Orion loves to sing. Unfortunately, 7th grade and being 13 brings more challenges. The worst are a mean group of girls at school who always try to make her look bad, She still has a passion for singing, but for now it is best to keep quiet.

That all changes when Orion gets encouraging messages from someone named J. Could it be her secret crush whose name is Jesse? It sure seems that way since the messages highlight the positives about her and then Jessie invites her to sing with him. It’s exact;y what she needs to get her voice back.

The middle school drama and heartfelt feelings of the memorable main characters are true to life. Best friend Izzy is there for her the whole way. She’s exactly what you’d want in a bestie. Jesse’s own story with a sad past but a promising future also help Orion deal with her own feelings.

The page count (144) is a welcome plus for young readers. The back pages include many extras. Teachers will appreciate the 10 Discussion Question. There is also a QR code that will take you to a YouTube channel where songs from the series are available for readers to enjoy. Lastly, the lyrics to the song Best Friends that is a part of the plot reminds one of how friendships evolve.

Best Friends is the first in the series. The next two books, STOLEN and VIRAL will also be released this year. Realistic middle school drama, endearing friendships, and the emerging talents of Orion will have a lot of fans. They will have a new best friend in THE ORION SESSIONS.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cheryl DaVeiga grew up as a girl who loved singing, writing, and dreaming in music—but somewhere along the way, she learned to quiet that part of herself. Like so many girls, she chose the path that felt safe, building a career in accounting and eventually becoming a partner at a national firm. It was something to be proud of… but it wasn’t the dream her younger self once carried so brightly.

Years later, she found her way back to the music she had set aside. She became an award-winning songwriter recognized by ASCAP, then discovered the joy of writing books for children. Her seven picture books—combining stories with music and filled with humor, heart, and sing-along joy—have received numerous awards.

But even as she wrote those playful stories, she knew there was another one waiting—one rooted in the girl she used to be and the voice she had tucked away. That’s the story that became The Orion Sessions.

The Orion Sessions is the series Cheryl wishes she’d had when she was twelve: full of music, friendship, mistakes, courage, and the journey of reclaiming the voice you’ve hidden to fit in.

Cheryl lives in Tucson with her partner, Doug, and they spend summers in New Jersey. She still sings… like all the time. (for more about Cheryl and her books visit her website)

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