This friendship story is unique especially with an amusing dose of magic thrown in. Budding entrepreneur, Zariah (Mariah with a Z), is in 7th grade and makes bracelets for others who want one for their forever friend. She has interested classmate customers fill out a form describing their friend, and then Zariah makes them a special friendship bracelet.

Deep down Zariah would like her own real friend but so far nothing has worked out. When she makes the perfect bracelet using beads given to her by the mysterious woman at the craft store, turns out is magic. Whoever wears it becomes her bestie.

It’s bracelet on and bracelet off as many girls don’t work out as the forever friend. Zariah is frustrated assuming she will never have that special person in her life.

THE BEST FRIEND BRACELET is a great middle grade story, especially for girls. There’s drama with sleepovers, various cliques at school, eating alone at lunch, and having to participate in the always challenging group project. 7th grade is not easy with the social and emotional highlights and lowlights.

The 49 short chapters are easy and fun to read. The story will challenge and help young readers see their friendships in a refreshing new way.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 15, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 272

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE BEST FRIEND BRACELET by Nicole D. Collier

1. A realistic portrayal of the middle school experience. Not having a friend is at the top of worries for any 7th grader and is given the proper treatment here.
2. Popcorn. I was wanting to make my own after Zariah cooked up her latest batch for an after school treat. The flavors she added were ingenious.
3. Very realistic family situations. Zariah’s dad travels for his work but has many helpful conversations with his daughter. Theo, one of the potential friends lives with her grandmother, something many middle schoolers will relate to.
4. There’s a Friendship Scale Zariah and Theo create that goes from a low of 1 (Strangers) to a 5 (Best friends). You’ll be ranking your own acquaintances after reading each selection.
5. The best friend profile is what you fill out if you want to buy a bracelet. Many of these are shared with Zariah’s notes as to what she is planning for her next creation. Readers might be filling out their own to check on how much they really know about a friend.

About Nicole

Nicole D. Collier, PhD, grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, the child of an accountant and a public school librarian. She taught fourth grade before becoming an author and leadership coach. In all her endeavors, she enjoys helping people mine the creativity, wisdom, and courage for change. The author of Just Right Jillian and The Many Fortunes of Maya, her writing illuminates the challenges and rewards that come from learning to be true to yourself. A self-proclaimed ever-victorious woman, Nicole has been known to run, dance, and turn cartwheels from time to time. She currently resides in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, Phillip. (Author Website)

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!