My Nights at the Improv

November 1, 2005
Gr 4-8 -Lizzie, an eighth-grader struggling with a move to a new town, feels as though her voice is on 30-second delay. Unable to speak easily leaves her feeling left out and has made her a target for bullying by Vanessa, a sharp-tongued and angry classmate. She learns to confront her fear of speaking out by secretly observing a community-education class on improvisational-drama techniques. Vanessa just happens to be in the class, allowing Lizzie to gain some insight into her tormentor's difficult life. Readers will sympathize with the protagonist and should be pleased by the ending. Improvisational theater is a fascinating topic that is not often represented in fiction for this age group; the concept is well covered in this high-interest novel." -Kathleen Meulen, Blakely Elementary School, Bainbridge Island, WA"

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