Best Friends

Book review by Abby Aldrich, Common Sense Media
Best Friends Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Story of a friend moving is comforting and relatable.

Jacqueline Wilson Friendship 2008
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Parents say

age 8+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 8 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this book deals with the emotional ups and downs of friendship and loss when one friend moves away. Gemma acts out a little in response to this. She challenges someone to a fight that never happens, shouts in anger, and eats sweets until she's sick. Gemma also says "damn" and "hell" a couple of times in front of her granddad, who gently admonishes her.

Community Reviews

Msberann
Msberann Adult
July 10, 2019
age 8+

Adorable and incredibly relatable book!!

I really liked this book as a child and still do. It's one of my favourites! It tells the story about being separated from your best friend in a very relatable and understandable way. And that's why I think Jaquline Wilson is such an amazing author; in the way she's understanding the kids situations. But it's also good to read about the process of trying to find new friends but still not forget about your best friend. Also loves how it has so much humour to it, so it's not just a sad book. And just like her other books the illustrations are very cute and sweet in its simpleness. I also like how different Alice and Gemma are but can still be best friends. And all the other characters personalities are very relatable, both ti kids and adults. Wonderful book for the young ones who've been in the same situation. Highly recommend this to every kid! They're gonna love it! :)
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Gemma and Alice have been best friends since birth. They were born on the same day, in the same
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hospital and have been inseparable ever since. Complete opposites (Gemma is athletic
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and messy, while Alice is graceful and tidy), they have a bond that is unbreakable and every year on
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their birthday they share the same wish: “We wish we stay friends forever and
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ever and ever.” Everything seems ruined when Alice's father gets a new job hundreds of
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miles away and the family has to move. Now Alice and Gemma have to navigate the rough waters
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of adjusting to life without each other.

Is It Any Good?

Kids will relate to the strength of Gemma and Alice's friendship, as
well as the sadness and anger they feel at being separated against their will. They’ll
appreciate the warmth of Gemma’s granddad and the lengths he goes to in order
to help his granddaughter cope. Readers will find the book uplifting as they
see the characters learn how to move on.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about friendship and how people can be
    best friends even when they’re very different. Do you have friends who are
    different from you? How does that work for or against your friendship?

  • Why did Gemma feel that her mother would prefer Alice as a daughter? Why
    do some people expect that a girl should wear dresses and care about makeup
    and hairstyles? What do those expectations say to a girl who doesn’t fit those
    stereotypes?

  • Why do you think Gemma was so mad at Biscuits and why do you
    think Biscuits continued to be a good friend to her in spite of it?

Book Details

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