When the character actors at Disney World go on strike, the teens hired as replacements learn that it isnt exactly the Happiest Place on Earth. Ella gets to be Cinderella, simply because the shoe fits. It should be a dream come true, but Ella no longer believes in dreams. Luke is a fur character, Dale the chipmunk. Chip is played by his girlfriend, Cassie, who is perfect in every way. Why, then, does Luke find himself more drawn to imperfect things like the theme parks Phantom? A team-building scavenger hunt brings Luke and Ella together. As they uncover the Magic Kingdoms treasures, they discover an undeniable magic between them.

"Fans of Barkley and Hepler's Scrambled Eggs at Midnight will find a similar slice-of-teen-romance in this novel, which gives a behind-the-scenes look at America's favorite amusement park. Ella and Luke meet at Disney World when both take temporary jobs as Disney characters after the permanent employees go on strike. Ella is cast as Cinderella-not because of her name but because she fits into the costume. (Luke plays the less prestigious part of Dale the chipmunk.) The two first become romantically linked with other 'characters' before realizing they have more in common with each other than with their respective partners. Ella and Luke's alternating narratives express similar outlooks and states of uncertainty, yet the teens' backgrounds and conflicts are different. Ella is still reeling from the death of her brother and the recent departure of her parents, who have decided to go to Africa ('suddenly, the vague ideas about their doing something for others and making a difference in the world had details and a date'). For his part, Luke is dreading his future of entering the family business. If it takes a frustratingly long time for Ella and Luke to admit their mutual attraction, their individual musings and insightful conversations provide a thought-provoking prelude to their eventual pairing. A generous sprinkling of Disney trivia adds color to this wistful novel while an ongoing theme regarding the existence of magic adds an extra layer of meaning. Ages 12-up." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Brad Barkley is an acclaimed Southern novelist and the co-author, with Heather Hepler, of Scrambled Eggs at Midnight a 2006 Book Sense Summer Pick. He lives and writes in western Maryland.

Heather Hepler has an M.F.A. in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine. She teaches young adult literature and has worked as a book reviewer. She lives in Tyler, Texas.