My Best Frenemy by Julie Bowe

My Best Frenemy by Julie Bowe. Dial Books for Young Readers, May 2010.

When I was asked to take part in Julie Bowe’s new book blog tour, I was so excited. I am a fan of Julie’s series “Friends for Keeps” . Her first book in the series, “My Last Best Friend” was a nominee for the New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award. I have used these titles as part of my He Said, She Said booktalk sessions where I highlight chick lit that will appeal to elementary girls.

Julie’s new book “My Best Frenemy” is the latest book in the series. As a middle school librarian and the mother of a once 4th grader, I know first-hand how important friends are to the young girls I am around. And I know that the friendship dynamics at that age are changing and evolving. And for Ida May and the others, these dynamics can make or break the day.

There is often a thin line between being friends and being enemies. And Ida May is learning that every day. Ida May and Stacy are best friends. They do everything together and can’t stand to be apart. Jenny used to be Ida May’s enemy but things have changed and she is more or a frenemy now. When Brooke enters the equation, things are definitely changing. Brooke is that girl we know who is a bit too grown up for her own good. She has gotten some makeup for Christmas and now insists on making up all the girls before school each day. Ida May is not too sure about this but goes along with it. She makes sure she washes it off before she goes home. But Stacy and Brooke seem to be getting closer. Add to the mix Jenna’s Christmas gift, things are definitely getting tense. Jenna got a Truth or Dare game and the girls play it at lunch. Sometimes the game feels really wrong.

Bowe gets the fourth grade dynamic. She writes books that the intended audience will relate to and they will sure to pick up the latest entry. Let’s hope there are more to come.