Give Your Students
A Story They'll Feel
A free, no-prep reading experience built for middle schoolers
The Orion Sessions: Best Friends — Contemporary Middle-Grade Fiction
- Fits in 1–2 class periods
- Everything provided, nothing to prepare
- SEL-aligned themes
THE EXPERIENCE
More Than a Book — A Conversation Your Students Are Ready to Have
Orion is 13 and navigating something every middle schooler knows: what happens when friendships shift, belonging feels uncertain, and you’re not sure who you really are. Best Friends puts those feelings into story — and gives students language to talk about their own.
This free program pairs a short, accessible read with a live author conversation, letting students go beyond the page into honest discussion about creativity, confidence, and growing up.
- Prequel Story
- Live Author Visit (optional)
- Soundtrack
- Discussion + Writing Prompts
- Complimentary eBook
HOW IT WORKS
Three Simple Steps. Nothing to Prepare.
Designed to be easy for teachers from the first email to the last discussion prompt.
Students Read the Prequel
You receive a short digital story by email — ready to share digitally or print. Students read it independently or as a group. No guide needed.
Optional Live Author Visit
I meet your class live. Students explore the story’s themes, hear about the creative process, and ask questions about writing and music. You just show up.
Creative Reflection
Discussion questions and writing prompts arrive with your welcome materials — use them the same day or the following period, however it fits your schedule.
THEMES & CURRICULUM FIT
Topics Your Students Are Already Thinking About
The session meets students where they are — and gives teachers a meaningful entry point into contemporary literature and social-emotional conversations.
Friendship & belonging
Identity & self-expression
Social pressure & bullying
Creativity and Confidence
Authenticity vs. popularity
Finding your voice
WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING
“My grade 7 students had an exceptional experience meeting with author and songwriter Cheryl DaVeiga. The discussion gave students a meaningful opportunity to talk about friendship, identity, and self-expression, supporting important social-emotional learning in our classroom. I wholeheartedly recommend that book clubs, schools, libraries, and youth groups take advantage of any opportunity to connect with Cheryl DaVeiga.” — Toni Carson, Dodd Middle School
WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING
“Best Friends is encouraging and uplifting for middle schoolers who are looking for a light musical read… With the book’s short length and significant white space, busy middle schoolers — and even those who struggle with longer texts — will be happy to encounter this one.” — INDEPENDENT BOOK REVIEW
Give Your Students
A Story They'll Feel
A free, no-prep reading experience built for middle schoolers
The Orion Sessions: Best Friends — Contemporary Middle-Grade Fiction
The Experience
More Than a Book — A Conversation Your Students Are Ready to Have
Orion is 13 and navigating something every middle schooler knows: what happens when friendships shift, belonging feels uncertain, and you're not sure who you really are. Best Friends puts those feelings into story — and gives students language to talk about their own.
This free program pairs a short, accessible read with a live author conversation, letting students go beyond the page into honest discussion about creativity, confidence, and growing up.
- Prequel Story
- Live Author Visit (optional)
- Complimentary Advance eBook: Best Friends
- Discussion Questions
How It Works
Three Simple Steps.
Nothing to Prepare.
Designed to be easy for teachers to use in class or share more informally.
Students Read the Prequel
~1 Class PeriodYou receive a short digital story by email — ready to share digitally or print. Students read it independently or as a group. No guide needed. This opens the discussion.
Optional Live Author Visit
30–40 min via Zoom or Google MeetWe meet your class live. Students explore the story's themes, hear about the creative process, and ask questions about writing and music. You just show up.
Creative Reflection
Flexible TimingOptional discussion questions arrive with your welcome materials — use them however it fits your schedule.
Themes & Connection Points
Topics Your Students Are Already Thinking About
The session meets students where they are — and gives teachers a meaningful entry point into contemporary literature and social-emotional conversations.
What Teachers Are Saying
"My grade 7 students had an exceptional experience meeting with author and songwriter Cheryl DaVeiga. The discussion gave students a meaningful opportunity to talk about friendship, identity, and self-expression, supporting important social-emotional learning in our classroom. I wholeheartedly recommend that book clubs, schools, libraries, and youth groups take advantage of any opportunity to connect with Cheryl DaVeiga."
— Toni Carson, ELA Teacher, Dodd Middle School
What Reviewers Are Saying
"Best Friends is encouraging and uplifting for middle schoolers who are looking for a light musical read… With the book's short length and significant white space, busy middle schoolers — and even those who struggle with longer texts — will be happy to encounter this one."
— Independent Book Review
"The author deftly portrays the world of middle school… This convincing, upbeat tale of adolescence champions growth and self-reliance. An immensely likable protagonist. The one downside to this novella is that it's over too soon; thankfully sequels will follow."
— Kirkus Reviews