The Orion Sessions: Best Friends by Cheryl Daveiga

With the end of the week finally here, it's time for some music and fun. Today's read might meet this requirement. It's the first in a new series for middle grade readers and comes with a song to listen to, too...I think. I noticed it's only 105 pages, which is always a nice change-up for those readers, who don't always want to dive into a huge novel. I'm expecting some school drama, and maybe, the beginnings of a music band?

Let's open it up and find out!

BEST FRIENDS

The Orion Sessions, Book One

by Cheryl Daveiga

Waterhole Productions LLC

Middle Grade Contemporary

105 pages

ages 10 to 13

At thirteen, Orion Casey has stopped singing—and it’s not because she stopped loving it. After the girls everyone follows start talking about her instead of to her, she’s done performing for anyone.

Then the mysterious messages start. Anonymous. Encouraging. A little too perfectly timed.

Someone’s been watching her—really paying attention—and part of Orion can’t help hoping it’s the one person she wishes would notice her back. The texts spark a confidence she didn’t know she had—enough to discover songwriting and find her way back to music.

But as friendships shift and secrets surface, Orion begins to wonder: when your sense of self keeps changing based on who’s watching, how do you figure out who you really are?

Perfect for readers ages 10–13, Best Friends launches The Orion Sessions, a contemporary middle-grade series that blends music, friendship, and self-discovery. Written in a fast-paced style and paired with original songs readers can listen to, this coming-of-age story explores the pressures of middle school—where belonging, betrayal, and social media can shape how you see yourself.

The novel was shared with 7th graders at Dodd Middle School in Connecticut before publication, where Orion’s story resonated strongly with students.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Wholesome middle grade drama meets music and forming friendships to create an enjoyable read.

13-year-old Orion doesn't feel comfortable with herself, anymore, and ends up in awkward situations more than she'd like. It doesn't help that not all the kids at school are kind, and worse yet, she can't even grab the attention of her crush for more than a nano-second...if that.  Then, the weird messages start coming in on her phone from someone called J. They are supportive and nice but tend to know quite a bit about her life...which is creepy. But things might just be about to take some unexpected twists.

Fans of middle school drama and music are sure to enjoy diving into this one. It's a quick-paced read, which gives just enough description to set the scenes and lets the plot and characters move everything forward. There isn't time for boredom as events keep rolling with every turn of the page. Add that it's a shorter read, and even reluctant readers won't be scared away. While this is for the middle grade audience, I'd recommend it for the lower/middle end and those readers who just want to enjoy a quick, smooth tale with heart. The author doesn't spend much time sinking deep into moments, which keeps the tale moving along but also doesn't give the depth slightly older readers might enjoy.

The characters come across naturally, and the situations connect well with real life. There's tons of goodness surrounding friendship and being yourself, which adds inspiration, too. The inclusion of songs to listen to add an extra bonus and are just as enjoyable as the tale itself. It's a lovely start to a series, which promises lots more to come.

And here she is...

Cheryl DaVeiga once set aside her songwriting dreams for a career in accounting—eventually becoming a partner at a national firm before finding her way back to music. Today she’s an ASCAP award-winning songwriter and the author of seven acclaimed picture books. Her new middle-grade trilogy, The Orion Sessions, blends music and storytelling in the journey of a girl who loses her voice and fights to get it back. Because some stories can only be written by someone who’s lived them.

The Last Dragon House by Liv Mae Morris

I had one glance at the cover on today's read and wanted to see what was inside. Now, I'm not really sure what it's about. I totally cover-grabbed on this one, but I think it swing around a type of boarding house for dragons. Taddah! That's really all I know, so I guess I'm in for a surprise about everything else.

Let's go see what these dragons are up to!

THE LAST DRAGON HOUSE

by Liv Mae Morris

Amulet Books

Middle Grade Fantasy

336 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING MAY 12th!!!

A middle-grade debut about a magical boarding house for dragons and the unlikely siblings destined to save it

Siblings Olly and Jenny Atwood have never met a dragon—Olly doesn’t even think they’re real. But when the strange and brilliant Dr. Lady Abernathy offers Olly a job at her mysterious house, the Atwoods learn that these incredible beasts are very much alive—and they need help.

Dragons have been forced into hiding, and as caretakers of the Dragon House, Dr. Lady and Olly are the only protectors these magnificent creatures have left. But when evil forces conspire to poison Dr. Lady, Olly and his dragon friends find themselves locked in a race against time, political conspiracies…and one very large corgi. Can Olly recover the antidote before it’s too late? And can Jenny harness her stirring powers to keep Dr. Lady alive until then? Or could this be the end of the Dragon House—and dragons—as they know it?

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Dragons, dragons, and more dragons pack imagination while weaving in journeys of growth.

Olly is only thirteen and doesn't want to start working to help support his family, but with everyone in town struggling to even survive, he has no choice but to search for a job like others his age. What seems like a fated existence to waste away at a factory, flips upside down when he discovers a hidden employment notice and begins working for a secret home for dragons. It's wondrous and dangerous, and he's not allowed to let anyone know that the home even exists. While some dragons are nice, others might devour him, but none of that holds a candle to the danger he's about to face...and it's one that even the dragons can't protect themselves from.

Taking place in historical England, the first pages reminded a tiny bit of the beginnings of Oliver Twist, Willie Wonka, and Co. as they start in a place, where normal people can barely survive thanks to the closed industries. The twist into fantasy happens quickly and offers a buffet of intriguing dragons, each so different from the rest, stretching through all sorts of myths and possibilities. Dragon fans are sure to enjoy the effort the author takes to bring each one to life. While the interactions between Olly and the dragons offer tension, humor, and heart, the tale digs into deeper issues. The head of the home, a human, opens the door to Olly by also offering an education, which opens up his world and gives open display to the issues his family and others face in the town. There's also the societal issue surrounding the reason why the home even exists; humans hunted down dragons to near extinction. This mixes with another subplot surrounding Olly's sister and the disappearance of magic from humans to weave in plenty of food for thought. Plus, there's an entire message surrounding misunderstandings and 'truth under the surface' in connection to a boy, who first appears like a town bully. Oh, and there's plenty to learn from the dragons as their vibrant personalities and encounters carry quite a few pieces of wisdom as well. 

It's a wonderful world to get lost in and offers rich descriptions without slowing the pace. Olly has his hands full and never knows what to expect, and this keeps the tension relatively tight while the imagination and imagery brighten the pages. I'd even recommend this one to tweens or slightly older readers, since there is quite a bit of depth woven into the shadows and cracks. Oh, and dragon fans are most likely going to enjoy this one. 

And here she is...

Liv Mae Morris was a 2022 Lambda Literary Fellow and 2024 recipient of the Binc Foundation’s Susan Kamil Prize for Emerging Writers; equally importantly, she is the steward of two cats and one beautiful, chaotic husky/chihuahua/German shepherd mix. Originally from Kentucky, she now lives with her wife in Boston, where she works as an indie bookseller as well as a writer.

Breathe a Rainbow by Julie Koon

I've had this little board book on my reading pile just waiting to get a little closer to release day before picking it up. But it's so cute and happy looking! You can't see it on this cover image, but there's a cut-in opening following the top color of the rainbow, which opens up to a dabbed, feely surface that kids can run their finger over. And that's kind of the entire point of this book...if I understood things correctly. It's about breathing in and out and growing a little more calm to teach out to deal with 'big' feelings.

I'm hoping its horribly adorable and a little fun and hoping it's not preachy or to self-helpy. So, let's take a look at find out!

BREATHE A RAINBOW

An Interactive Board Book

by Julie Koon

Abrams Appleseed

Board Book

16 pages

ages 2 to4

COMING APRIL 28th!!!

Breathe in . . . and breathe out . . . with this unique, interactive board book that offers mindful breathing exercises and calming textures for children to trace with their fingers as they inhale and exhale

This unique, interactive board book combines textured calming strips and deep-breathing exercises to encourage mindfulness. With inspiring affirmations and a textured calming strip for kids to trace with their fingertips on each spread, this is a wonderful playroom or classroom tool to help lessen anxiety, anger, overstimulation, and many more big emotions little ones may not yet understand how to identify, describe, or regulate.

If you feel stuck in the mud, breathe in and out as you trace the outline of a bright flower’s petals. If you feel your worries whirl and swirl, breathe in and out as you trace textured ocean waves. Other shapes include a rainbow, a star, a butterfly’s wings, mountain tops, a swirling breeze, and a heart.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Calm feelings flow in this cute book, which lets listeners/readers breathe with each turn of the page.

This is a medium-sized board book, which is sturdy and just right for small listeners and their busy hands. The left side of each page quickly sums up a feeling (like feeling like a thundercloud), and on the right side of the page, a fitting 'breathe the...' leads to a cheerful object that listeners/readers can trace their finger over and breathe with. Going up and out means breathe in, and moving down and in means to breathe out. Each time, the fingers trace over a slightly different textured surface. It's simple to understand, lets readers/listeners get involved, gives off warming vibes, and illustrates in a very practical way how breathing in and out makes a person feel.

The text is very fitting to the age group and easy to understand. The images are clear and carry a cheerful note; even gloomy moments don't grow overly heavy. Every scene should be familiar. The breathe-in and breathe-out exercise is also easy to follow, and it is entertaining to run the finger along the edges...oddly satisfying. So, it's a cute book which fulfills it's purpose nicely and makes a fun read.

A Fish Like Me by Jamie Sumner

We're heading into swimming and water fun with today's read. I bet there are more than a few young readers out there, who are already ready to jump into the water and have some fun. As soon as the pools open or the days get a tad bit warmer, of course. And see that wheelchair in the background on the cover? I'm betting that will have something to do with this read, too.

But I won't know anything else until I dive in...so off we go with a splash!

A FISH LIKE ME

by Jamie Sumner

Illustrated by Devon Holzwarth

Atheneum Books 

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING APRIL 28th!!!

In the spirit of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners and I Talk Like a River, this lyrical picture book from acclaimed author Jamie Sumner tells the story of a child in swim therapy and celebrates the ways differently abled bodies can move in the water.

Under here, there is
no top or bottom,
no left or right—
only fields of water to wander in
as topsy-turvy as I like.

Underwater, everything looks different—and every body moves differently, too. During swim therapy, a child discovers he can be a catfish, a seahorse, a starfish cartwheeling across the universe. He finds the magic of moving in wholly new ways, just like he does on land in his trusty wheelchair.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

The entire world changes when swimming in the water, especially when a little imagination gets involved.

These pages are a delightful ode to the fun of swimming as a little boy flips, twists, and turns underwater. With imagination, he pictures various sea creatures around him and shows how he can be a little like them. There are gentle additions of facts dabbed in naturally with the text. The text carries a lyrical atmosphere to match the fun flow of the water and seems to swish and glide with the descriptions of what is happening. The illustrations pack color and playfulness to let the freedom and enjoyment come across clearly. It invites young listeners and readers to jump in and swim right along with the boy and other kids.

While this could be a lovely book just with enjoyment the boy experiences while swimming, it goes a step further to embrace a little more diversity. About halfway into the read, it becomes clear that there's more to the swim than just normal fun. This is actually hinted at during the first pages, just not very obviously. For a couple pages, the boy shows how much fun he also has doing small tricks and packing imagination as he's underway in his wheelchair. When it switches back into the water, he's joined by a therapist for a couple pages, too, before gliding right back into pure swimming fun. This raises awareness for individuals in this circumstances or similar in a very positive way and inspires from beginning to end.

And here they are...

Jamie Sumner is the author of the Roll with It trilogy, Tune It Out, One Kid’s Trash, The Summer of June, Maid for It, Deep Water, Please Pay Attention, Schooled, Glory Be, and Wish You Well. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other publications. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. She is also the mother of a son with cerebral palsy and has written extensively about parenting a child with special needs. She and her family live in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit her at Jamie-Sumner.com. 

Devon Holzwarth is an award-winning American children’s book illustrator of titles including The Story of a Book,Listen, and Tía Fortuna’s New Home. She grew up in Panama, surrounded by nature, her dad’s art supplies, and lots of places to swim. Today, she lives in Aachen, Germany, along with her family. Visit her on Instagram @DevonHolzwarth and at DevonHolzwarth.com.

 

Enough to Share by Mary Helen Berg

I've got my eyes set on the great outdoors since Spring has been spreading and sprouting...and well, I've already had to mow twice. So, today's read heads in the right direction with a look at nature. I'm pretty sure it's going to head into an environmental direction and look at several problems in that direction. I enjoy the artwork on the cover and hope that it holds a well-done tale.

Let's open it up and find out!

ENOUGH TO SHARE

by Mary Helen Berg

Illustrated by Sue Todd

Tielmour Press

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 5 to 9

COMING MAY 26th!!!

Step into the misty woods and rocky shores of the Great Bear Rainforest, where two rare animals—Spirit Bear and Sea Wolf—have lived side by side for thousands of years. But now their world is changing. As climate change warms the land and sea, food becomes scarce, and these two powerful creatures must learn to share what little remains. 

ENOUGH TO SHARE introduces young readers to the Great Bear Rainforest. Kids meet real, rare animals and see how they live in a place full of beauty, danger, and change. The story uses simple, warm language to help children understand that Earth has limited resources—and we must care for them together. The back of the book includes , plus , making this a strong choice for classrooms and libraries. gives children a gentle but powerful message: our world is a gift, but only if we learn to share it.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Illustrations mix with rhyme to lure into the scenes and engage readers in the small adventure these animals face.

Spirit Bear and Sea Wolf have lived together for a very long time in the forest, and they have always shared in the bounty of what nature has to offer. However, something is changing everything around them. Not only are the forests decreasing in size as lumber and such is brought away but food is growing scarce, and even other animals are having trouble dealing with basic survival.

The illustrations carry a grabbing style as they incorporate just a tad bit of layering to add texture. The scenes are bright and full of life with a distinct direction to give it an indigenous atmosphere. Even for younger listeners, who can't read this one their own, the problems the animals face is clear. Still the book doesn't weigh down too much, either, but rather brings across the message and ends with hope. Suggestions at the very end give listeners/readers small inspirations on how they can help.

The text is in rhyme and is well done. It flows nicely and fits right in with the illustrations. It creates a lovely read-aloud and also works for those beginning readers, who have a very good handle on their words. This seems to be a read especially fitting for group settings and works well for themes surrounding the environment.