
A parent might reach for this book when their child is grappling with jealousy after losing a competition to a friend. It addresses the difficult feelings that arise when competition and friendship collide. The story follows Riley, a talented artist who is sure she'll win the school poster contest. When her best friend Chloe wins instead, Riley is overcome with jealousy. She then discovers that Chloe’s winning idea might not be original, forcing her to choose between her friendship and her sense of fairness. This book is ideal for ages 7-10, as it gently explores complex emotions like envy and integrity, normalizing these feelings while modeling a path toward honesty and preserving a friendship.
The core conflict revolves around the internal moral struggle of the protagonist. It directly addresses negative emotions like jealousy and resentment in a realistic school setting. The approach is secular. The resolution is hopeful, emphasizing that honesty and friendship are more valuable than winning an award. It shows that mistakes can be corrected and relationships can be repaired.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThis book is perfect for a competitive 7 to 9 year old who defines themselves by their successes (e.g., being the 'best artist' or the 'fastest runner') and is struggling with disappointment or jealousy when a peer, especially a close friend, outperforms them.
This book can be read cold. No specific preparation is needed, as the story is self-contained and handles the themes gently. However, a parent should be prepared for a post-reading conversation about the child's own experiences with competition and jealousy, as the book is very likely to bring those feelings to the surface. A parent has just seen their child act as a 'sore loser' after a game, contest, or even a simple board game. The child might say things like, 'It's not fair!' or 'She must have cheated!' or give a friend the silent treatment after that friend's success.
A younger reader (age 7) will focus on the clear-cut rules: 'Chloe copied, and that's wrong. Riley told the truth, and that's right.' An older reader (age 9-10) will appreciate the nuances of the dilemma. They will better understand the internal conflict Riley feels, the social risk of accusing a friend, and the idea that Chloe might not have intentionally cheated but was irresponsibly inspired.
Many books about sportsmanship are about games and being a 'good loser' in a general way. This book is unique for its specific focus on the intense, private jealousy felt between two best friends in a creative, non-athletic competition. It does an excellent job of validating the ugliness of that feeling while providing a clear, constructive model for how to handle it with integrity.
Best friends Riley and Chloe enter the same school poster contest. Riley, known for her artistic talent, is confident she will win, but Chloe unexpectedly takes first prize. Devastated and jealous, Riley later discovers a magazine with a picture that looks exactly like Chloe's winning poster. Riley struggles with whether to expose her friend for cheating or to stay silent. Ultimately, she chooses to talk to Chloe, which leads to a difficult but honest conversation with their teacher. The situation is resolved with a focus on integrity, and the girls' friendship is ultimately strengthened by the experience.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
