About This Book
Reach for this book when your child experiences their first major 'ego bruise' at school, such as a public mistake that makes them want to disappear. It is a gentle, relatable look at how children navigate the thin line between friends and 'fiends,' especially when siblings or classmates act out in ways that feel hurtful. Through the interconnected stories of Jake and Abigail, the book explores themes of social anxiety, sibling rivalry, and the resilience needed to bounce back from embarrassment. Judy Blume's trademark empathy makes this a perfect choice for kids aged 6 to 9 who are beginning to realize that social dynamics are complicated, but manageable. It normalizes the feeling of wanting to stay silent after a mistake while providing a hopeful path back to participation.
