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

Brielle and Tawni have played cello side by side in orchestras since they were nine years old.

Brielle has always played second chair to Tawni’s first, and she's been happy with that arrangement. When Tawni is injured, Brielle suddenly finds herself principal cellist. Not only does that mean she'll be thrust into the spotlight, but it also means she is now leader of the cello section. Brielle is terrified. Is she good enough? Will the other musicians accept her? What if she screws up? Despite her fears, Brielle rises to the occasion. Her cello skills, and her leadership skills, improve as she grows into her new role. But just as Brielle is beginning to feel confident, Tawni returns. And she wants her job back. If Brielle steps down now, she'll lose her place in the spotlight. If she doesn't, her friendship could be in jeopardy.

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!

In her 24-year media career, Diane Dakers has written for most of Canada’s major daily newspapers and a number of national and regional magazines and weekly publications. Her voice has been heard on local, national, and provincial radio stations, and she has been a television host, reporter, producer, and writer. Diane holds a Master of Journalism degree from Carleton University in Ottawa. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia

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Diane Dakers' profile page

"Diane Dakers has created an interesting story about orchestra life while also effectively portraying the difficulties of high school through believable characters, realistic dialogue and engaging descriptions of music, from classical to contemporary...Reluctant readers interested in music and performance will especially appreciate the easy pace and music focused storyline of Strings Attached. Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials