The Roof Over Our Heads

Nicole Kronzer’s The Roof Over Our Heads is a charming YA novel about a family who puts on an immersive, interactive play to save their historical home.

Finn lives in a family of theater lovers. His older brothers are both actors, and one of his moms is an actor and the other one is a director. They even live in an enormous historic mansion owned by the Beauregard, Minnesota’s largest regional theater. Finn is desperate to be an actor, too, despite the fact that he can never seem to remember his lines.

When a new artistic director threatens to sell the Jorgensen house and kick his family out of the only home he’s ever known, his family puts on a show—an immersive 1890s experience unlike anything else out there. But will it be too much for his mom Lula, who is recovering from cancer? Will Finn connect with his crush and deal with his long-time rival, Jade? Will saving the house save Finn’s acting career?

Funny, warm, and full of Victorian hijinks, this is a novel for anyone looking for a place to belong.

“Expect nonstop action, rounded characters, secrets, schemes, and sweet affirmations of unconditional family love.” —Booklist (Starred Review)

“A theatrical spectacle that will entertain stage and historical home fans alike.” —School Library Journal

Nicole Kronzer is a former professional actor and improvisor who now teaches English and creative writing. She loves to knit and run (usually not at the same time) and has named all the plants in her classroom. Her debut novel, Unscripted, was called "a truly special book, written at exactly the right time" by Printz Award–winner Nina LaCour. Kronzer lives with her family in Minneapolis. Visit her online at nicolekronzer.com.