Nikki and Deja

Reach for this book when your child is navigating the shifting sands of elementary school friendships or feeling the sting of being left out. It is a perfect choice for children who are transitioning from early readers to chapter books and are starting to experience the complexities of 'best friend' dynamics, including jealousy and the influence of new peers. The story follows Nikki and Deja, two inseparable neighbors whose bond is tested when a third girl starts a 'club' that threatens to exclude one of them. It beautifully captures the high-stakes feelings of second and third grade social circles. Parents will appreciate how it models authentic apologies and the process of repairing a friendship after a mistake. It is a gentle, realistic look at social-emotional growth that validates a child's feelings without being overly dramatic.