Orca Limelights stories are aimed at middle schoolers and teens with an interest in the performing arts. Topics include music, dance, theater, circus and magic. Reading levels from grade 3.5 to 6.5. Interest level age 11-14.

Nova in New York

In this high-interest novel for teen readers, Nova goes to New York for a summer dance program at the prestigious Joffrey Ballet

Offbeat

In this high-interest novel for teen readers, Rose loves the fiddle and is determined to become a folk sensation. But her mom is insisting she study only classical violin.

Raw Talent

In this high-interest novel for teen readers, Paisley has to get over her fear of performing in public if she ever wants to be a famous pop star.

Slip Jig Summer

In this high-interest novel for teen readers, ballet-obsessed Natalie has to spend the summer with her Irish-dancing cousins.

Casting Lily

In this high-interest novel for teen readers, Ava lands a part in a professional outdoor theater production.

True Blue

In this high-interest novel for teen readers, country singer Elle discovers the downside to fame.

POV

In this high-interest novel for teen readers, Spencer is commissioned to create a music video for a blues-rap band.

Pop Quiz

In this high-interest novel for teen readers, Aiden tries to save his TV show from being canceled.

Show Mode

In this high-interest novel for teen readers, Adina wants to put together a perfect act for the school fashion show.

Strings Attached

In this high-interest novel for teen readers, Brielle steps into the role of principal cellist when her best friend is injured.

Billboard Express

This high-interest novel for teen readers is set in Nashville, where Elle, a talented musician, tries to make it in the cutthroat music business.

High Note

In this high-interest novel for teen readers, Hailey and her best friend compete for a part in an opera.

Upstaged

In this novel for teens, Ellie loves musical theater and is used to getting leading roles, but after she moves to the big city, she has to share a part with a talented girl who seems determined to outshine her.

Breaking Big

When another ballet dancer’s injury lands him a major role, mischief-loving Robin must face his friends’ jealousy and the biggest challenge of his dance career in this novel for teens.

Stepping Out

Paige Larsson, YouTube comedy vlogger, has always used humor to cope with her disability—but an opportunity to compete in stand-up comedy is a big step out of her comfort zone in this novel for teens.

At Ease

In this short novel for middle readers, Will discovers that while he has the talent required for a career as a classical violinist, stage fright threatens to destroy his dream.

Raising the Stakes

In this short novel for middle readers, Chloe’s determination to succeed in the world of improv damages her friendships and hurts her team’s chance to win.

Shimmy

In this short novel for middle readers, a famous belly dancer invites Lila to join her prestigious studio, and Lila must decide whether to leave the dance teacher and troupe she loves.

Learning the Ropes

Mandy is thrilled to spend the summer at a Montreal circus camp, but she is forced to face her fears when another aerialist is killed in a fall.

The Frail Days

Stella and her newly formed band must decide whether to change their edgy rock sound to get into a conservative summer music festival.

Rock the Boat

Webb thinks he has what it takes to make it in Nashville, but one shady music producer may have the power to crush Webb’s dreams.

Off Pointe

Meg lives for ballet and doesn’t like to try new things, so a summer at dance camp learning new styles proves challenging.

Honeycomb

Nat hopes her trio will win a chance to sing at a big music festival, but first she has to learn to trust her own voice.