Setting the Stage
Setting the Stage by Lindsay Champion, published by Pixel+Ink in 2025, is a children’s book that offers a unique perspective on the dynamics of a junior high musical production. With 208 pages, this edition presents the story exclusively from the viewpoint of the kids working backstage. The narrative follows eighth grader Ella Amani, who is excited to take on the role of stage manager for the middle school musical. As she navigates the challenges of managing her diverse crew, she faces conflicts with the cast, who often treat the crew poorly.
Readers will find a detailed exploration of the relationships and tensions that arise within the stage crew, including Ella’s efforts to coordinate her team, which includes Willow, Sebastian, Kevin, and her best friend Levi. The story delves into themes of friendship, social skills, and the complexities of growing up, all set against the backdrop of a performing arts environment. Setting the Stage is the first installment in a trilogy that promises to reveal the full story of the production and the challenges faced by those behind the scenes.
Official synopsis Publisher
SERIES LAUNCH! The full story of a junior high musical production, told exclusively from the POV of the kids backstage. It’s High School Musical, from behind the scenes…without the high school.
Every cast depends on its stage crew. But what happens when they hate each other? SETTING THE STAGE is the first act in a trilogy that tells the whole story!
Eighth grader Ella Amani has been waiting her whole life to be the stage manager of the middle school musical, and this is her year!
Somehow she’ll have to find jobs for Willow, who’s doing stage crew instead of detention, and Sebastian, a shy sixth grader whose sister is the star of the show. She’ll have to wrangle Kevin, the clumsy new kid who was homeschooled on a boat, and Levi, her best friend, who used to tell her everything.
Still, Ella’s pretty sure she can handle the crew. The cast? That’s a different story. They’re ungrateful, they treat the crew like servants, and when Ella finally pushes back, they start playing pranks!
Setting the Stage is a behind-the-scenes look at the drama of drama club from the crew’s point of view.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Topics
FAQ
What is “Setting the Stage” about?
Who is the author of “Setting the Stage”?
When was “Setting the Stage” published?
What is the ISBN for “Setting the Stage”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
