A parent might reach for this book when their child is hurt by a friend's changing loyalties and feels left out or confused. Set in 1977, the story is told through the diary of 10-year-old Zeke Moorie, whose world is turned upside down when his best friend ditches him for a new, cooler kid. The book is a humorous yet poignant exploration of betrayal, loneliness, and the struggle to find your place when social dynamics shift. Perfect for readers ages 9-13, it compassionately validates the anger and sadness that comes with peer rejection. The journal format makes Zeke's feelings incredibly accessible, while the historical setting adds a fun, nostalgic layer. It's an excellent choice for opening conversations about how friendships evolve, how to cope with being excluded, and the importance of self-worth.
The 'betraying' friend isn't a true villain, just a kid navigating peer pressure.
Sensitive Topics
The core of the book is social-emotional, dealing directly with peer rejection, social exclusion, and feelings of inadequacy. The approach is secular and focused on the protagonist's internal experience. The bullying is mild (name-calling, exclusion) rather than physical. The resolution is realistic and hopeful: the original friendship isn't magically restored to its former state, but Zeke develops resilience, finds self-respect, and learns that relationships can change, which is a valuable and mature lesson.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 9- to 12-year-old who has just experienced the sting of a best friend drifting away. It's for the child who feels left behind, confused by shifting group dynamics, and is struggling with jealousy and a blow to their self-esteem.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. Parents might enjoy explaining some of the 1970s cultural references (Pet Rocks, the original Star Wars mania), which can serve as a fun point of connection. There are no scenes that require significant pre-reading or contextualizing. A parent has heard their child say, "He doesn't want to be my friend anymore," or has witnessed their child being excluded by a former close friend who is now part of a new, seemingly "cooler" group. The child is sad and withdrawn, and the parent is looking for a way to help them process the pain of social rejection.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will strongly identify with the injustice of Zeke's situation and his immediate feelings of hurt. An older reader (11-13) will likely grasp the more subtle themes of peer pressure, identity formation, and the complexity of why friends drift apart. They will also appreciate the humor and historical context more deeply.
What Makes It Special
The epistolary (journal) format is the key differentiator. It offers an immediate, unfiltered look into a child's emotional world that feels more authentic and private than a third-person narrative. The specific 1977 setting also gives it a unique flavor that distinguishes it from countless contemporary school stories about friendship.
Read plot summary
This historical fiction chapter book is presented as the 1977 journal of 10-year-old Zeke Moorie. Zeke's stable fourth-grade world collapses when his best friend, Matt, is co-opted by Derek, a new, charismatic kid. Zeke documents his feelings of betrayal and loneliness as Matt increasingly chooses Derek over him. The plot follows Zeke's often humorous and misguided schemes to win his friend back, his observations about his family, a crush on a classmate, and his gradual journey toward standing up for himself and forming new connections. The narrative is rich with cultural touchstones of the era, most notably the release of Star Wars.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Zeke tries many things to get Matt's attention back, like trying to get a Pet Rock. Do you think his plans were good ideas? What would you have done differently in his situation?
2
Do you think Matt understood how his new friendship with Derek made Zeke feel? Why do you think he continued to hang out with Derek even when he saw Zeke was upset?
3
At the end of the book, Zeke and Matt's friendship is different than it was at the beginning. Do you think friendships can change and still be good? What does a healthy friendship look like to you?
4
The story is set in 1977. What things from Zeke's world (like Pet Rocks or the excitement for the first Star Wars) seemed interesting or strange to you? How would Zeke's story be different if it happened today?
