The Friend Dilemma

December 1, 2024

Gr 2-5-In this second installment of the "Emma Just Medium" series, Emma is feeling "just middle" again, this time because of her two friends. After a summer beach trip, she plans a playdate for the Special Friend Crew with all of their favorite things: LEGOs, science experiments, and soccer. But when her two best friends arrive, she discovers that their interests have changed over the summer. Lily only talks about ballet, and Amelia isn't interested in science experiments anymore. With third grade starting, and Emma in a different class than her best friends, how will she keep the friendship group together? Emma first makes a magic potion which results in disaster, then tries making friends with a boy in her class. After listening to some good advice from her older brother, she learns how important compromise is to nurturing friendships. While the story might appear simplistic, it is realistic to how an eight-year-old approaches friendship issues and attempts to resolve them. The story is short, which will appeal to reluctant readers or those who are just breaking into early chapter books. Kissi's cartoonlike illustrations accent the story and depict Emma and her family with dark skin. VERDICT A relatable story for young readers on the ups and downs of friendship in elementary school.-Heidi Dechief

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