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

Fourteen-year-old Paisley loves to sing.

Paisley dreams of being a pop star just like her idol, Denzi, who also grew up in the small town of Stonehill. The problem is, Paisley suffers from severe stage fright. She can only sing in private. When word gets out that a famous Stratford actor who has worked with Denzi is staying at a local B&B, Paisley decides it's time to face her fears. She convinces the actor to tutor her and signs up to sing in a high-profile fundraiser.

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!

Born in London, Ontario, Jocelyn always knew she would be a writer. She has attended The Humber School for Writers, and writes for both children and adults. Her award-winning stories have appeared in anthologies, newspapers and magazines. Her books for teens include Getting A Life, Cross My Heart and Seraphina's Circle. Getting a Life and Cross My Heart were Canadian Children's Book Centre "Our Choice" selections. Seraphina's Circle was nominated for the 2007/2008 BC Stellar Award, listed in Resource Links Best of 2006, and featured in the Anne of Green Gables Book Club.

Jocelyn Shipley's profile page

"Much more than a simple story of a young girl trying to live up to the expectations set by her family. It is also about jealousy, cyber bullying and facing one's fears…A timely story, well written. Highly Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

&quotWritten at a fourth and fifth grade reading level…the authentic story line will keep realistic fiction fans engaged.&quot

School Library Journal (SLJ)

"Appealing, accessible story for teens interested in the arts that will tempt them to become avid readers."

Kirkus Reviews

&quotThis book will appeal to young readers who have an interest in performance and happy endings.&quot

Resource Links