DREAM BIG

In this sequel set in 1985, Cassie lands a role as a movie extra, but life on set is far from glamorous.

It’s the summer before middle school, and Cassie wants to spend time with best friend Vali, but that means including Vali’s other bestie, Stesha. Technically, Stesha is Cassie’s friend, too, but sometimes it feels like Stesha is trying to drive her away. There’s no money for day camp, so Cassie is stuck babysitting her younger siblings, but everything changes when the girls discover a horror movie is being filmed in their neighborhood. Cassie, who presents white, and Vali, who’s brown-skinned, are excited (Stesha deems them “embarrassing”). The girls are offered a week on set as extras, but things don’t go as expected. Cast as “ugly kids,” the girls spend endless hours waiting for their scene. The professional child actors are snobs, the adults are dismissive, and, worst of all, the script has a monster so scary, Cassie can’t sleep through the night. Then Vali gets bored and quits. Torn between sticking with Vali and being in a movie, Cassie ultimately decides to make the most of her time in the spotlight. Cassie is allowed to be scared but brave, mean but generous. The characters make mistakes, make amends, and always feel fully realized. Cespedes’ expressive illustrations capture Cassie’s emotional complexity, particularly in fantasy sequences where she redirects her anxiety and confronts her inner monster.

Positively shines with big laughs and big feelings.