead, Rumpelstiltskin-The Musical wins. Kip convinces Topher to audition and he's cast as Rumpelstiltskin. What follows is the protagonist's take on the ups and downs of rehearsals with a touchy female lead and a defensive playwright. The play fits into the boy's busy life as he copes with the illness and death of his elderly cat and challenges from a bully at school. As Topher states, "Want people to think you're a geek or gay? Hang out near the theater." Lighthearted and humorous, this novel presents a realistic and insightful look at artistic young people. Give it to fans of Gordon Korman's No More Dead Dogs (Hyperion, 2000) or Avi's Romeo & Juliet-Together (& Alive!) at Last (Orchard, 1987).
Crystal Faris, Nassau Library System, Uniondale, NY
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-7. Hilarity and poignancy mix in a story that hits the bull's-eye for middle- graders. (Chris) Topher Burke has won the lead in the eighth-grade play, a musical version of "Rumpelstiltskin." Although he loves being on stage, he's got plenty of headaches to contend with: a recalcitrant playwright, a temperamental leading lady, and a group of boys who think he's a "fag" for liking theater. The first-person narrative clips along with little description, but, with the exception of characters' ages (Topher seems more like 12 than 14), Weston, best known for her picture books, still gives readers a solid idea of who the characters are. The humor builds throughout the story, becoming laugh-out-loud funny when Topher's tights (which he borrowed from his younger sister to complete his costume) keep inching down over his butt. The play ends just in time. Tempering the comedy is a subplot involving the illness and death of Topher's cat, which Weston neatly ties into play. Give this a round of applause. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Roaring Brook Press; 1 edition (April 9, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761328599
• ISBN-13: 978-0761328599
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,560,665 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jennifer P. tell- you -about!, November 12, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Act I, Act II,Act Normal (Hardcover)

This book is great I love it.Though there is some profanity with language just to let you know.I read this book on Nov/12/04 and I loved it.I rated it with a three.You should read it for yourself if you want a little laugh.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lot of laughs for middle-schoolers., July 7, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Act I, Act II,Act Normal (Hardcover)

Middle school is tough enough without being in the spotlight.
Act 1, Act 2, Act Normal hits the mark for middle schoolers and
their multitude of concerns. A very funny and delightful ride
down the road to growing up your own way.