Showtime Sabotage is a middle grade novel written from the points of view of four diverse middle school students. Through each student we learn about the play’s “curse” and their theories on who, or what, may have caused the destruction to the set and costumes. The personalities are well-developed, and just like the teenagers I have at home, are hysterical, sarcastic, and spirited. They play off each other as they come to conclusions about what really happened.

The story is set in the auditorium as the students are finishing last minute preparations for that night’s play. Through the words and descriptions, the author brings us right up on stage with the kids and allows us to form our own idea of what may have happened.

I’m new to reading middle grade books. I don’t have any kids at home and my grandkids aren't really into reading, much to my dismay. I had the opportunity to read a couple middle grade in a reading group and I really enjoyed them so I thought I would try reading a few others.

I just finished Showtime Sabotage and I was really impressed. I thought the book was just the right length for middle grade readers, the storyline interesting, but not too complicated to understand and what impressed me the most was the diversity of the people and the things each person brought to the table.

The characters were of different races and backgrounds. There were some really nice characters, some bullies, some nice and not too nice teachers, and kids just looking to belong and others that we all love to dislike because they make us feel bad. There was a student in a wheelchair that was portrayed as every bit as capable as every other student. Wow, this sounds like real life to me and what a refreshing change to read about these things in a book.

What a great book for middle grade readers that is not only interesting but there is some learning involved too.

Showtime Sabotage
by Verity Weaver
North Star Editions
Jolly Fish Press

Humor , Middle Grade
Pub Date 01 Jan 2020


I am reviewing a copy of Showtime Sabotage through North Star Editions/Jolly Fish Press and Netgalley:


The Green Valley Middle School’s theater students knew their production of Pirates and Lost Boys was cursed. Despite enduring months of the flu, rivalries that were flaring and snow days they finally made it to opening day. Just hours before showtime when the lights go out and costumes get wrecked both cast and crew suspect sabotage.


Who would want to Sabotage the show? Was it a self-absorbed pirate worried about being upstaged by the incredible set? Or a brand-new actor fearful of being outperformed? Or maybe it was rival students annoyed at having their talent show moved to the gym. Or could the show really be cursed?



This book investigates a mystery of what happened in four different perspectives, and would be a great edition to the Middle Grade Mystery lovers library in your life.



I give Showtime Sabotage five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!