UNSCRIPTED JOSS BYRD has been awarded 

"A Junior Library Guild Selection" for fall 2016. 

Hollywood critics agree. Joss Byrd is “fiercely emotional,” a young actress with “complete conviction,” and a “powerhouse.” But on the set of her latest project, a gritty indie film called The Locals, Joss's life is far from glamorous. While struggling with her mother’s expectations, a crush on her movie brother, and a secret that could end her career, Joss must pull off a performance worthy of a star. When her renowned, charismatic director demands more than she is ready to deliver, Joss must go off-script to stay true to herself.

"Engaging behind-the-scenes look at a lonely young Hollywood star's tragedies and triumphs." 

                              -KIRKUS REVIEWS

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"This is a quick and compelling read with fully fleshed-out characters. It focuses on the issues of responsible parenting, the struggles of not feeling like an average kid, the sexualization of young women, and the exploitation of a tragic past."

                             -SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

"Peñaflor, herself a teacher of young Hollywood actors, has captured the challenging realities of being a child star in this riveting, well-paced novel. Joss' poignant first-person narrative will draw readers in, making them feel the pains of a reading disability and the struggles of wanting a parent's love, and remove some of the industry's glamour by showing its many pressures and long days of filming."

                              -BOOKLIST

Macmillan/Roaring Brook Press

August 23, 2016

Hardcover

ISBN: 9781626723696

ISBN10: 1626723699

224 pages

Age Range: 12 to 17

"UNSCRIPTED JOSS BYRD feels like a true story, a real movie set experience—the good (great!!!), bad, and ugly. This book showed me that storytelling can be just like moviemaking because both give a slice of real life to learn from."

                -OONA LAURENCE, Matilda the Musical Tony                    Honoree,  Southpaw, Pete’s Dragon, Bad Moms

"Extremely heartfelt, UNSCRIPTED JOSS BYRD is a window into the reality of the acting industry."

                 -STEFANIA OWEN, The Carrie Diaries

                   and Coming Through the Rye

Signed copies available

at Bank Street Bookstore, NYC: