Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me access to the free advanced digital copy of this book.

This middle grade novel written by Puneet Bhandal brings readers right into the world of Bollywood movies! Starlet Rivals tells the story of Bela, a girl who loves to dance and auditions for a reality tv show with the prize of attending a Bollywood Academy. She wins and ends up joining a group of young starlets like herself, all vying for a future surrounded in lights. This book is a great opportunity for readers to learn about the culture, including the Bharatanatyam dance style, and Bollywood movies, whether the readers are familiar with Indian culture or not. I think this is a great book for teachers wanting to diversify their classroom library, and for parents wanting to expose their children to new role models and diverse female characters. I would definitely recommend this book, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review it!

After reading so many dystopian fantasies and books dealing with heavy subjects, it was delightful to read something filled with Bollywood fun. Serious issues of class differences and nepotism as well as bullying are actually central to the plot, but the focus remains on Bela's incredible adventure at Bollywood Academy. (Diversity doesn't include a discussion of caste unfortunately.) Totally predictable, this middle grade novel was perfect for an afternoon of escape to India and star-studded glitz and glamour, with a lovable main character who ultimately chooses character rather than revenge.