Tag Archives: friendship fiction

Worst Broommate Ever!

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written by Wanda Coven; illustrated by Anna Abramskaya

Heidi Heckelbeck is off to boarding school for witches as she enters middle school and things are a bit tougher than she thought they would be. She has to leave her best friends from elementary school and her family. But, her witch mom tells her that this school is going to be so good for her as she learns how to use her skills and connect with other kids like her. Unfortunately, her roommate is not so fun – it’s mean Melanie Maplethorpe from elementary school! Heidi can’t believe she’s a witch, too! And, they are supposed to hide their magical skills from the non-witch students and only use their talents at their secret classes with the other witches.

Fans of the early chapter books about the same character will enjoy growing with Heidi as she moves on to middle school. Reluctant readers will enjoy the book with its well-spaced text and accompanying black and white illustrations. Recommended.

Millie, Daisy and the Scary Storm

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written by Crystal Velasquez and illustrated by laura Catrinella

Millie and Daisy are two dogs at Danny & Ron’s Rescue that came there as rescues after Hurricane Katrina. They are a bonded pair and love each other very much. Millie is very outgoing and would love to be adopted while Daisy is more reserved and likes life as it is. Daisy has worked very hard to overcome the trauma of the hurricane she survived. But, lots of stuff still makes her nervous and storms are especially hard for her. A big adoption event comes up and Daisy is so nervous that she comes up with a plan to make Millie think she isn’t her friend anymore, because Millie wants them to be adopted together an Daisy wants to stay where she is. Fortunately, things works out, because the big adoption event is actually a celebration – Millie and Daisy are adopted by Danny and Ron as part of their family! They realize that the best place for the two dogs is right there at the Rescue home. It’s the best day ever!

This sweet story is written in very accessible language and from the dogs’ perspective. Young readers will embrace these two lovable characters and all their friends and be thrilled that the ending is just as it should be – happy for everyone. Add this to your collection. Your young readers will love it!

Singing with Elephants

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by Margarita Engle

Oriol, an 11 year old Cuban immigrant lives in California with her veterinarian parents is a thoughtful, somewhat lonely girl. Things change for her when she meets Gabriela Mistral, the first Latin American winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature. Oriol shares her world of words and learns that in order for change to happen, one must open up and share those words like her new friend. She discovers the strength to do so when a baby elephant that her parents care for is in danger of being sold away from its mother into a life with someone who just wants to use it for entertainment and money. Oriol mobilizes the community with her words and discovers friendships and confidence along the way.

This lyrical story, told in verse form is a beautifully written and carries a message that even the youngest citizens can help the world be a better place. People just need to listen to the words.

Little Vampire

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by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg

Tony loves scary stories and horror films. So, he’s quick to recognize his new friend, Rudolph, is a vampire. He showed up at Tony’s window one night after Tony’s parents went out (which they seem to do nightly, leaving Tony alone). Rudolph visits Tony most nights, borrows his books and loans him his uncle’s cape so Tony can fly to the cemetery with him to visit his crypt. Soon, Rudolph’s sister, Anna, joins in the fun. Eventually, Tony’s parents become suspicious and as, for Tony to invite his new friends over for tea. He tries to fool his parents with a substitute and it didn’t go well. Anna, who has a crush on Tony, and Rudolph come to tea and try hard to appear human with mixed results. Tony’s parents shake their heads at his new friends and decide they don’t need to visit again any time soon.

This story is translated from the original German and is part of a six book series. While the premise is interesting, the story lags a bit and its macabre theme isn’t terribly humorous. Kids who enjoy horror fiction might find this book interesting, although it’s not really horror. And, readers that enjoy humorous stories might not like it either.

Frog Can Hop

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written by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Fred Blunt

Frog can do many things – hop, shop, bop and chop. Pig can….flop. But, Frog suddenly flops and Pig takes over and hops, shops, mops, bops and pops. He pops a little too much popcorn and Frog jumps in to hop mop, and flop with him. They can do it all together!

Simple, repetitive sentences and engaging illustrations make this short reader a perfect book for a young student. There is an added word box in the front and questions in the back to increase depth of understanding. Put this in your library for kids that love “Elephant and Piggie”. They’ll thank you!

First Day, Worst Day

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written by Andy Nonamus and illustrated by Amy Jindra

An anonymous narrator (we know this because we can’t see a face, which is covered by a sticker in all the illustrations and there appears to be no name) recounts the adventurous horror of the first day in a new school. Readers will cringe and laugh at all the crazy stuff that happens in this weird place, from being “attacked” by a pack of dogs that want to lick the maple syrup off their shirt to locating a classroom through a locker! Along the way, friendships are made and what started out as the First Day, Worst Day ended as the First Day, Best Day.

Written in very accessible language with fun black and white illustrations, this book will appeal to those reluctant readers that enjoy books that are humorous in a goofy way. Characters are diverse and their behaviors and interactions are age appropriate. This is the beginning of a series that will be popular. Recommended.

Crankosaurus

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by Katherine Battersby

Cranky Chicken and Speedy the Worm engage in all kinds of silliness in this simple graphic novel. Each chapter is a separate short story, ranging from “The Happiest Nap Ever” to “Best Feathered Friend”. Stories are sweet and somewhat reminiscent of “Elephant and Piggie”. And, there are plenty of giggles for adults in the room (Note the Star Wars and Where’s Waldo references). Give this to your young readers who enjoy the above-mentioned “Elephant and Piggie” or “Narwhal and Jelly”. They won’t be disappointed!

Izzy’s Dog Days of Summer

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written by Caroline Adderson

Izzy and Zoe are so excited to go to summer camp until they realize two things: it’s awful (partly because Izzy drew big black eyebrows on her face with permanent marker) and you don’t even camp out overnight! So, Izzy and Zoe plan their own week of summer camp in Izzy’s backyard under the watchful eye of Izzy’s nanny, Rosa. They have so much fun and are so loud (partly because of Rollo, Izzy’s excited dog) that the neighbor, Mr. Entwistle, is even grumpier than usual on his side of the fence.

Camp gets less fun when Zoe gets sick and can’t come over. Then, Izzy’s mom tells Izzy about Mr. Entwistle’s late wife, Maevis. Izzy realizes that Mr. Entwistle might just be lonely and she invites him to her backyard summer camp. He comes over for lunch and they get along so well that she goes to his house while Rosa is getting her hair done. Well, excitement ensues when Rollo knocks the bathroom door shut and it locks Izzy and Rollo inside. Mr. Entwistle calls 911 and the friendly firemen (who all know Izzy) get her out of the bathroom, which makes for the most excitement that Mr. Entwistle has had in a very long time. All this excitement (and more) leads to a wonderful friendship between Mr. Entwistle (Isodor) and Izzy (Why, they are almost twins with those names!).

This lovely, accessible chapter book is brimming with fun and energy. While there is a moment of reflection when Izzy learns why Mr. Entwistle is so grumpy and sad (done in a very respectful and gently way), the overall tone is humorous and light. The black and white illustrations on nearly every two page spread add to the accessibility of the story. Give this book to your early readers. They will love it!

What If I’m Not a Cat?

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written by Kari-Lynn Winters and illustrated by Kelly Collier

Donkey is a cat – or so he thinks. He acts like a cat. He cuddles the other kitties in the barn, he pounces and he perches. But, sometimes things don’t feel quite right. He doesn’t like cat food and climbing? That’s hard. One day, the farmer said something that made him question himself. She said “Donkey, you’re acting like a cat.” What? Is this true? He and his kitty friends start to wonder. Sadly, Donkey walks away to sleep under a tree by himself. Suddenly, he heard a kitten meow in distress and ran to the rescue, kicking at a fox and saving the day. Upon his return to the barn with the kitten, the other cats cheerfully welcome him back, whatever he is. He decides that he is happy with who he is – a don-kitty!

This book tells a story of friendship and being who you are. Speech bubbles and cartoon-like illustrations help us grasp the personalities of the characters. The story is humorous, sweet and a great kick off to everything from lessons on animal traits to self-acceptance. Given its many possibilities, this is a great book for your library. Highly recommended.

When Whales Fly by Erica S. Perl

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Whale, Quail and Snail are hanging out watching the clouds when Whale states that she wishes she could fly. Snail, in a very matter-of-fact voice, tells her that she can learn to fly and that he and Quail will teach her. Quail is pretty dubious about this and states repeatedly that whales cannot fly. Snail believes it can happen and, eventually, Whale leaps (or flies) out of the water much to her delight and astonishment. Her big splash knocks Quail off the surfboard and Quail flounders, because he can’t swim. Whale offers to teach him how, because she’s a great swimmer…and pretty good at flying, too (according to Quail).

This Level Two reader has very accessible text and slightly longer sentences and simple chapters. Illustrations are bright and cartoon-like, filling the page with happy color. This is a fun story in a book that feels like a chapter book, perfect for young readers ready to move up a notch from picture books. Recommended.

Parker Bell and the Science of Friendship by Cynthia Platt

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Parker, a budding scientist, is so excited when her teacher announces a three part science competition. She knows that she and her coding-expert best friend, Cassie, can easily win and will set her on her path to be be as great a scientist as her heroes, Mae Jemison and Jane Goodall. Unfortunately, Cassie invites super shy Theo to be part of the team. Parker isn’t happy. Cassie asked him without consulting her and she’s worried that Cassie might have a new friend that come between them. Also, she is concerned. Will he contribute to the project when he can’t even speak loudly enough for her to hear.

Friendship and STEM come together in a nicely written story that is both realistic and humorous. Three teammates struggle to come up with the best science project ever while navigating the pitfalls of new friends and old friends working together. Parker’s idea of building guinea pig robots is perfect, right? Nothing can go wrong with that. Or, can it?

Illustrations are cartoon-like, full page digital artwork. The story packs some STEM fun into a friendship story that breaks some gender boundaries. Parker LOVES science and has her own Mad Science Lab. Her dad is a baker and her mom is a P.E. teacher, who both encourage her scientific enthusiasm. Give this book to your budding scientists. They will certainly connect with Parker and her friends! Recommended.

The Rainbow Hunters by Andrea Farotto

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Bill is on a rainbow hunt and as he begins his adventure, he is joined by three friends. Each adds something – butterfly net, candy and so forth. They travel in every direction yet don’t find the end of the rainbow or treasure. They do find something even better – a wonderful day with friends full of adventure (and a bonus white dog that they name Cheesecake, or is it Coconut?). The story ends with Bill setting out on another hunt, this time for Bigfoot and the story continues…

This wonderful story is all about the fun of being with friends and having an adventure outside. The goal, like the gold at the end of the rainbow, might not be achieved. But, it is the journey and its excitement that is the the memorable byproduct. Young readers will identify with the four friends as they turn here and there during their quest. And, they will certainly agree that the most fun part is is the hunt itself.

Text is appropriate for young readers and illustrations are simple and bright. Characters are diverse. Recommended.

Tide Pool Troubles by Ashlyn Anstee

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Shelby and Watts are “Planetary Investigators”, aka detectives with an environmental focus in this first book of a new graphic novel series. Shelby, a fox with a notebook, is a budding detective while her friend, Watts, loves facts and encyclopedias. They are called upon to investigate the disappearance of shells on the beach. Fred, a hermit crab in a very tight shell, is frantic. He needs a new shell for a home and protection, but there are aren’t any to be found. His pals are in the same “pickle” (“in a difficult situation” as defined by Watts).

So, Shelby get to work tracking down the shell thief. They follow several clues, all of which are noted in Shelby’s notebook. And, Watts adds in relevant facts about the beach and its inhabitants. They discover the missing shells and the so-called thief – Arty, the rhino, who was collecting beach shells and didn’t know the havoc he was creating in the hermit crab world. Shelby and Watts give some great tips about saving the beach at the end of the story, like “leave the beach cleaner than when you found it”.

This simple nine chapter graphic novel is a nice transition story. It is much shorter than its 94 pages appear, with several single panel pages. Color is vibrant and text is accessible. Interesting facts about ocean creatures are interspersed throughout and do not interrupt the flow of the story. Recommended.

The Great Candy Caper by JoJo Siwa

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Nickolodeon;s JoJo Siwa is invited to sing at the opening of a new candy-themed park, SugarPalooza, and takes her two friends, Grace and Kyra for a special tour before the show. The park’s owner’s daughter, Avery, and her friend, Jada, join the tour. Something’s not quite right, but JoJo can’t figure it out. Actually, there’s a lot that isn’t right, including a big mess of chocolate as the chocolate pumps malfunction. Candy is everywhere, rides are breaking down and Grace is missing! JoJo and Kyra spring into action to fix both calamities. The chocolate malfunction is fixed, thanks to help from Jada and their tour guide, Maddy. And, they locate Grace, who has a history with Avery (not a nice girl). But, Grace saves Avery despite their bad relationship, and Avery apologizes. The show must go on and, after a cleanup, the park opens and JoJo performs for the adoring crowds. Everything is sweet in this Candy Caper.

This graphic novel is full of color and a simple story line (girl drama that is fixed in the end). The font is fairly small. The illustrations are set in one to five panes per page. Fans of JoJo Siwa will enjoy this book and a wider audience might like the adventurous romp through SugarPalooza.

Thunder and Cluck. Friends do not eat friends by Jill Esbaum

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Thunder and Cluck are an unlikely pair of friends. Of course, they don’t start out as friends, as told in this easy-to-read graphic novel. Big, toothy dino Thunder comes upon small, birdlike dinosaur Cluck and prepares to eat him. But, Cluck doesn’t do what he is supposed to do – run! A discussion ensues, with Cluck attempting to strike up a friendship and Thunder giving all kinds of excuses about how this can’t happen. Suddenly, another large, toothy dinosaur sidles up to eat Cluck and Thunder protects his “little buddy” (his words). He finally acquiesces to a friendship experiment, muttering something about hanging out with Cluck will be …interesting.

This beginning graphic novel is a perfect starting point for new readers. The book’s introduction explains how to read a graphic novel, describing panels and word versus thought bubbles. Each page has one to three panels on it and the colors are bright and bold. The main characters are cartoon dinosaurs – can it get any better? Buy this one for your youngest readers. They will be hooked! Highly recommended.

No se permiten elefantes by Lisa Mantchev

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A small boy and his tiny pet elephant are turned away from the Pet Club. There’s even a sign that specifically states “Strictly No Elephants” (No se permiten elefantes). They walk away sadly, only to come upon a dejected girl and her pet skunk, who were also turned away (“He doesn’t stink” she says). Together they form an inclusive Pet Club at a tree house and make it official with a sign that says “All Are Welcome”. And, others come with their unusual pets, like a bat, giraffe, armadillo and tiny narwhal.

Text is simple and illustrations are warmly detailed using block print, Photoshop and colored pencils. Observant readers will notice that the boy, girl and their pets are colorful, while everything else in the background is teal and black on one double page spread. They might also notice a few unusual pets peeking out windows as they walk by on their way to start their new club.

This is a message of inclusion and caring friendship. Characters and pets are diverse. The boy and his elephant have a special bond as noted when the boy helps the tentative elephant over cracks – “I always go back and help him over. That’s what friends do: lift each other over the cracks.” “Siempre regreso y lo ayudo. Eso es lo que hacen los amigos: apoyarse en medio de las grientas.”

This is a lovely book with a wonderful message. It may lead to some great discussions about what friendship looks like for children and what it means to be included. Highly recommended.

The Best Friend Plan (The Adventures of Allie & Amy) by Stephanie Calmenson and Joanna Cole

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Allie and Amy are best friends and live in neighboring buildings. They are ready for summer with a list of “Things To Do This Summer”. Unfortunately, they find out that they will be separated for much of the summer when Allie gets a spot at Camp Merry Moose. They spring into action, first tying their legs together (think three-legged race style), which doesn’t work out well. They then resort to accomplishing as much on their list as possible before Allie leaves. Pesky classmate (and eventual friend) Marvin seems to be in many of the same places they are and manages to get in the way most of the time. But, they do their best to work through the list. But, wait! There is good news ahead, because Amy gets to go to camp as well! The next morning, the girls couldn’t be happier as they settle into their bus seats for the ride to camp. And, who else is on the bus? Marvin! Summer camp will be so much fun!

Large font and numerous half page illustrations make this a fine book for early chapter book readers. While the story isn’t very elaborate or thought-provoking, it does what it intends to do – provide a book for those ready to move on from picture books. A word list and questions are in the back, providing some extra help for young readers. Characters are diverse – Allie and her family are Black and Marvin appears to be Hispanic (last name is Lopez). Buy this book for your collection if you are in need of those ‘bridge’ books.

Knight of the Cape

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Dominguita loves to read, especially the books that remind her of the books her Abuela (grandmother) brought from Cuba and shared with her. But, her grandmother now lives in Florida with her sister, because she has a hard time remembering things. And, the class bully makes reading in peace difficult. So, Dominguita decides to become a knight (like the hero, Don Quijote, from her grandmother’s book). She figures that her knighthood will do two things: 1). show the class bully that girls can be knights and 2). help her feel closer to her brother and grandmother, because her brother agrees to write the story of her life as knight to send to Abuela.

Being a knight is hard work and Dominguita has some mishaps along the way. But, she has the encouragement and help of the adults around her. She also gains two new friends along the way. And, her trusty steed, aka dog, is a loyal sidekick in her adventures.

The characters are diverse and the story is accessible for younger readers, who will cheer for Dominguita (or Dom Capote, the fearless knight). Black and white illustrations help move the story along and an author’s note at the end explains the tale of Don Quijote and its connection to our heroine, Dominguita.

The Sky Blues

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What a fun book, I read it in one day! This book, set in Michigan, is a story about an openly gay high school student and his best friends. Sky deals with an awful high school bully, a racist and homophobic school wide e-mail scandal, the stress of having a secret huge crush, and upcoming PROM. During the stress of finishing Senior year, he realizes that friends are the family you get to choose. Sky learns you should fight for those friendships, because through it all, they are the ones who have your back when you need it most.

Pretend She’s Here

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Best selling author LuAnne Rice usually writes adult fiction but Pretend She’s Here is a venture into YA. The story, although featuring a teen protagonist, does verge on adult fiction given the seriousness of the plot, this psychological thriller is most suitable for mature high schoolers.

The story begins with Emily grieving the death from cancer of her best friend Lizzie. It’s been a year now but Emily just cannot accept that Lizzie is gone. She is happy when Lizzie’s parents and sister return to her town for a visit, but things take a dark and dangerous twist when Emily realizes how desperately they miss Lizzie, and to what extremes they will go to.

This page turner will leave the reader with a racing heart.

Jeanie & Genie: the First Wish, written by Trish Granted and illustrated by Manuela Lopez

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Jeanie is a model student in her Rivertown Elementary School 2nd grade class – she’s quiet, attentive and follows all the rules. One day, a new girl named Willow joins the class. Willow is not like Jeanie at all! She’s talkative, messy, creative and a genie. Yep, a genie! Of course, Jeanie is the only one that knows and that’s because the girls became great friends first. What will happen next?

This first book in a series serves as a nice introduction to these likable, unlikely friends. Pencil illustrations are scattered throughout and the text is well-spaced and larger, making this an appropriate read for those earlier chapter book readers. The characters are diverse and fun and the story flows nicely. This is a nice addition to collections that need an update. Recommended.

A Day So Gray

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Two little girls look out the window at the snow. One sees only gray. But, as they walk outside, her friend shows her the blues, browns and silvers. They move about, one seeing only a single dull color and the other revealing the beauty of all the colors around it. The story ends with the girls in front of a cozy fire with their blanket and cat, drinking brown (white and grey) cocoa together.

Illustrations are beautifully rendered, with crisply drawn elements on soft background tones. The two friends’ attitudes are clear in their stances. One girl sees only single, drab colors as she stands with arms crossed or a frown. Her friend smiles as she notices all the other colors around them.

This is a story that serves to remind us that there is more than what we first notice. It could be colors or the positive around us. We just have to see them! Highly recommended.

The Bear Must Go on

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Bear and his friends (Squirrel, Other Squirrel and Rabbit) work together to prepare a really big show for their forest friends. This includes a sparkly curtain, tiny hats for birds and shiny tickets. Bear keeps meticulous notes as the self-appointed “note taker”, because he does not want to perform (he’s nervous). Frenzied preparations ensue and bear takes lots of notes. The big night arrives and all the forest creatures are waiting in the audience. There’s one problem, though. They forgot to write a show! Oh, no!!!

Luckily, Bear comes through and mentions that he has a song that he created. They beg him to perform and he finally agrees. The forest creatures love it! The show is a success! Thanks goodness for Bear.

The story moves along at a quick pace, helped along by the illustrations, some in comic panel-like sequences. Colors are bright and energetic and Bear’s notes are front and center a few times, which help with the busyness of the story. Bear’s nervousness is acknowledged and his bravery in going up to the stage to sing is noted. Maybe, this story will encourage some human friends to work together and put on a show! Recommended.