Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Starr of the Show is a story about friendship and making amends. Written by Leigh Reagan Alley, the book follows two best friends and fifth graders, Starr Solomon and Sunny Morgan, who used to be inseparable. When Starr inadvertently takes credit for the backpack Sunny had crafted for her birthday in front of the "Crombie Zombies," the popular clique in Cooper Elementary, Sunny becomes upset and stops talking to her. Ridden with guilt, Starr wants to make amends. But when she sees a hit piece about her in the school chronicle, it's her turn to be angry at Sunny. Starr and Sunny's team-up seems to be over, with the upcoming science fair on the horizon. Will the two friends find a way to reconcile? Will they be a part of the Fifth Grade Family Night?

Starr of the Show is a heartwarming tale about two friends, with a gentle message about forgiveness and letting go. Leigh Reagan Alley tells a sweet story filled with preteen drama, humor, and witty dialogue that entertains you from beginning to end. The characters are compelling and feel like real elementary school kids. Even the fight between Starr and Sunny is adorable, and their friendship is the story's heartbeat. Kids will find it easy to relate to either of them. The illustrations by Mark Nathan Hurry add a nice touch to bring the characters to life. This is the kind of book kids should read before aging up for Harry Potter. I loved every moment of it and will gladly recommend it for preteens.