About this book

Erika knows that people find her weird and off-putting. Instead of making friends, she finds solace in talking to herself and obsessing over handsome actors and pop stars. When she starts attending a new school, her loneliness takes on a life of its own and she develops a new obsession: the cutest boy in her theater class, Christian. For some reason, Christian is kind to her and even agrees to star in the play that she wrote for him, and Erika starts to find a creative voice that might lead to new friendship and romance. But the more time Erika spends with Christian, the more she wonders what he sees in a creep like her. Can Erika somehow write her way into the center of her own heartfelt love story? Or does Christian have an ending of his own in mind?

Reviews

Praise for Please Be My Star:

★ "Erika’s struggles with mental health strike an empathetic chord that will resonate with readers. The clean, inviting art features varied panel shapes and perspectives and highlights the characters’ emotional expressions. Manga-style art animates this charming story of self-discovery." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "This sweet romance/coming-of-age combo incorporates a great mix of cross-cultural visual homages, including nods to manga, telenovelas, and k-pop stans. Readers will appreciate the vibrant color scheme throughout... Elliott thoughtfully captures the essence of being the weird kid among weird kids and finding connection not despite but because of that quirkiness." -- Booklist, starred review

"A dramatic comedy for teens who love theater and ­romance." -- School Library Journal

"Encapsulates the anxiety of navigating a new school and new relationships, all while trying to live authentically." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"This is an affectionate depiction of high school theater teens, with a sympathetic heroine. The fluid graphics style captures the story perfectly." -- The Washington Post