About the Book
Title: Reality Natalie
Author: Katie Sparks
Publication Date: October 15, 2014
Publisher: Firedrake Books LLC
Pages: 150
Recommended Ages: 8 to 13
Synopsis: When the most popular kids’ TV show, Kidz Konnection, decides to hold auditions for a guest host spot, the show’s BIGGEST fan decides to audition.
[Cue Natalie Greyson]
Eleven-year-old Natalie is determined to overcome her habit of turning into a tongue-tied, air ball burping, runny-nose disaster whenever something embarrassing happens in front of an audience so she can audition for the coveted role. As the show’s biggest fan, no one could possibly deserve it more than her!
Except a GIANT obstacle stands in her way: her parents deny her permission to audition.
To make matters even worse, Natalie’s naturally talented best friend, Kailyn, decides to audition too, and will stop at nothing to win. With their friendship suddenly in question, Natalie turns to her blog, In A “Nat” Shell, to vent her frustrations, but Natalie’s emotional outpouring and lies only creates more anxiety for herself. With the stakes high, Natalie goes against her parent’s wishes and decides to audition, but Kailyn has her own secret plan to be Number One, even if it means doing so at the expense of her best friend. Can Natalie find a way out of the drama and into the spotlight? Or will the competitive pressure cause her to lose her ultimate dream along with her best friend?
Author: Katie Sparks
Publication Date: October 15, 2014
Publisher: Firedrake Books LLC
Pages: 150
Recommended Ages: 8 to 13
Synopsis: When the most popular kids’ TV show, Kidz Konnection, decides to hold auditions for a guest host spot, the show’s BIGGEST fan decides to audition.
[Cue Natalie Greyson]
Eleven-year-old Natalie is determined to overcome her habit of turning into a tongue-tied, air ball burping, runny-nose disaster whenever something embarrassing happens in front of an audience so she can audition for the coveted role. As the show’s biggest fan, no one could possibly deserve it more than her!
Except a GIANT obstacle stands in her way: her parents deny her permission to audition.
To make matters even worse, Natalie’s naturally talented best friend, Kailyn, decides to audition too, and will stop at nothing to win. With their friendship suddenly in question, Natalie turns to her blog, In A “Nat” Shell, to vent her frustrations, but Natalie’s emotional outpouring and lies only creates more anxiety for herself. With the stakes high, Natalie goes against her parent’s wishes and decides to audition, but Kailyn has her own secret plan to be Number One, even if it means doing so at the expense of her best friend. Can Natalie find a way out of the drama and into the spotlight? Or will the competitive pressure cause her to lose her ultimate dream along with her best friend?
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My Review
Reality Natalie is the story of an energetic fifth grader who wants nothing more than to meet her idols, the girls that host Kidz Connection. So, when they announce open auditions to be a guest host on the show, Natalie leaps at the chance. Of course things can't be easy peasy for Natalie. The first problem, her parents didn't actually give her permission to try out, in fact they said no. The next problem, she told the whole world (at least the ones who read her blog) that she was auditioning and last but not least her best friend, who is perfect at everything she tries, decides to throw her hat in the ring too. Things can't get any worse, can they? Will Natalie's biggest dream become a reality?
This is such an all around entertaining read. The author does a wonderful creating credible, identifiable characters as well as a believable setting. Natalie, Kailyn, and Maggie reminded me of my daughter and her friends (they are also fifth graders with big ideas). The story doesn't just focus on Natalie's plight for fame, but also addresses social issues, overcoming fears, righting wrongs, and being a true friend. As in real life, Natalie must face the consequences of her poor choices and her life lessons are timeless. On her journey to fame, Natalie learns a lot about herself and the person she aspires to be.
I definitely recommend picking up a copy of Reality Natalie.
This is such an all around entertaining read. The author does a wonderful creating credible, identifiable characters as well as a believable setting. Natalie, Kailyn, and Maggie reminded me of my daughter and her friends (they are also fifth graders with big ideas). The story doesn't just focus on Natalie's plight for fame, but also addresses social issues, overcoming fears, righting wrongs, and being a true friend. As in real life, Natalie must face the consequences of her poor choices and her life lessons are timeless. On her journey to fame, Natalie learns a lot about herself and the person she aspires to be.
I definitely recommend picking up a copy of Reality Natalie.
