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A young girl’s stomach dips when she passes the house where her best friend once lived. The friend hasn’t moved away, but she may as well have. The girls used to walk to school together. They liked the same things. They fought and then made up—until the next time, and the next. But the rotten feelings have piled up, and now the girls avoid each other. Dad says that happens. Friends drift apart. Remembering the fun times helps, and as new bonds bloom, the anger and hurt fade. Illustrated with gentleness and warmth, this honest, moving text evokes an authentically childlike voice to help children master with hope and confidence the complex emotions that come from a changing relationship.
Praise for We Used to Be Friends
“The art of moving on receives an entirely new treatment in this skillful treatise for the young.”
—Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
“Restrained and emotionally honest, the book validates the pain of friendship loss while allowing young readers space to recognize the slow, uneven work of moving forward.”
—The Horn Book (Starred Review)
“An honest and sympathetic companion for anyone learning that some painful breaks don’t need fixing—only time.”
—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
“This picture book offers a compassionate look at an underrepresented but very common childhood milestone and reminds littles that it is okay, and perhaps even expected, that a relationship doesn’t last forever.”
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books