My Friend John

by Charlotte Zolotow, Amanda Harvey (Illustrator)

John knows everything about me, and I know everything about him. So begins the heartwarming story of two young boys who together experience fun times, sad times, happy times, hard times, secret times, and all the in-between times only two best friends can share.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Charlotte Zolotow was a distinguished American writer, editor, and publisher who made a lasting mark on children's literature. Over her career, she authored around 70 picture book texts and edited works by prominent writers including Paul Zindel, Robert Lipsyte, and Francesca Lia Block. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, she studied writing at the University of Wisconsin Madison and later joined Harper & Bros in New York, where she worked her way up from secretary to publisher. Her own books were published by over 20 houses, and she became known for her poetic and emotionally insightful texts. Zolotow’s most celebrated works include When the Wind Stops, William’s Doll, and River Winding. Her story "Enemies" was featured in The Big Book for Peace alongside other notable authors. She lived for many years in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Her legacy endures not only through her own writing but also through the Charlotte Zolotow Award, established in 1998 to honor outstanding picture book texts. Her contributions helped shape modern children's literature with sensitivity, elegance, and enduring relevance.

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed looking into the lives of these two friends. They know everything about each other, what they are good at, what they are bad at, what they like and dislike and quite importantly know just what's in each others fridges. I really enjoyed the text and the illustrations. A lovely little book although parents of young children might want to skip past the page that shows they are good at punching. Ben Sheckter's illustrations are wonderful.

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[Kristen Slaboski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book depicts the theme of friendship which I feel is very important for young children. It tells of two little boys who trust and respect each other. They are different in their own ways but use their talents to help the other. They keep each other's secrets and know everything about each other. I believe it's a great story for young children to read to see what good friendship looks like. The pictures are great and the text is simple. I would recommend this story for younger elementary aged students.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved how the illustrations built on each other sequentially, something in a previous illustration shows up as a point of interest in a later one. A good book for exploring what having and being a good friend is all about.

4.5 stars

[Alicia Steagall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet best friend story for a child!

[Liz Todd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simple text... all about the things that 2 boys know about each other as best friends. Probably would not share with a class... not much content, and a page mentions something like, "I'm good at fist fights." The ending includes a secret about a girl, which is cute, but younger kids would not connect.... Probably a better book than I think, just not meeting my needs at this time.

[Tasasha Battle]

This book is in the voice of the best friend of John. He is telling how him and his best friend are alike and different. Teachers can use this book to show the voice of a writing as well as compare and contrast characters.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two boys are best friends and know everything about each other. Whose mother is the better cook, whose father tells funnier jokes. Which steps creak on each other’s stairs. “We know what’s in each other’s refrigerator”. [I’m not crying. You’re crying.]

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful picture of innocent childhood friendships!

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to confess to shedding a few tears as I read this book about friendship.

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story about two little boys and their special friendship.

Nice illustrations.