• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

One bad decision jeopardizes Ava's chances of being able to perform on opening night.

Fourteen-year-old Ava is thrilled when she lands a part in a play based on the true story of orphans sent to Canada in the 1800s to work on farms. But is she good enough to hold her own in a professional production? As the rehearsal pressures crank up, Ava struggles with her character, with the vocal demands of outdoor theater and with the annoying ego of her castmate Kiefer. But as she learns more about the historical Lily on which her part is based, things begin to fall into place.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!

Holly Bennett is the author of multiple young adult novels, all published by Orca Books. Her writing draws from fantasy and mythology but is always grounded in the characters and relationships in the stories. Holly worked for many years as an editor with Today's Parent magazine and is now the editor of Education Canada, as well as a freelance writer and editor. Born in Montreal, Holly now lives in Peterborough, Ontario, with her family. When she tears herself away from the computer, she enjoys singing in choirs, yoga, being in nature, musical get-togethers with friends and family, hanging out with her three grown sons, and of course reading. For more information, visit www.hollybennett.ca.

Holly Bennett's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

"Casting Lily is more than a story about a play. It is about family, friendship, doing a job well and being authentic. Ava grows as a character, as well as a young person, over the course of the summer…A good read. Highly Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Bennett has thoroughly researched the process of working with young performers, from the auditions to the warm-ups, the rehearsal schedule and costume challenges, the opening night jitters and emotional reactions to press reviews. For drama students this will be familiar and comforting ground."

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