Rising Star (9 page)

As she listened to the buzz of conversation in the hall during the interval, it seemed Danny might be the favorite so far out of the seventh graders.

“Of course it doesn't mean anything,” said Tara. “This is only the first concert. There are
two
next term, and two more the term after that. Anything could happen before the end of the year.” That was true. Even Chloe would have a chance to catch up. But it was a typical Tara remark.

They were just about to go back in for the second half of the concert when a car drove up. It was Chloe's family. As soon as the car stopped she raced over and opened the back door. Ben held out his arms to her, grinning all over his face. Tears filled Chloe's eyes. She undid his seat belt and lifted him out. She hugged him so tight he wriggled to get down, but she kept a firm grip on his hand.

“My voice is back!” she told her parents triumphantly.

“Well done!” her dad said. “I knew you could do it.”

Chloe beamed at them all. She was glad about everything. Her brother was safe, her voice was back, she had lots of good friends, and next term she would be up there onstage, singing her heart out—ready to be a Rising Star!

 

 

Think you've got tons of talent?

 

Well, music maestro Judge Jim Henson,
Head of Rock at talent academy Rockley Park,
has put together his top tips to help
you become a superstar.…

 

 

Number One Rule: Be positive!

You've got to believe in yourself.

 

 

Be active! Join your school choir
or form your own band.

 

 

Be different! Don't be afraid to stand
out from the crowd.

 

 

Be determined! Work hard and stay focused.

Be creative! Try writing your own material—
it will say something unique about you.

 

 

Be patient! Don't give up if things
don't happen overnight.

 

 

Be ready to seize opportunities
when they come along.

 

Be versatile! Don't have a one-track mind—try out
new things and gain as many skills as you can.

Be passionate! Don't be afraid to show
some emotion in your performance.

Be sure to watch, listen, and learn all the time.

Be willing to help others.
You'll learn more that way.

Be smart! Don't neglect your schoolwork.

 

 

Be cool and don't get big-headed! Everyone needs friends, so don't leave them behind.

Always stay true to yourself.

And finally, and most importantly,
enjoy what you do!

A TV crew is coming to Rockley Park, and twin models Pop 'n' Lolly are the star attraction. The talented twosome is used to doing everything together and they make the perfect double act. So Pop and roommate Chloe can't understand why Lolly seems so fed up. Will they discover Lolly's secret before she ruins the twins' glittering career?

CINDY JEFFERIES
's varied career has included being a Venetian-mask maker and a video DJ. Cindy decided to write
Fame School
after experiencing the ups and downs of her children, who have all been involved in the music business. Her insight into the lives of wannabe pop stars and her own musical background means that Cindy knows how exciting and demanding the quest for fame and fortune can be.

 

Cindy lives on a farm in Gloucestershire, England, where the animal noises, roaring tractors, and rehearsals of Stitch, her son's indie-rock band, all help her write!

 

To find out more about Cindy Jefferies, visit her Web site:
www.cindyjefferies.co.uk