Unscripted Joss Byrd: A Novel

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

Joss Byrd is a child star and is on the set of an upcoming movie being filmed in Montauk, NY. The movie is based on the director and his sister's life living with an abusive stepdad. Joss plays the sister, Norah, and has to struggle with being able to portray the abuse that Norah suffered as a child. Her mother, Viva, is the famed-starved mother, who only cares what role Joss is up for next and what she can get from it. Joss just wants to be like every one else her age, but doesn't fit in because she is thought to be entitled because of her fame.

The characters are portrayed realistically and the story is easily followed. The book focuses on the responsibility of parenting, dealing with celebrity culture, the differences between actors public and private lives and the learning disability that Joss struggles with to learn her lines. A nice addition to the Tween section of your library.

Recommended for grades 6-8.

Overall Book Score: good