Casting April
Knopf Books for Young Readers (Summer 2026)
A heartwarming story of friendship, identity, and the importance of chasing your dreams.
Sixth grader April Xue lives and breathes all things Broadway. When she builds up the courage to audition for the lead role in the school play, she thinks she’s knocked it out of the park—until she finds out that she’s been assigned to the stage crew. April is devastated—it seems like the curtain is closing on her dream of being an actor.
A day later, April overhears that the theater director, Ms. Rooney, decided not to cast her because she’s disabled. With the help of her best friend, a sneaky student reporter, and her spirited castmates, April learns to confront her own insecurities as a performer and proves to everyone (including Ms. Rooney) that she deserves a fair shot—all in time for opening night.
PRAISE FOR ‘CASTING APRIL’
“Young readers will learn with aspiring actor April that while people can sometimes be ‘not so kind to those with disabilities,’ faith in yourself and your friends can save the show.” —Sally J. Pla, Schneider Family Book Award–winning author of “The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn”
“A heartwarming story about finding your voice, your people, and not letting anyone stand in the way of your dreams. April will have readers cheering for an encore.” —Nicole Melleby, Lambda Literary Award finalist author of “Hurricane Season”
“A love letter to kids who dare to dream big and demand to be seen—sure to be an instant and timeless classic.” —Kyla Zhao, author of “May the Best Player Win”
“With the kind of heroine who steals the scene from page one, ‘Casting April’ is exactly the book I needed as a kid.” —Cindy Baldwin, author of “No Matter the Distance”
“Wendy Lu’s dazzling debut shines a light on passion and perseverance in the face of nos. Readers will root for April with their whole hearts as she learns to believe in herself!” —Stacy Davidowitz, co-author of “The Chance to Fly”
“April Xue is the relatable, adorable, and perfectly imperfect hero we need, and Wendy Lu stars in the role of debut author. ‘Casting April’ is a winner.” —Mike Jung, author of “The Boys in the Back Row”
“Standing ovation!” —Lynne Kelly, USA Today bestselling author of “Song for a Whale”
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House)
Editor: Marisa DiNovis
Cover Artist: Yaoyao Ma Van As
Cover Designer: Jade Rector
Release date: June 16, 2026
