The Backstagers And The Ghost Light by Andy Mientus is a phenomenal book about the backstage crew of St. Genesius. The backstage is a mysterious and magical world that connects all the theaters of the world, and it is easy to get lost or hurt in the backstage. After disappearing for a prolonged amount of time, they are left without a stage manager, and have to face the new production on their own. The schools production of Phantasm is set in motion, and supernatural occurrences come along with it. The five backstagers: Jory, Hunter, Beckett, Aziz, and Sasha, have to figure out who or what is sabotaging their play. With falling lights, failed auditions, and the stage’s ghost light exploding during the use of an Ouija board, things are going to get harder and harder. And what will they do when a charismatic new lead actress shows up and has deeper intentions than performing? I highly recommend this book for it’s mysterious charm, along with it’s casual LGBT representation. The relationship between Jory and Hunter is casual and realistic, and shows how relationships can be affected by new responsibilities. It also shows how the loss of a loved one can negatively affect a family, and that someone who cared about them deeply would do anything to get them back. This book would be great for anyone who likes theater, supernatural themes, ghosts, and friendship.

Review by Allison