About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
Fourteen-year-old Rose is sure she's going to become a folk-music sensation, with her best friend, Shilo, at her side.
But first Rose needs to convince her mom to keep paying for her expensive violin lessons. Her mom wants her to join the youth symphony and focus on classical music, in preparation for a music degree at university. When Rose enters a fiddle competition with a unique prize for the winner, she hopes to show her mom she can really can make it as a folk musician.
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!
Contributor Notes
Megan Clendenan is a freelance writer and editor. When she’s not writing, she spends her time running or biking through her local mountains or trying to play her violin. She lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia, with her family and their two incredibly fuzzy orange cats. Offbeat is her first novel.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
Editorial Reviews
"Rose's first-person, present-tense narrative is not overwrought with drama, despite the daunting obstacles she faces, and she achieves a convincing new level of maturity. This is a great high/low pick, and the well-paced story and likable characters will have wide appeal."
— Booklist
"The author's understanding of the joys and struggles of a young musician comes across very well in her clear writing. The experiences Clendenan captures in Offbeat give great insight into a subject that is not often shown in literature for young people. Offbeat, a fun and quick read, is a welcome addition to any collection."
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"Appealing, accessible story for teens interested in the arts that will tempt them to become avid readers."
— Kirkus Reviews
