• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

Jay, Kelvin and Cia are The Lunar Ticks, a dedicated band who are convinced they are on their way up.

They hope to win an upcoming battle of the bands where the first prize is a full day in a recording studio. Jay is struggling to write new material but finds he lacks the experience to come up with a truly original song. Going up against Indigo Daze, a band from another school, Jay finds himself falling for Rowan, the leader of the other band. When Rowan's guitar is trashed right before the contest The Lunar Ticks are the prime suspects.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible. Available in Spanish as La guerra de las bandas.

K.L. Denman was born in Calgary, Alberta, and spent her childhood in a house one street away from the open prairie. When she was 11, her family moved to Delta, British Columbia, and she got to know life on the coast: tides, clam digging, rain gear, green grass year-round and enormous trees. It was there that Kim and her sisters got their first pony. She continued to live near Vancouver for many years while finishing school, attending college, and eventually getting married and starting a family. She always loved writing and when her teen children and their friends provided inspiration and re-kindled memories of this challenging passage, writing for teens became an irresistible venture.

Today she lives on a small farm on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast with her family of people, two dogs, three cats, two horses and an elderly mule. When she's not writing or caring for critters, she's reading, trying to grow vegetables, taking pictures, or volunteering at therapeutic riding. More information about Kim is available on her website at www.kldenman.com.

K.L. Denman's profile page

• Commended, Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Our Choice
• Commended, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Quick Picks

"Filled with humour, first crushes and break-ups...Recommended."

CM Magazine

"In her first novel, K.L. Denman has created engaging and realistic characters. Recommended."

Canadian Book Review Annual

"The short chapter and fast-paced, rock-themed action will appeal to reluctant and struggling readers."

School Library Journal

"It's powerful and attention grabbing, telling a fascinating story of love, life, and music. The characters are wonderful."

Teen Book Review

Battle of the Bands (Orca Soundings)