Stars (Luke Jennings) Books in Order

The Stars books are young readers' performing-arts school stories written by Luke Jennings with his daughter Laura. They follow Jess as family change sends her to the Arcadia School of Performing Arts, a boarding school deep in the English countryside. For Jess, the move means leaving the small home she shares with her dad and starting over among students who already know how to shine.

Arcadia gives the series its energy. There are classes, auditions, rehearsals, and the constant worry of whether you are talented enough to belong. But the school is not only a place for big dreams. It is also where homesickness, competition, loyalty, and the fear of getting things wrong become part of everyday life.

Making the grade is only part of the challenge.

Jess finds a circle of roommates and friends in Foxy, Ash, and Spike. They have different strengths and temperaments, which gives the books room for disagreements as well as support. Foxy is bold and self-assured, Ash is sensible, and Spike is a deaf ballet dancer with plenty of personality. Their shared rooms and shared ambitions mean that no problem stays private for long.

In Stars, Jess has to learn the rules of an unfamiliar boarding school while deciding whether Arcadia can really become home. New friendships offer hope, but there are enemies to navigate too. The story keeps its focus on the small, important moments of starting somewhere new: joining in, being judged, and working out who can be trusted.

Stars Stealing the Show moves into the autumn term, with a Christmas pantomime and auditions for The Nutcracker raising the stakes. When thefts begin around the school and suspicion falls on Ash, Jess and her roommates decide to investigate. The mystery gives the second book a little extra tension without losing the warmth of the school setting.

These are upbeat, character-focused stories for readers who like performance, friendship groups, and a little backstage drama. Begin with Stars, then continue with Stars Stealing the Show to follow Jess as Arcadia becomes more than just the place she was sent to live.