Mary Margaret, Center Stage

by: Christine Kole MacLean

Published by: Puffin Books

Reviewed by Linda Lee

Nine-year-old Mary Margaret is used to being the center of attention. There is going to be a play and she wants to be in it. Of course she’ll be Cinderella. She is always the star of these productions.

There is a new girl in class, a girl who is too perfect. Mr. Mooney, their teacher and play director, seems to really like Ellie. Could he like her more than he likes Mary Margaret? Would he really consider her for the starring role? It’s unthinkable.

Mary Margaret’s family has always loved and supported her. They still do, but Mom is busy with a new baby, Dad, who has always adored her, yells at her about his newspaper, and J.T, her 13-year-old brother, has called her annoying, his worst insult. On top of that he gets her grounded during the play tryouts.

Ellie does get the part Mary Margaret assumed was hers. After being offered a small part in the play, she convinces Mr. Mooney to let her be Ellie’s understudy. Everyone tells her it will be extremely unlikely she’ll get to say anything on stage. She agrees, but holds on to the idea she’ll save the show. It just has to work out her way, even if Ellie is perfect in so many ways.

We all went to school with a Mary Margaret. Admit it: some of us were Mary Margaret. She has too much energy and can’t see past the end of her own nose, but she’s learning. She’s kind to the kid who gets teased a lot and loves her family. She wants to fit in and isn’t always sure how to accomplish that.

Armchair Interviews says: Sweet, funny, self-absorbed Mary Margaret, the kids will love her.

Author’s Web site: http://www.christinekolemaclean.com