Book details
Best Friends
Description
Suzie Green has only dreamed of having a best friend. Someone to vent to and giggle with-and someone to help her face the Select Seven at school every day. Those girls are boy crazy, they talk in codes, and they call Suzie "teacher's pet." It's not easy being a teacher's kid! And it's not easy being eleven, going on twelve, without a best friend. Then Co Co Langdon moves in next door. Suzie has never met anyone like Co Co. She's from France and has traveled all over the world. And she's never been to school, having been tutored all her life. But now that Co Co is in America, she will go to school for the very first time. And Suzie will finally have a best friend by her side! First published in 1955, Best Friends follows two girls through one unforgettable school year as they take on mean girls, a cranky neighbor, boys, and the search for a missing neighborhood dog. In the end, they'll find out what it truly means to be best friends.
Age
9-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
190 pages
Why to read
- Insight into Mid-20th Century Life: 'Best Friends' by Mary Bard offers readers a glimpse into the everyday life and social norms of the 1950s, providing historical context and a sense of nostalgia for the era.
- Charming Storytelling: Mary Bard's writing style is known for its warmth and charm, making 'Best Friends' a delightful read that captures the essence of friendship and community during a simpler time.
- Relatable Themes: Despite being set in the past, the book explores timeless themes such as friendship, family, and the trials and tribulations of growing up, which are relatable to readers of all ages.
- Cultural Reflection: Reading 'Best Friends' allows one to reflect on how societal expectations, particularly for women, have changed over time, offering a point of comparison with contemporary values and gender roles.