Review: For Junie B. fans, Raleigh Little Theatre's production is a lot of fun for fans, I tell you

My older daughter will soon turn 14, which means Junie B. Jones has been in my life for just about a decade.

My first introduction to the incredibly popular book series for young readers was when my daughter was a preschooler. We checked out a book from the library only to be warned by a family member that Junie B. didn't speak proper English and was most definitely not a role model for young girls because of her misbehavior.

We gave it a read anyway. And both my daughter and I feel in love with the sassy character who is growing up and trying to figure out where she belongs in this world. Those journeys are never perfect or pretty, but they were always filled with kindness and spunk and a lot of effort and learning.

The musical pulls storylines from six Junie B. books - "Junie B. Jones is a Graduation Girl," "Junie B. Jones First Grader At Last!," "Junie B. Jones is the Boss of Lunch," "Junie B. First Grader," "Junie B. Jones: Toothless Wonder," and "Top Secret Personal Beeswax, A Journal By Junie B. (and Me.)" My daughter has poured through every single one multiple times, maybe even dozens, and was absolutely delighted to recognize storylines from the books.

Those include when Junie B's best friend Lucille has moved on to become friends with Camille and Chenille (the names rhyme!). Or when Junie B. learns she needs to get glasses. Or her sweet fascination with Gladys Gutzman, the lunch lady who is known for her amazing cookies.

The performers - nearly all local middle school and high school students who probably also grew up reading the series - keep it lively on stage. Jenna Davenport, a high school junior in Apex, brought all the youthful enthusiasm that the role of Junie B. required. And a hat tip to all the cast who brought Junie B's friends to life, especially Callie Colvard, who played the snotty Lucille, and Laura Lillian Baggett, who played the know-it-all May.