
A parent would reach for this book when their child comes home complaining about a friend who is constantly bossy, manipulative, or seems to turn every playdate into a competition. It is the perfect tool for a child who feels pushed around by a peer but isn't quite sure how to label that behavior or how to stop it. This chapter book follows Priscilla as she navigates three tricky stories involving her 'best enemy' Felicity, a wealthy girl who always manages to complicate things. The stories explore the frustration of social manipulation and the slow, necessary process of finding one's backbone. At its core, the book addresses themes of justice, peer pressure, and the realization that you don't have to follow a friend's lead if it feels wrong. Targeted at 7 to 10 year olds, it offers a realistic yet humorous look at school-age dynamics. It normalizes the confusing feelings of being 'frenemies' and empowers children to stand up for their own truth.
The book deals with social bullying and manipulation in a direct, secular, and realistic manner. There are no heavy traumas, but the psychological weight of being 'gaslit' by a peer is treated seriously. The resolution is realistic: Felicity doesn't suddenly become nice, but Priscilla becomes stronger.
An 8-year-old who is a 'people pleaser' and is currently being dominated by a more assertive or manipulative friend. This child needs to see that it is okay to say no and that they aren't 'mean' for doing so.
Read the first story cold with the child. It perfectly illustrates how Felicity uses 'logic' to get her way, providing a great opening for a 'Does this ever happen to you?' conversation. A parent might see their child being told what to do by a friend during a playdate, or hear their child say, 'Felicity said I have to do this, even though I don't want to.'
Younger readers (7) will focus on the humor and the unfairness of Felicity's actions. Older readers (9-10) will pick up on the social nuances and the specific tactics Priscilla uses to reclaim her agency.
Unlike many 'mean girl' books that end with a big apology, this series acknowledges that some peers remain difficult, and the power lies in how you react to them rather than changing them.
The book consists of three short stories featuring Priscilla and her nemesis, Felicity Doll. In the first, Felicity manipulates a class project; in the second, she tries to ruin a birthday party; and in the third, she attempts to trick Priscilla during a snowy outing. Priscilla must learn to recognize Felicity's patterns and assert herself.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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