Literary Merit: Good
Character Merit: Great
Reading Level: Middle Grades
Recommend: Yes

Lights, Camera, Disaster begins with Hess waiting nervously for her video to be shown at the middle school talent show. Then book rewinds five weeks and Hess tells about the events leading up to that night.

Life and school are a struggle for Hess who suffers from executive function disorder. The only thing that really makes sense to Hess is filmmaking which is her passion. Hess, who is in the middle of eighth grade is failing two classes already and is on the verge of failing a third. If she can’t get her grades up soon she won’t be able to participate in the school talent show the Hoot with her friends Max and Nev. They have big plans for the Hoot, they are going to make a super cool spy movie.

All Hess has to do is get her English grade up which she just can’t seem to do. Even with strategies in place, she can’t stay organized. She can’t stay focused. She can’t get her homework done or pass a test with a good enough grade. She is overwhelmed and drowning with all the things she has to do. To make matters worse she might also be in jeopardy of failing eighth grade and she is too embarrassed and ashamed to tell her best friends.

Hess’ parents, a few caring teachers, a film professor and new friend provide her with support and encouragement. They help her discover some new strategies that might actually work for her. Things won’t be easy but with a little hard work Hess actually feels like she might be able to “write” a different future for herself just like in the movies.

This is a quick read that you won’t want to put down. It is heartwarming and funny. Hess is a very relatable character which I found myself rooting for even when she made poor decisions. I think a lot of middle school students will be able to relate to Hess and her struggles. ( )