Jamie Orange is careening out of control the closer he comes within reach of his dreams - the powerful, frenetic, heart-stopping winner of four YA fiction awards!

A fifteen-year-old reaches for stardom as he slides into psychosis in this multiple-award-winning novel for teens.

ASLA DANZ Young Adult Winner 2025
New Zealand Book Awards Young Adult Fiction Award 2024
NZ Booklovers Best Young Adult Book 2024
Storylines Notable Young Adult Fiction Book 2023


Francesca - known to everyone as Frankie - has scored the part of Princess Fiona in the forthcoming musical production. Even though Jamie Orange has missed out on the part of Shrek, he's happy- The day I found out I was a donkey was one of the best days of my life. He may not be Frankie's leading man on stage, but he can still try to win her heart.

However, all is not well with Jamie. He can't sleep, he can't stop his thoughts- My brain was still wired, racing around in circles or spirals or - gah, it was driving me crazy. If only there was a magic switch so I could turn it off.

Bouncing between exultant highs and terrible lows, what will happen when this rising star starts to fall?

Capturing events leading to Eileen Merriman's bestselling Catch Me When You Fall, Catch a Falling Star stands tall on its own merits as an unforgettable must-read for teens and young adults.