Stacie & Cole

Name: Stacie & Cole
ISBN: 9781423105985

by R. M. Johnson

For children navigating the ups and downs of friendship and self-discovery, this book explores growing pains and finding your voice.

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About This Book

A parent might reach for this book when their child is struggling with changing friendships and the pressure to fit in. Stacie and Cole are best friends, but when Cole becomes one of the most popular boys in school, he starts to drift away, leaving artistic, introverted Stacie feeling hurt and alone. The story sensitively explores the pain of being left behind and the difficult choice between changing yourself for others and staying true to who you are. For ages 9 to 12, this book is a gentle, realistic look at the social challenges of middle school and provides a great starting point for conversations about loyalty, self-worth, and what makes a real friend.

Friendship & Loyalty Making Friends Friendship & Social Self-Confidence & Identity Growing Up School Life Loneliness & Belonging Being Different

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesMild

Deals with themes of loneliness, social exclusion, and the pain of a changing friendship.

Sensitive Topics

The core sensitive topics are social exclusion, peer pressure, and the emotional pain of a disintegrating friendship. The approach is direct and emotionally grounded, focusing on Stacie's internal experience. The portrayal of social bullying (ostracism, quiet judgment) is realistic. The resolution is hopeful and affirming of self-worth, but doesn't offer a magical fix, reflecting the real-life complexity of social dynamics. The context is secular.