8/9/10 year old girls and their friendships ...

[Dorothy]

I'd like to buy a book for my daughter, who is just for the first time experiencing some mild unpleasantness in the playground from some girls in her peer group. I don't want anything too heavy and I think that Queen Bees And Wannabees book is probably too old for her. I wouldn't mind if it was fiction, rather than non-fiction, so long as it is quite light and the excluded girl wins through in the end! Does anyone have a recommendation for me - fiction or non-fiction welcome. Thank you.

[Ruth_Baldock]

Judy Blume's book 'Are you there, God? It's me, Margaret' is really, really good. 'Religious' aspect aside, it's about a 6th grade girl, she moves to a new school and has a friendship group of 4, which changes over the year. Really good.

[Dorothy]

Thanks Ruth, I will look out for it.

[poppy]

Another vote for "Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret". I also liked "Just as long as we're together", also by Judy Blume, when I was young. Couldn't remember the title so looked it up on amazon and this is the blurb:

"Stephanie and Rachel have been best friends for years, in spite of their differences. Alison is new in town, and immediately becomes an integral part of their group. But is it possible to have two best friends? And how can you call anyone a friend if you can't tell them your most painful secrets?"

I remember reading it when I was about 10 or 11, and really identifying with the descriptions of the ups and downs of friendships and the associated traumas at that age! In retrospect all very normal I think, but so very hard at the time!

[Ondine]

I just asked my daughters and they insist no such books exist :). Despite the expert advice, I suggest trying Jacqueline Wilson and Anne Fine.

[poppy]

Ondine Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I just asked my daughters and they insist no such

> books exist :). Despite the expert advice, I

> suggest trying Jacqueline Wilson and Anne Fine.

Um, yes they do... I wasn't claiming to be an expert (bit harsh Ondine!) and perhaps the books are not as popular as they were almost 20 years ago (gosh that makes me feel old!), but still in print and sold on Amazon. Perhaps Jacqueline Wilson is more contemporary though - not sure how Judy Blume holds up these days!

[Ondine]

Lol was my kids I meant! Of course there are loads of books that would help. Was just my 12 and 10 yr olds I meant by "experts"

[poppy]

Oops, sorry!!:-$