Please Be My Star

A wonderfully fun and unique reimagining of The Phantom of the Opera as a teen rom-com set in high school!

Erika knows that people find her weird and off-putting. Instead of making friends, she finds solace in talking to herself and obsessing over handsome actors and pop stars. When she starts attending a new school, her loneliness takes on a life of its own and she develops a new obsession: the cutest boy in her theater class, Christian. For some reason, Christian is kind to her and even agrees to star in the play that she wrote for him, and Erika starts to find a creative voice that might lead to new friendship and romance. But the more time Erika spends with Christian, the more she wonders what he sees in a creep like her. Can Erika somehow write her way into the center of her own heartfelt love story? Or does Christian have an ending of his own in mind?

Praise for Please Be My Star:

★ “Erika’s struggles with mental health strike an empathetic chord that will resonate with readers. . . . Manga-style art animates this charming story of self-discovery.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“This sweet romance/coming-of-age combo incorporates a great mix of cross-cultural visual homages, including nods to manga, telenovelas, and k-pop stans. . . . Loosely inspired by The Phantom of the Opera, Elliott thoughtfully captures the essence of being the weird kid among weird kids and finding connection not despite but because of that quirkiness. –Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

“This is an affectionate depiction of high school theater teens, with a sympathetic heroine. The fluid graphics style captures the story perfectly.” —The Washington Post

“Through Erika, ­Elliott brings out the awkwardness and anxiety of being a teen trying to figure out love. A dramatic comedy for teens who love theater and ­romance.” —School Library Journal

Rights details

• Young Adult