No, Christmas is not the focus of these books. So why am I sharing them now during the holiday season?

Well, first off, I bought this Faithgirlz book series for my daughter as a Christmas gift a couple of years ago. It was during a time I needed to engage her with more positive books for her down time.

Not only has my girl read all 3 books multiple times, but she told me the other day that I should recommend them to other kids on my blog.  I call that a HUGE win for this mama!! 

So let my daughter and I tell you a bit about book #1 of the “Lena in the Spotlight” series so you can understand what hooked us both.

The author is Alena Pitts, who was 12 years old when she wrote this book with some help from her author of a mom, Wynter Pitts.  Many of us know Alena Pitts from her role in “War Room” as the young daughter, “Danielle Jordan”.  She is also a writer for “For Girls Like You” magazine which is a faith-based ministry created by Wynter Pitts that provides resources to empower young female disciples of Christ.

The story is about a young girl Lena, who has a chance to meet her favorite singer, Mallory Winston, and be in a movie with her JUST by sending in a video audition. But little does she know, she actually has to ACT.  Fortunately, she gets the part (even with gummy teeth). Lena is hyped for all the things she gets to do: be with MALLORY WINSTON, live on a dazzling bus, and travel all around the U.S!  Yet, even with all the spotlight, Lena starts to have second thoughts when she’s faced with the reality of leaving her best friends, missing the BFF trip to Mexico, and facing the pros and cons of stardom. 

It’s a fun and light story sprinkled with powerful messages of prioritizing what matters most in life.  Lena is given Godly advice backed up with prayer and scripture by her father, who pastors a church and prays for his children every morning.  This young protagonist also begins a deeper relationship with the Lord, asking Him for help and guidance as she learns to trust in Him.   Alena Pitts based the story line on her own life and learning to balance her faith along with following her dream.

If you’re looking for a sweet, safe and inspirational fictional series for your 8-12 year old girl, then the “Lena in the Spotlight” series is it.

Written by Erika & Isabel Alicea (age 11.5)