
A parent should reach for this book when their child is experiencing the painful, confusing drift of a core friendship, especially during the transition to middle school. This story compassionately explores what happens when best friends Marylin and Kate enter sixth grade and find themselves growing apart. Kate is drawn to a new, popular crowd, leaving Marylin feeling abandoned and lonely. The book authentically captures the subtle cruelties, misunderstandings, and intense emotions that define this common childhood experience. Through the alternating perspectives of both girls, the narrative normalizes feelings of jealousy, insecurity, and the longing for belonging. It's an excellent choice for a child navigating shifting social dynamics because it shows that friendships can change, and that it's possible to find resilience, self-confidence, and even new connections in the process. It provides comfort and a vocabulary for feelings that are often difficult for young people to articulate.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals directly with the emotional pain of social exclusion, bullying (through ostracism and gossip), and the loss of a primary friendship. The approach is realistic and secular. The resolution is not a simple return to the way things were; instead, it's a hopeful and realistic conclusion where the girls reach a new, more mature understanding, acknowledging the hurt while leaving room for a different kind of future friendship.
A 9 to 12-year-old who is in the midst of a painful friendship shift. This reader feels like their best friend is changing, that they are being left behind, or that they no longer understand the social rules of their friend group. They are likely feeling lonely, confused, and hurt.
No specific prep is needed; the book is gentle and straightforward. However, parents should be ready for conversations about the subtle ways girls can be unkind to each other. The realistic depiction of social hierarchies and peer pressure might be a useful starting point for discussion about navigating similar situations in real life. The parent hears their child say, "She won't play with me anymore," or "Everyone has a new best friend but me." The parent may notice their child has become withdrawn, anxious about school, or is crying after social interactions.
A younger reader (9-10) will connect strongly with Marylin's sense of injustice and sadness, focusing on the fairness of the situation. An older reader (11-12) is more likely to understand the nuances of Kate's perspective, recognizing the social pressure and insecurity that motivate her actions. They will better appreciate the theme of identity formation.
Unlike many books that feature a dramatic, singular act of betrayal, this book's power lies in its quiet, realistic depiction of a friendship slowly drifting apart. Its dual-perspective narrative is key, fostering empathy for both the person who is left behind and the person who is doing the leaving. It gives a voice to the internal, unspoken anxieties of this common experience.
Childhood best friends Marylin and Kate enter sixth grade, and their once-inseparable bond begins to fray. Kate falls in with a more popular group led by the sophisticated Flannery, and she begins to distance herself from Marylin. The story unfolds through their alternating viewpoints, showcasing Marylin's hurt and confusion as she tries to understand the new social rules, and Kate's anxiety and desire to fit in. Both girls struggle with loneliness, identity, and the painful process of navigating a friendship that is fundamentally changing.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.