Lights, Camera, Disaster

If life were a movie, eighth grader Hess Greene would totally have things under control. There would be a training montage. A perfectly timed comeback. And definitely a happy ending. But real life doesn't come with a script. Hess is obsessed with movies—and making them. Her camera helps her stay focused, organized, and calm in a world that often feels chaotic thanks to her executive function disorder. But when a disastrous mistake threatens her language arts grade, Hess could lose everything: her chance to graduate eighth grade, her friendships, and even the camera she depends on. Her last hope? A make-or-break class project. If Hess can pull it off, she might just save her grade—and prove she's capable of directing her own story. But real life isn't like the movies… and there's no guarantee of a perfect final scene. Written partly in screenplay format and filled with STOP, PAUSE, PLAY, and REWIND moments, Lights, Camera, Disaster is a funny, heartfelt story about friendship, creativity, and figuring out how to take control of your own life—even when everything feels out of focus. Perfect for readers who love humor, big feelings, and behind-the-scenes movie magic.