Five Days of Famous

Seventh grader and self-proclaimed “brainiac nerd” Nick Dashaway longs to be noticed. Instead, he is stuck hanging out with his less-than-cool best friends Dougall and Plum. Nick is sure that the upcoming talent show—judged by teen idol Josh Frost—is his chance to turn his social life around. When things go south, Plum’s consolatory birthday cupcake magically helps Nick’s wish for fame come true, granting him five days as a star performer with a book deal, manager, spectacular mansion, and worldwide fans. Readers will enjoy getting an imaginary backstage pass to Nick’s indulgent new world, and his mix of swagger and uncertainty make him an entertaining narrator. Though not especially marketed as such, this is very much a holiday story: Nick’s five days of fame culminate with Christmas, and Noël (Unrivaled) seeds her novel with numerous allusions to carols, familiar holiday figures, etc. The glitz and glamour of Nick’s wish lets readers contemplate the current state of celebrity while helping camouflage the message that the grass isn’t always greener, even when it comes with a mansion and chauffeur. Ages 10–up. Agent: Bill Contardi, Brandt & Hochman. (Dec.)