I am excited to post my first AUTHOR spotlight! I had the absolute pleasure of reading several books by Lindsay Champion this summer and decided to share the reviews for her books together, instead of separately.

I learned about her middle grade drama club series first. As a former drama club nerd and current theatre lover, I was so ecstatic and impressed when I heard she had a three-book deal for CAST VS. CREW with Pixel+Ink. (THREE MG Theatre books – WOW!) Lindsay also has a debut YA that released in 2018 which focuses on music and mental illness. I decided to read all of them, though the third MG won’t release until February 2027. (Where’s an arc when you need one??)

We need more middle grade and young adult books about kids, preteens, and teens who love art in all of its forms. So, I’m very happy these books are out in the world. Check out the reviews below!

Someday, Somewhere by Lindsay Champion

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A beautiful exploration of artistry, music, and mental illness — Someday, Somewhere really does hit all the right notes.

Dominique and Ben come from different worlds but not in a contrived sort of way. They each have their struggles, and Lindsay Champion provides real insight into each of their psyche’s that feels authentic and moving. At first, I felt unsure about the love story, but as it progressed, their journey both together and separately revealed how this relationship gave them a safe space to explore who they were and wanted to be.

The mental illness rep was very well done. In Ben’s chapters, we were deeply immersed in his POV and yet, we could also see the bigger picture, which is difficult to accomplish. These chapters were sad and thought-provoking and valuable for teens who are struggling.

I loved the messages in this book and feel like it’s an important read for teens and a great read for those who adore and appreciate music and other forms of artistic expression.

Setting the Stage by Lindsay Champion

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A charming, fast-paced and fun look at theatre in middle school! SETTING THE STAGE is a first in the Cast vs. Crew series by Lindsay Champion. With multiple POVs from the overworked, and overlooked, tech crew, this is a delightful read that teaches the reader all about those elusive aspects of theatre while providing all the drama of middle school.

Lindsay Champion understands the middle grade POV and gives us several wonderful MG students with unique voices, dealing with unique situations. From the stage manager who must also manage her family needs to the new 6th grade props master and the reluctant sound board operator, we get credible insights into both the behind-the-scenes work of the tech crew and MG kids facing different struggles.

What I love about this series is we get more from the tech point-of-view because most theatre books focus on the cast experiences and dramas. Champion literally champions the tech crew, who deserve some recognition for their hard work and dedication.

Definitely a must-read for all theatre lovers but also perfect for those who enjoy MG at its best with humor and heart.

Tech Week by Lindsay Champion

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


TECH WEEK, book two in the Cast vs. Crew middle grade drama series, follows where the delightful first book, SETTING THE STAGE left off. This second book details the tech week before the big musical and kept up the pace of the story. We get all of the behind-the-scenes drama and hijinks plus the background on what happens during the craziness of tech week.

Lindsay Champion shares the joys of the drama community along with the struggles of middle schoolers beautifully by digging deeper into the main POVs. Leo’s POV particularly stood out as he faced new challenges with his birth parents and his foster parents, while handling his first almost-dating break up. His interiority was so spot on, I had to read it a second time to savor it.

This second book did not disappoint. I know MG readers, like me, are eager for the third in the series.

View all my reviews