Twelve-year-old Bela has always dreamed about becoming a famous Bollywood star, and now the opportunity might finally be within her grasp. When a reality TV show gives her the chance to dance in front of the nation, she knows that she is performing for a place at the most prestigious stage school in Mumbai. Can Bela win the Dance Starz competition to score a place at the Bollywood Academy and move one step closer to her dreams of stardom? And will child star Monica, the most "in" girl at school, see her as a friend or a rival? Praise for Starlet Rivals "Bela dreams of Bollywood stardom – but can a girl from her less than privileged background have a chance of winning the national Dance Starz competition, and a place at a prestigious Mumbai stage school? A deliciously readable addition to the stage-school story canon for song-and-dance fans of 7+."― The Guardian , Children's Book of the Month "What follows is everything readers could want – dream come true film opportunities, stays in the most glamorous locations, new friendships and the tiniest hint of romance. Young readers who love Ballet Shoes or The Swish of the Curtain , or who dream of stage stardom, or those who just love stories with great characters in exciting situations, they’ll all devour this new series. Applause all round!"― LoveReading4Kids “Not only is the book bursting with glamour and excitement, it also has thoughtful messages about the perils of the limelight and the importance of doing the right thing. A delightful page-turner.”― Book Trust “Boarding school, betrayal and Bollywood glamour – this book has it all. The first in Puneet Bhandal's brand new series is a riveting, rapturous read that's every bit as captivating as a show-stopping Bollywood dance. I would love to see it screened either as a movie or a Netflix series.”― Paperback Snob Gr 5 Up—Twelve-year-old Bela dreams of being a Bollywood star. When her family convinces her to submit a video to compete on Dance Starz, the biggest talent show in India, she wins the contest and the prize of attending the prestigious Bollywood Academy in Mumbai. She misses her family and friends when she moves to the school several hours away but settles into her new life quickly. Bela is chosen for auditions and photoshoots, making Monica, a fellow student who grew up in the industry with a famous movie-producer father, jealous. The friendships and rivalries between the insider kids with familial ties to the business and outsider kids like Bela change when a news story breaks about nepotism in the industry. Bela continues to navigate the mounting pressure of being a star as stories in tabloids and on social media don't always show the reality of being a celebrity. Readers will enjoy this glimpse into the glamorous world of Bollywood show business. This first book in a series opens the curtain for more scene-stealing moments in the future. VERDICT Fans of dance and show business will enjoy this look into Bollywood and cheer for Bela as she starts to find her way in this new world.—Sarah Polace "Fans of dance and show business will enjoy this look into Bollywood and cheer for Bela as she starts to finds her way in this new world."― School Library Journal "[T]his series opener sets the stage for more glamorous adventures."― Kirkus Reviews Puneet Bhandal is a former Bollywood film journalist and current owner of an Indian occasionwear boutique where her dresses are modeled by real-life stars including "Miss England 2021." Melody Queen is the second book in her debut series, inspired by her love of Bollywood.