Replay

By Sharon Creech

A boy dreams to find his true role in life amid family chaos.

5.0/7 Bookroo expert·3.5/5 Goodreads · 2,574 ratings

224 pages· 24,995 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

$9.99Save 4%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Twelve-year-old Leo, known as "fog boy," transforms the mundane into magic with his vivid imagination. Amidst his boisterous family and a small role in the school play, Leo dreams of Broadway stardom. As he navigates his father's sadness and his own identity, Leo is poised for the curtain to rise on his true self. Will he discover the part he is meant to play in life, or remain lost in his dreams? This heartfelt journey of self-discovery invites readers to explore the magic of imagination and the quest for identity.

From the publisher

Leo’s papa stood in the doorway, gazing down at him. “Leo, you make gold from pebbles,” and the way he said it, Leo could tell that this was a good thing. He may have been given a bit part in the school play … but Leo dreams he is the biggest star on Broadway. Sure, his big, noisy family makes him feel like a sardine squashed in a tin … but in his fantasy he gets all the attention he wants. Yes, his papa seems sad and distracted … but Leo imagines him as a boy, tap-dancing and singing with delight. That’s why they call Leo “fog boy.” He’s always dreaming, always replaying things in his brain. He fantasizes about who he is in order to discover who he will become. As an actor in the school play, he is poised and ready for the curtain to open. But in the play that is his life, Leo is eager to discover what part will be his.

At a glance

Format: Paperback
Pages: 224
Words: 24,995
Reading age: 8–12
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 780L

Themes & topics

Books about acting Books about the theater Books about being different Books about being yourself Books about identity

After the last page

Talk about it together

Replay is about a boy discovering who he is. Talk to your child about their dreams and goals, and take the time to discuss how to achieve them and learn more about their talents.

Leo isn’t perfect, and even messes up his last line in the play—emphasize that no one is perfect, and that mistakes help us to learn, grow, and become the best version of ourselves.

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.0

out of 7

5.0

“Aside from loving Leo's path to find his identity, this book has a theatre aspect to it in the style and layout of the story. Every child can relate to Leo's question of who he is and who he'll become. This story demonstrates the power of goals, dreams, and believing in yourself, and realizing that everyone has a story. There is also a play at the end of the book that can be acted out by the reader and friends!”

B is for Bookworm

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one