The power of prayer and the importance of trusting in God dominate this novel, first in the Lena in the Spotlight series, inspired by the life of the 12-year-old author, Alena Pitts, writing with her mother.

Narrator Lena Daniels, an 11-year-old African-American girl, submits a video audition that lands her a leading role in a movie about a family learning to trust God; the film also stars Lena’s favorite singer, Mallory Winston.

Before heading to Los Angeles with her parents and sisters to shoot the movie, Lena begins to have doubts about leaving her friends behind and stepping into the spotlight.

At this and other junctures, her father offers comfort and advice through a combination of prayer and scripture.

Lena often reaches out to God, too (“Help me to remember that people all over the world will see this movie and will learn about you... so it’s not really about me”), and her journal entries reveal her growing self-confidence.

Although the story can be repetitive and Lena’s emotions run high, readers may well find inspiration in its focus on family, friends, and faith.

Ages 8–12. (Apr.)