Erin Dionne

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.