The power of prayer and the importance of trusting in God dominate this novel, first in the Lena in the Spotlight series, inspired by the life of the 12-year-old author, Alena Pitts, writing with her mother. Narrator Lena Daniels, an 11-year-old African-American girl, submits a video audition that lands her a leading role in a movie about a family learning to trust God; the film also stars Lenas favorite singer, Mallory Winston. Before heading to Los Angeles with her parents and sisters to shoot the movie, Lena begins to have doubts about leaving her friends behind and stepping into the spotlight. At this and other junctures, her father offers comfort and advice through a combination of prayer and scripture. Lena often reaches out to God, too (Help me to remember that people all over the world will see this movie and will learn about you... so its not really about me), and her journal entries reveal her growing self-confidence. Although the story can be repetitive and Lenas emotions run high, readers may well find inspiration in its focus on family, friends, and faith. Ages 812. (Apr.)'Tween girls LOVE fiction, but it doesn't always teach them the best values. That's why I'm so excited about Wynter Evans Pitts writing with her daughter Alena. This is a book series that will entertain your daughter's love of reading, but also introduce godly living. Enjoy!' --Dannah Gresh'Alena Pitts is an absolute treasure! She and her parents have a heart for ministry and for advancing God's kingdom. One of the best decisions we made in casting for the movie War Room was in choosing Alena to be Danielle. She not only brought an outstanding performance to the film, but she and her family were a joy to work with. We can look forward to great things from this little world changer.' --Stephen KendrickEvery little girl dreams and Alena Pitts has written a delightful book series that will help any girl do just that. Taking a cue from her own life as a young actress, Alena weaves a l#¾