For children navigating the complexities of friendship, this heartwarming story explores the bonds that connect us, even through change and challenges.
A parent should reach for this book when their child is navigating the painful shift of a best friendship, especially when a new, popular kid enters the picture. This story gently explores the heartache a child feels when their closest friend begins to drift away. It follows Clara, whose world is turned upside-down when her best friend, Maisie, is captivated by a new girl, leaving Clara feeling lonely and betrayed. The book validates feelings of jealousy and sadness, while modeling resilience and the process of understanding what true friendship means. For ages 8 to 12, it provides a comforting mirror for children experiencing social exclusion and opens the door for conversations about navigating complex peer dynamics with empathy and strength.
The book deals directly with the sensitive topic of social exclusion and the emotional pain of a changing friendship, which can feel like a betrayal to a child. The approach is secular and realistic, focusing on the internal emotional experience. It does not involve topics like death or divorce. The resolution is hopeful and empowering, emphasizing resilience and self-worth rather than simply restoring the original friendship to its former state.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 9 to 11 year old child who is currently experiencing a friendship triangle or the slow, painful drift of a best friend. This child feels left out, confused, and sad, and needs to see their specific, painful experience reflected in a story that offers hope and a path forward.
Parent Prep
No specific preparation is needed; the book can be read cold. However, a parent might want to preview the chapters where Clara is most acutely excluded to be ready for the emotional conversations that may arise. The book serves as an excellent conversation starter about the nuances of social dynamics. A parent has just heard their child say, "She doesn't want to be my friend anymore," or has seen them come home from school crying after being excluded from a game or party by their once-closest friend. The child is withdrawn and struggling to articulate their feelings of jealousy and loss.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will connect with the clear injustice of Clara's situation and root for her. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate the social complexities, understanding the pressures on Maisie as well. They will take away more nuanced lessons about self-worth, forgiveness, and the idea that friendships can change without it being anyone's single fault.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many books that focus on dramatic bullying, this story excels at capturing the quiet, internal heartbreak of being 'gently' excluded by a best friend. Its strength is in its realistic, empathetic portrayal of the emotional fallout from a common but deeply painful childhood experience, making it a powerful tool for validation and comfort.
Read plot summary
Clara and Maisie have been inseparable best friends forever. Their bond is tested when a charismatic new girl, Val, moves to town and quickly gains popularity. Maisie is drawn into Val's orbit, and Clara finds herself increasingly excluded and ignored. The story follows Clara's painful emotional journey as she grapples with loneliness, jealousy, and the confusion of watching her best friend change. She must navigate the shifting social landscape of her school and figure out how to stand up for herself and what she values in a friendship.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
When Maisie started spending all her time with Val, Clara felt very hurt but didn't always say so. Why do you think it was hard for her to talk about her feelings with Maisie?
2
Do you think Maisie was trying to be a mean friend on purpose, or was she just caught up in the excitement of a new friendship? Have you ever felt caught between two friends?
3
Clara makes a new friend later in the book who is very different from Maisie. How did this new friendship help Clara understand what she really wants in a friend?
4
Think about the moment Clara decides to focus on her own interests instead of worrying about Maisie. Why was that such an important turning point for her?
5
If you could give Clara one piece of advice at the beginning of the story, what would it be?
