About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels overshadowed by a charismatic newcomer or is struggling to navigate how friendship dynamics change when moving from the playground to the classroom. It provides a gentle, relatable entry point for discussing social jealousy and the fear of losing your special status with friends and teachers. Shermy is a rule-following, organized second grader who is thrilled to welcome his summer friend, Shake, to his school. However, he quickly realizes that Shake's high-energy personality makes him an instant celebrity, leaving Shermy feeling invisible and resentful. This story beautifully captures the nuance of liking someone but still feeling hurt by their impact on your social standing. It is an excellent choice for 6 to 9 year olds who are developing more complex social awareness and need to see that it is okay to feel complicated emotions about their friends.
