Step Into the Spotlight!: A Branches Book (The Amazing Stardust Friends #1)

About this book

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

Meet the amazing Stardust Girls -- Marlo, Bella, Carly, and Allie! They all live and work at the Stardust Circus. Marlo, the new girl, is eager to make friends. The other girls welcome her and she tries everything to fit in -- trapeze, tightrope walking, juggling, and even dog training -- all with hilarious results. Marlo wants to shine in the spotlight, but what will her special talent be? With black-and-white illustrations throughout, this glittery series is full of sparkle and friendship!

Reviews

Praise for The Amazing Stardust Friends #1:
"Alexander effectively conveys the hard work and athleticism that make a circus artist as well as the multicultural nature of a circus family...Le Feyer's grayscale illustrations add humor and personality. The lure of the big top will bring sparkle-loving girls back to see how Marlo's life with the circus progresses." -- Kirkus

"The illustrations are plentiful and break up the text nicely. Kids just starting to read early chapter books, especially those enchanted by the circus, will likely get a kick out of this book." -- Booklist

Praise for Branches books:
"These books should be considered for larger libraries wanting to enhance their easy-reader collections." -- School Library Journal

"Plenty of drawings assist readers with plot development." -- School Library Journal

"A nice stepping stone to more advanced chapter books." -- Booklist

"We are absolutely desperate for these books. Thank you for recognizing and addressing [this] monumental gap in the market." -Andrew Medlar, Youth Materials Specialist, Chicago Public Library