Hello Stars

Alena Pitts is a young actress and model from Dallas, Texas.  As the oldest of four girls, Alena first cut her teeth in acting through making home videos and dramas with her sisters, using their entire home as their recording studio.  She has a natural love for all things creative which falls right in line with her gifts and talents. The Kendrick Brothers’ War Room marks Alena’s professional acting debut. With only school theater on her young resume, Alena jumped at a chance to audition for the role of Danielle Jordan. In addition to school and acting, Alena models and is a frequent contributor for the magazine For Girls Like You.

Wynter Pitts is the founder of For Girls Like You Magazine and the author of For Girls Like You: A Devotional for Tweens and You’re God’s Girl. The mother of four girls, Wynter’s mission is to empower and equip girls to walk boldly into becoming who God has created them to be and to provide parents with the resources and support needed to raise strong Christ followers. In addition to publishing the quarterly magazine, Wynter is a frequent blogger, a contributor for LifeWay’s ParentLife Magazine, and a public speaker. She is also the niece of Dr. Tony Evans. Wynter, her husband Jonathan, and four daughters (ages 6-11), reside in Dallas, Texas.

The power of prayer and the importance of trusting in God dominate this novel, first in the Lena in the Spotlight series, inspired by the life of the 12-year-old author, Alena Pitts, writing with her mother. Narrator Lena Daniels, an 11-year-old African-American girl, submits a video audition that lands her a leading role in a movie about a family learning to trust God; the film also stars Lena’s favorite singer, Mallory Winston. Before heading to Los Angeles with her parents and sisters to shoot the movie, Lena begins to have doubts about leaving her friends behind and stepping into the spotlight. At this and other junctures, her father offers comfort and advice through a combination of prayer and scripture. Lena often reaches out to God, too (“Help me to remember that people all over the world will see this movie and will learn about you... so it’s not really about me”), and her journal entries reveal her growing self-confidence. Although the story can be repetitive and Lena’s emotions run high, readers may well find inspiration in its focus on family, friends, and faith. Ages 8–12. (Apr.) -- Publishers Weekly

'Tween girls LOVE fiction, but it doesn't always teach them the best values. That's why I'm so excited about Wynter Evans Pitts writing with her daughter Alena. This is a book series that will entertain your daughter's love of reading, but also introduce godly living. Enjoy!' --Dannah Gresh -- Dannah Gresh

'Alena Pitts is an absolute treasure! She and her parents have a heart for ministry and for advancing God's kingdom. One of the best decisions we made in casting for the movie War Room was in choosing Alena to be Danielle. She not only brought an outstanding performance to the film, but she and her family were a joy to work with. We can look forward to great things from this little world changer.' --Stephen Kendrick -- Stephen Kendrick

Every little girl dreams and Alena Pitts has written a delightful book series that will help any girl do just that. Taking a cue from her own life as a young actress, Alena weaves a story that will take her reader on a fun adventure while simultaneously encouraging her to both dream and keep first things first. The concepts of faith, family, and following your dreams are all laced together into a tale that is sure to keep any girl turning the pages while she also learns life lessons and is reminded of God's love. --Chrystal Evans Hurst Co-author of Kingdom Woman -- Chrystal Evans Hurst Co-author of Kingdom Woman