Not the Worst Friend in the World

by Anne Rellihan

Can Lou Bennett keep a secret? She’ll do just about anything to prove herself to her new friend—and the best friend she betrayed—in this debut novel that is a modern-day Harriet the Spy with high emotional stakes.

It’s the thirty-fourth day of sixth grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Missouri, and eleven-year-old Lou wishes she could rewind time.

Lou wants to go back to the ninth day of sixth grade—the day before she fought with her best friend Francie and said the terrible, horrible things she can’t unsay. Or better yet, she would go back to fifth grade when Francie was still the Old Francie.

Then the new girl, Cece Clark-Duncan, passes Lou a mysterious note. It says she was kidnapped. (!) If Lou can help Cece, maybe she can prove she’s not the world’s worst friend.

But as observant Lou uncovers the complicated truth about Cece’s family, she starts to panic. Can she help Cece without hurting her? Or will Lou end up losing another friend instead?

Anchored by an outstanding voice and a page-turning mystery, this remarkable debut novel honors the powerful middle school friendships that can both break and heal a tender eleven-year-old heart. Perfect for fans of Fish in a Tree and My Jasper June.

Genres: Middle Grade, Mystery, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Friendship, Juvenile, Contemporary

272 pages, Hardcover

Published February 6, 2024

Reviews

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This is one of those books that’s so good, it’s hard to write a review about.
* To adult readers first*
Remember that best friend you had as a kid? The one that had been your friend for so long, people said your names together like they were one? This book will take you back to that time…
Lou and Francie had been friends since kindergarten. They were inseparable from the beginning, and sharing their lives, and secrets over the years was special to them both.
Now, in their sixth-grade year, LouandFrancie is no longer existent. Lou messed up and said some things about Francie, out loud, that she never should have said. She’s pretty sure their friendship is permanently broken, but she’s hopeful that someday, maybe she can repair it.
When the new girl Cece moves to town, Lou wants to be friends, but is nervous about repeating past mistakes. Especially when it appears that Cece has even bigger secrets than Francie did, that she wants kept under wraps, too…
Such a beautifully written book, and a debut novel, at that! I wanted to reach out and wrap Lou in a warm hug, as she struggled with seeing a friendship change and “ walk away”, because I’ve been there. I ached for her when she faced uncertainty about what to say, or not, because I still deal with that as an adult, at times. And the scene between Lou and her mom at the restaurant on their special Saturday together made me tear up; Lou’s mommy is great!
Although I’m a sucker for a happy ending, the one in this book was more satisfying because everything WASN’T tied up in a perfect bow…just like in real life. A hopeful ending, but not a perfect one, just like Lou realizes she is…
Can’t wait to read what Anne Rellihan comes out with next! Yeah, Anne!!

[Carrot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew better than anyone that anger and fear made people do things they wouldn't normally do. Terrible things. Horrible things. Things they would take back a million times over. If only it were possible to go backward.

Louise Bennett is stuck with the terrible, horrible things she couldn’t unsay to her best friend since kindergarten, Francie on the ninth day of sixth grade. But when she receives a note from the new, mysterious girl, Cece, an ocean of problems is about to come right at her.

But sometimes, that can just be the solution.

In Anne Rellihan’s debut novel, a thrilling middle grade exploring strong themes of friendship and acceptance, readers will be astonished and shocked time and again. This book is perfect for middle grade readers, but also adults, who are in need of a comforting yet exhilarating book that takes them on a true rollercoaster full of mysteries, plot twists, and shockers.

I really think anyone will take something from this. As long as they have emotions and problems, of course. ;)

⭐⭐⭐️⭐. 2 5 // 5

~

I liked so many things about the book, and I think every aspect of the story is explored thoroughly. And for a debut book, I think this is amazing. However, like every book, this book has some weaknesses I would like to point out (as a very sensitive reader). But in the end, this just means the next book will probably be better!

First, let’s dive into the characters. And wow. Aren’t they realistic? I mean so realistic to the point that it’s like real life. And for most of the time, that’s a good thing. But sometimes, especially during the start of the book, this often serves as an unnecessary detail, and slows the storyline down. But besides their dialogue and quirks, there is also personality to think about.

The characters each had a clear, unique, and memorable characteristic and personality that made them round and dynamic. They were also very easily formed in my brain. And more, they each have their complex motivations, and couldn’t be more morally gray. And that’s for almost every single character in the book!

As for the plot… Well, I don’t think there are too many suggestions besides some plot holes! Some clues are very obvious for me, and the character's reaction seemed a little too slow. Also, if Cece’s mom is “missing”, there are lots of ways to find her.

But like the characters, it was so interesting and real, but is 100% a good thing. The plot itself isn’t predictable at all, and has an unusual story arc. There are two main plots; Cece’s “parental kidnapping”, and Francie’s friend problem with Lou, which also serves as an internal fight for Lou. There are also lots of catholic aspects, which did provide me with information I never knew before. It was fairly interesting to learn about.

And a brief talk on the theme, it was really well portrayed. Most middle grade books either focus too much on conveying the theme, or too much on the plot—things we don’t see in this book! Like I said, it’s heavy on friendship, acceptance, and identity.

And wow. Ain’t it realistic? Especially to sixth graders! (Really! This book is one of the most realistic books I have ever read). I can see how many kids can learn through this book that they are not alone, and provides them with a sense of understanding. I especially loved how Lou always carries her notebook and jots things down.

Don’t even get me started on the beginning and ending! I don’t think it could’ve been done any better. It was absolute perfection. The beginning very easily got me hooked, and the writing is also easy for me to get into. The end was too good, and sealed everything together so nicely.

The idea is simple. But how it’s depicted is really what makes this book truly magical, and even worth rereading (I don’t say this often!). My emotions have been manipulated more than I can count, and this book couldn’t be more fast-paced and character-driven. The whole time I was reading this, I was on the edge of my seat. It was so fun, that I couldn’t even stop reading it!

But here we are, after all the tension. It crashes down but becomes better again. Like Mrs. Johnson, Lou’s teachers’ prompt, I need to write some truths to carry with me for this book. Thankfully, though, Lou has already done it for us.

Truths to Carry with Me
I. It's okay to feel stuck, to even want to go backward, as long as you eventually figure out how to keep moving forward.
2. People sometimes get hurt and sometimes do the hurting, but an apology goes a long way.
3. Even when you really, really want to hold on, sometimes you have to let go-so you don't miss out on what's coming next.

Thank you to Netgalley and Holiday House for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Laura Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

MG gold!!! My ten year old picked this up at the library and devoured it and then insisted I read it which I did in one afternoon. Highly recommended! Friendship, forgiveness, and secrets.

[DaNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friendship story, when adolescence butts its stinky head in.

Favorite things about this book:

All the 6th graders felt like 6th graders.

Their lives are affected by adult issues, they are always seen through the kid’s perspective and the answers that come are what the kid needs to hear, we as readers are never dragged into the drama.

The Astrologist.

Popsugar24: #2 - A bildungsroman book

RATL24: decade 2020

[Hameedah · Rating 3 out of 5]

E Arc provided by NetGalley.

I really enjoyed the book. It was well written, the pacing was just right. Also loved the plot twist, it was well done.

[Phil J]

I read five chapters and I will definitely be coming back for the rest.

It's amazing that a first-time author delivers so thoroughly on all the bases. The narrative voice is extremely well-crafted. The character interactions and partial information build quickly and beautifully. There is tension over both what happened in the past and what will happen in the future. The setting and character details build a vivid, emotional world and I'm excited to return to it.

I sampled five 2024 middle grade books this morning. Some had interesting plots and some had strong voice, but this is the only one that had both.

[Kelly Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one, and I love the vindication of kids in MG books finally solving their problems by Telling Any Adult. May they all learn that lesson and save themselves some heartache.

Also this book is Quite Catholic. Lots of references to Mass, parochial school, prayer and praying, and everything that comes with that. Noted in case thats either a bonus or a penalty for you, primarily because the cover and summary don’t make the prominence known.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine, I don't have anything particularly strong either way to say about it. I liked that it was about friends who fall out once they reach 6th grade because that is a really hard time when kids are changing and learning about who they want to be. The premise had sounded interesting but honestly once I started reading I wasn't that invested.

[Leigh Collazo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hundreds more reviews at MrsReaderPants

I loved this! Not the Worst Friend in the World is from debut author Anne Rellihan, who clearly understands 6th grade girl drama well. Is she a 6th grade teacher? A mom of multiple girls who were once 6th graders? No idea. She knows her audience though.

WHAT I LIKED
It’s authentic! The author really understands sixth grade girls and the friend drama that often occurs in middle school. We have Louise (Lou), who has a nice, supportive family and isn’t quite ready to wear make-up or flirt with boys.

Her former best friend is Francie, whose mother is likely dealing with depression. While the mother does live at home with Francie, she is emotionally absent and described as “sleeping or praying” all the time.

At the beginning of the story, we learn that Francie and Lou had a major falling out a few weeks ago. We don’t know exactly what happened except that Lou feels a lot of guilt over the terrible things she said to Francie. These come to light at the end, but for most of the book, we don’t know what terrible things Lou said to Francie.

Anyway, we add in a new student, Cece, who believes her father has kidnapped her. Lou befriends Cece and tries to help her figure out what happened to her mother and why her mother has not contacted her in weeks. This all sets up a dynamic with Francie, who seems jealous of Lou’s new friend and tries to befriend her herself.

As a former 6th grade girl, I felt ALL of this! Not one of these girls did anything wrong. No one is mean or a bully, even though they have said some not nice things. It was all just so well done, and I commend the author for that authenticity.

I also loved the family dynamics in all three girls’ families. Lou’s family is the one we know most about. Lou has a stepfather, who is kind and supportive and downright awesome. She has cute half-siblings. Lou’s mother seems a bit scatterbrained at times, but she’s also supportive and a good mom. Lou shows some ambivalence and awkwardness around her biological father, but this is realistically-written as well. I love books that show blended families in such a positive way!

Francie’s and Cece’s families are dealing with some more complicated issues, and the girls are handling that as best they can. The author describes the girls’ emotions and behavior sensitively and realistically. Chef’s kiss!

The possible-kidnapping was a nice mystery. I can see where Cece would think she was kidnapped – she certainly had some great evidence! As a reader, I loved trying to make sense of Cece’s clues right along with the characters.

Oh! And that Catholic school setting! I loved this glimpse into a private Catholic school. This also felt very authentic. This isn’t Christian fiction, and there are no religious messages or written prayers. But characters do attend confession at school. They have to complete a “Christ is Alive” project for class. They attend church events, and there’s a flashback to a Nativity play in 5th grade. It all adds to the story’s authenticity and makes Not the Worst Friend in the World a unique addition to library shelves.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
I loved the entire book! It’s engaging, well-paced, and character driven. I think many tween readers will identify with the three main characters.

DIVERSITY
Most characters are white. Lou’s stepfather is Black. Her two younger stepsiblings are biracial. All main characters are Catholic and the kids attend a private Catholic school.

ARTWORK/ILLUSTRATIONS
No artwork. Cover is okay but a little boring. I don’t think students will automatically pick this up based on the cover alone.

LIBRARIANS WILL WANT TO KNOW
Would adults like this book? Well, I sure did! I think adults who enjoy reading middle grade literature will find much to love.

Would I buy this for my high school library? NO – it’s too young for high school. Characters are 6th graders.

Would I buy this for my middle school library? 1000% YES. No reservations – this is a must for middle school.

Would I buy this for my elementary school library? Again, YES! No content worries for elementary, and I think the friend drama will resonate well with 4th and 5th grade readers.

MATURE CONTENT
Language: none

Sexuality: 6th grade girls flirting with 6th grade boys; it’s all very innocent and age-appropriate. One does briefly kiss a boy on a playground.

Violence: some mean girl bullying – tween readers will certainly relate

Drugs/Alcohol: none

Other: parental abandonment

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Lou and Francie have been friends since kindergarten, when Francie continually got into trouble for her outspoken ways. At the start of 6th grade, however, they are not speaking due to something that Lou did and regrets. Because she is no longer in Francie's orbit, she feels invisible at the Our Lady of Perpetual Hope Catholic school they both attend. When new student Cece shows up, Lou feels that there is an air of mystery about her, and agrees to meet with her when Cece passes her a note. The two have a few things in common, including a love of Fitzhugh's Harriet the Spy (1964), and Lou isn't sure what to make of it when Cece confides that she thinks that her father has kidnapped her. There is some compelling evidence: her parents are separating, her father has taken a leave of absence from his university job to come back to move to Mayfield, Missouri to be with his mother, whom he has not spoken to in a while and has seemed to dislike. Cece hasn't spoken to her mother in at least a month, and she has some evidence that before her mother left for a weekend with her Aunt Julie, she was planning on returning home. Lou agrees to help Cece investigate, because Cece doesn't want to go to the police and get her father in trouble. The two also end up working on a project for school together, and Cece has decided to interview local psychic Angel, and maybe get some help from her. Lou has a few problems of her own; her father lives in Kansas City, and her last visit with him was awkward. She likes her stepfather James, and her two young half siblings, but her mother is very busy. Lou doesn't feel she can tell her mother about the problems she's having with Francie. As the investigation continues, Lou starts to realize that Cece's father has not kidnapped her, but she doesn't know how to let her new friend know without making her angry. When Lou is scheduled to spend time with her father in Kansas City, Cece wants to come so that she can find her mother. When Lou finally admits that she hasn't even asked her father, Cece gets angry and lashes out in a hurtful way. When Cece goes missing after a birthday sleepover at Francie's, Lou knows she needs to speak up about her possible whereabouts and finally be honest with her friends about her feelings.
Strengths: While it might seem far fetched to adult readers that Cece firmly believes she is the victim of parental kidnapping, Rellihan does a great job of offering convincing reasons for why Cece feels this way. It is also realistic for Lou to be reeled in by this, and for her to discount other information that presents itself because of her desire to remain friends with Cece. The girls investigation is hampered by the fact that neither has a smart phone, and their corralling of sketchy technology to do their investigations does ring true. It was interesting to see the dynamics of a small town Catholic school, and the way the girls go about their project with April the psychic rings true as well. I love that the offered to pass out flyers to her, and also that April was concerned about Cece. Friend drama is a huge part of middle school and upper elementary, so I imagine that young readers will love "all the drama".
Weaknesses: The mystery would have been enough to propel this story forward, and the flashbacks to Lou and Francie's past slowed the story down. I'm also not entirely sure many second graders read Harriet the Spy now, and I know that teenagers are not reading magazines the way that Francie's older sister seems to be. My fairly good sized town (almost 40,000 residents) no longer supports a newspaper, the way that Mayfield can.
What I really think: This is a great choice for readers who loved Shang's Bubble Trouble (2023), Walker's Let's Pretend We Never Met (2017), Vernick's Water Balloon (2011), or Comerford's Rissa Bartholomew's Declaration of Independence (2009).

[Jelke Lenaerts · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a galley of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book has a content warning for ableism.

To be completely fair to this book, I am 10 years older than these characters. This book was NOT made for me. However, there a plenty of middle grade novels I can still really appreciate and love, so I tried. This book just simply did not work for me. I don't think it is a bad book, but the way things played out just wasn't my thing.
My only actual issue with this book is the unchallenged ableism around Francie's learning disability. I mean, when other characters than Francie make fun of her for her learning disability they do get called out. But there are several scenes in this book where Francie herself goes on and on about how she's stupid, and can never be smart or good at school things because of her learning disability. It is also constantly treated as a dirty little secret. It just put me off. Especially considering this is targeted towards a pretty young audience.
However, the rest of the story was pretty good. I absolutely flew through this book, and it didn't let me go. It was a pretty fun read, but also had it's hardhitting moments. I do feel like the topics broached in this book were also interesting, and I do think if I was more in the target demographic I might have liked it a bit more. However, as things are now I just thought this book was painfully obvious. I don't know. It might just be the age difference, but literally everything that was a mystery in this book just seemed so crystal clear. I do feel like I might have liked it more if one of the reveals came a little earlier, as now it just felt extremely repetitive.
Like I said before I think this book touches topics I think are very interesting, and also important for such a young audience. I think a lot of kids can really find themselves in what's going on in this book. I just kind of wanted this book to go a bit more in depth about some of these. I don't expect a real deep dive, but this felt so extremely surface level at points. I just don't get what the point of introducing these things were, if we would get nothing about it. So yeah, this book just did not work for me.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lou is the worst friend in the world. At the start of 6th grade, she said terrible, horrible things to her best friend, Francie, that she can't unsay. Words that let loose a secret Lou had promised to keep. Now she's a pariah at school; no one talks to her, and Francie has found a new group of friends. Lou would give anything to go back to 5th grade, before Francie started changing and being more interested in boys than in the games she and Lou used to love. Then a new girl, Cece, shows up at school, and asks Lou for help. She tells Lou that her father has kidnapped her, and her mother is searching for her--but Lou has to keep it a secret. Reluctantly Lou agrees to help, knowing she's the worst person in the world to trust with a secret. And as she finds out more about Cece's family, she doesn't know if she can both keep Cece's secret and keep her safe. Is it ever ok to tell a secret?

Though the main plot point behind Lou and Francie's friendship fracture is as old as the hills, and I'm frankly a little weary of it, there's no denying that it happens to a lot of kids and they will read it with fresh eyes. It's a good reflection on making mistakes and how you pick yourself up afterwards, and how everyone has made mistakes, including in their treatment of you. The mystery is good and unusual, and the way the girls investigate makes sense. There were an awful lot of characters, though. Lou's divorced parents, her wonderful stepfather and younger stepsibs, the father who hasn't quite managed to make his and Lou's relationship easy, all the kids in the 6th grade, all the people involved in Cece's mystery...it speaks well of the author that I mostly kept them all straight! I think a lot of kids will like this. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator's copy of the audiobook.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lou started 6th grade with a best friend breakup and things have been going downhill since then. She’s become an outcast at her Catholic school, watching her former bestie Francie move on. No one really pays her any attention until a new girl Cece asks Lou to help with an investigation—into her own abduction. Cece is convinced that her father has kidnapped her from her mother and wants Lou’s help to prove it. Told in dual timelines between the present and flashbacks to Lou and Francie’s friendship building from kindergarten, this is a story of hard friendship lessons, of understanding the difference between lashing out at a friend with hurtful comments and saying something to help them even if it may be an uncomfortable truth, and of dealing with really challenging family situations. I loved that the characters in this book act like real, messy kids who make mistakes and have to deal with the consequences in their relationships. In the end, I didn’t know if they were all going to be friends forever, but it was clear each of the girls had learned something about themselves and was trying to do better as all of their relationships evolved. Note that cruel words are said on-page about learning differences, but they are addressed directly and purposefully within the story when deciding if this is the right time for your MG reader to pick up this book. Highly recommend! Thank you so much to the publisher for the chance to read early.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm likely a bit biased because the author is a friend and one of my critique partners, BUT, even overlooking those two things I have to tell you that this book makes me feel all the things. I love a well-done contemporary middle grade book and NOT THE WORST FRIEND IN THE WORLD ticks all the boxes for me. It's got friendship, family, mystery, laughs, tears, and hope.

If memories of Harriet the Spy warm your heart but you also love a story with high emotional stakes, then this is the book you need to read. For kind-hearted Lou, sixth-grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School has become increasingly difficult since she said the horrible awful things to her former best friend Francie. She can't take back those horrible awful things, she can't make it better, but maybe she can help out new girl Cece.

Cece has a secret -- she thinks she's been kidnapped by her father and she wants Lou's help. Lou thinks if she can help Cece, then maybe she won't be the worst friend in the world like Francie says and maybe, just maybe things will be okay--for everyone, especially Cece who's desperate to find her mom.

NOT THE WORST FRIEND IN THE WORLD is author Anne Rellihan's debut novel and she's a middle-grade voice that's genuine and not to be missed. She gives reader characters you won't forget, a page-turning mystery, and effortlessly transports you back to middle school where friendship means everything.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the Worst Friend in the World
by Anne Rellihan
Pub Date 06 Feb 2024 Holiday House /Peachtree / Pixel+Ink,Holiday House
Children's Fiction| Middle Grade| Mystery & Thrillers
   

I'm reviewing Not the Worst Friend in the World through Holiday House and Netgalley:


Will Lou Bennett be able to keep a secret? She’ll do just about anything to prove herself to her new friend—and the best friend she betrayed—in this debut novel that is a modern-day Harriet the Spy with high emotional stakes.In this debut novel that's a modern-day Harriet the Spy with high emotional stakes, she'll do anything to prove herself to her new friend-and the best friend she betrayed eleven -year-old Lou wishes she could rewind time on the thirty-fourth day of sixth grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Missouri. 

Lou wants to go back to the ninth day of sixth grade, the day before she fought with Francie and said the terrible, horrible things she can't take backBetter yet, she'd go back to fifth grade when Francie was still the Old Francie. 
 

Lou gets a mysterious note from the new girl, Cece Clark-Duncan.There's a note saying she was kidnapped.Maybe Lou can prove she's not the worst friend in the world if she helps Cece. 

When Lou uncovers the complicated truth about Cece's family, she panics. Is she able to help Cece without hurting her? Will Lou lose another friend instead?


I give Not the Worst Friend in the World four out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

From kindergarten all the way through to 5th grade, Lou has been best friends with Francie, who is outspoken and feisty. Until, in the beginning of 6th grade, Lou does something that leads to a falling out between the two.

Lou quickly recognises that the estrangement is her fault, but is unsure about how to rectify the situation. In the meantime, she feels relegated to invisibility without the vibrant Francie at her side.

Desperate to prove her credentials as a good friend, when the opportunity comes up to engage with the new girl at their school Lou takes it. Unfortunately, having agreed to help out Cece, she may have bitten off more than she can chew.

Cece is convinced that her father has kidnapped her, and appears to have some grounds for thinking this. But once Lou discovers that this is a mistake on Cece's part, she is stuck between a rock and hard place, because this is one truth that her new friend does not want to hear...

This story has a lot of heart, and feels authentic. At the core of it is the need for friendship that we all experience, as well as the challenges of maintaining stable relationships between 11-year-olds. It will appeal to a lot of readers in the target age group, particularly those who are fans of more thoughtful stories.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the Worst Friend in the World is a commendable middle-grade book. The author, Anne Rellihan, does a solid job of portraying realistic emotions and situations for the young people in the story. She identifies the hurt of lost friendships, the need to commune with one's peers, and the pain of fraying families in a natural manner. The book addresses painful subjects, and the author deals with them naturally, letting the hard blows hit without too much brutality for this age group. Her percipience of the sensitivities of children is palpable.
The references to Louise Fitzhugh's "Harriet the Spy" added little to the story. Young people owning journals where they keep observations and reactions to the world is not unusual. I felt that rather than being an accolade to Fitzhugh's 1964 book, Not the Worst Best Friend in the World borrowed too heavily from it. While the character's practices were mainly dissimilar, the emotional repercussions were far too close for my liking.
Middle-grade students will find much to enjoy and identify with in this novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Workshop. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, Penguin Workshop, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Alexander Petkovski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the Worst Friend in the World is Anne Rellihan's debut contemporary middle-grade novel set to be released this February.

The story revolves around Lou Bennett, who gets in to a fight with her best friend, Francie. Seeking solace and connection, Lou befriends a new girl in her class, Cece, discovering a shared experience. However, their friendship takes an unexpected turn when Cece confides in Lou about a challenging situation involving her parents.

Cece, living with her father, expresses a heartfelt desire to reunite with her mother and goes so far as to claim that she has been kidnapped by her father. Lou, grappling with the weight of her own past mistakes, becomes determined to help Cece navigate this difficult situation. She doesn't want to disappoint another friend.

The author approaches difficult subjects with care and tact, allowing young readers to engage with the story while gaining valuable insights into the complexities of real-world issues. I especially liked the resolution of the novel, I found it satisfying. This novel is a great addition to the contemporary middle-grade genre and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[thisBandherbooks ✨☀️🌻Buffy🌻☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to @netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I wanted to read this because I have a daughter in middle school and I thought she would like this and I was right! She wants me to buy it for her for her birthday now.
This is an emotional yet wholesome mystery about a girl named Cece who thinks she’s been kidnapped and needs the help of her friend, Francine, to figure out the truth. The characters are real and the story authentic. Frannie wants nothing more than to prove she’s a good friend as many middle schoolers, especially girls, feel the pressure of.
As an adult, I could see from the start what was going on but I was still very entertained.
As a parent, I appreciated the humerous parts about imperfect parenting.
In the end, I highly recommend this to anyone with a middle schooler as I think they can very much relate to most of what’s happening in this book and they will find the mystery entertaining and engrossing. I will most definitely be buying this for my daughter to read.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I have never read Harriet the Spy, but apparently this is a modern day retelling of it. Eleven year old Lou went a bit too far one day and has become friendless in the sixth grade. Can she go back and write the wrongs or just live with what she did?

This was a fun read about the joys of childhood friendships. Especially when a new girl enters the scene bringing with her mysterious notes, a mysterious past and seeking Lou's help. Can she redeem herself with her new friend? Time will tell.

Since I’ve never read Harriet the Spy, I can’t vouch for the similarities, but suffice to say, this was a fun read with the emotional impact any 11-year-old would feel after being alienated from her best friend and ridiculed by the rest of her class. Yes the mystery of this new girl is slowly uncovered leading to a story that highlights the value of family, friends and community.

Not the Worst Friend in the World is Anne Rellihan's debut novel, I will be on the lookout for more.

Thanks her Holiday House (via Netgalley) digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

[Emily Deibert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Holiday House for the eARC!

A few days into sixth grade, eleven-year-old Lou says something really hurtful that causes her to lose her best friend, Francie. So when the new girl, Cece, asks Lou for help, Lou sees it as a chance to prove that she's not the worst friend in the world. But when Lou has to choose between doing what Cece wants and what Cece really needs, she'll learn what it really means to be a friend.

NOT THE WORST FRIEND IN THE WORLD was an absolutely fantastic middle grade debut about what it means to be a friend. Anne Rellihan so honestly portrayed the difficulties of growing up and growing apart from people, and I think readers of all ages will be able to relate to Lou and the lessons she learns along the way. The mystery of what was going on with Cece's mom kept me intrigued throughout the story, and the ending was so incredibly poignant. I absolutely loved this novel, and I can't wait to see what Rellihan writes next!

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE middle school book reads and so do my kids, as my oldest is in these grades and my 8 year old enjoys hearing the story!
The writing is very engaging for a middle school story. I loved hearing about CeCe’s story and also about Lou, our MC. CeCe is the new girl at school and she has a theory and she needs Lou’s help. Lou is the girl in school that everyone avoids as she spilled a secret for a former best friend.
The mystery of CeCe’s is really gripping to read about. I mean I couldn’t not finish this book! I was surprised but as an adult also kind of figured out the ending before it happened. I like how CeCe is trying to talk to her mom and she doesn’t understand why she can’t. That happens a lot in families who separate. And I loved the ending where the girls all have a happy ending for now!
I kind of hope that the author writes another story about Lou using her detective/spy skills so we can hear more from Lou, Francie, and CeCe!

[Ranjeeta Raam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this book! The author has touched upon different friendship dynamics that are rites of passage for middle graders. She has tackled them all very cleverly, giving clear solutions in the end yet not overdoing or preaching about it. The characters in the book are very realistic and well rounded, each of them having a clear and distinguishable characteristic. I especially liked how the author takes us in and out of the present by sprinkling their past in between chapters, which slowly unravels the reason for the rift between the two friends.
The author has chosen a unique theme of parental kidnapping that immediately caught my attention. The situations and plot points are very realistic and so is the ending where things don't all fall into place with a happily-ever-after. Rather, it teaches kids that things can change, and even when you forgive and forget, things might not go back to being the same. In conclusion, a very well-written, must-read debut novel!

[Flor Méndez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, beautiful book. It's actually the kind of book I'd have loved to read when I was 12/13, when my then friends started to change and get interested in different ("adult") things and I wanted to stay a kid a little while longer.

I also like that the author didn't antagonize Francie and her new friends beyond what was neccessary to the story, realizing that, besides them being kids, they're humans and humans make mistakes and are morally gray.

Cece's story was enthralling and even if I understood what was going on from the beginning (as a 28yo lol), it still plagued me with doubts while making me read with kindness in my heart to understand Cece and her search.

A wholesome book (and a debut moreover!!!) that I'd love pre-teens to read.

[SS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lou did something horrible, and it cost her the best friend she could have ever asked for, Francie. Now, she’s starting sixth grade, and she’s practically an outcast in her own classroom. Well, at least she’s not the only one: new kid Cece is also having a hard time fitting in. But when Cece reaches out to Lou to ask for her help, and shares her own greatest secret, Lou has to figure out if she can help her. Lou’s actions have already lost her a friendship with Francie, but maybe if she can help Cece, she can prove that she’s not the worst friend in the world.

I received an advanced reading copy of Not the Worst Friend in the World in exchange for an honest review. To read my full review, visit my blog here: https://stephsstoryspace.wordpress.co...

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lou is dealing with a major screw up with her best friend, Francie. The consequences at school leave her lonely and shunned. Enter Cece. A new girl with a huge secret picks Lou out as the exact right person to help her.

This story was raw and heartbreaking from many angles. The characters in the story were dealing with A. LOT. in their families. (As many kids do). It was a true view of how middle school girl "drama" infects all areas of their lives, but also gives a glimpse into the backgrounds and origin of the drama. I love that this book shows the ups and downs of friendship, guilt, and forgiveness. I also love that it allows the characters a religious existence that isn't mocked or presented in a derogatory manner, just a regular part of the lives of these Catholic school attendees.

Thank you Edelweiss for the E-ARC.

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughter and I read this as part of the Kansas Book Festival. It was a decent middle grade book about friendship. The main character was very stressed which stressed me out reading it a bit so I didn't particularly love it. Soo glad not to be a middle school girl! But a good depiction of it and all the friend drama. The characters attend a Catholic school and there was a new character that was really into astrology so that was an interest juxtaposition. There wasn't really a faith aspect which seemed like a missed opportunity. The main character was more afraid of confession, nuns, etc than catching on to the meaning of any of those aspects, but at 11 years old is probably a fair depiction.
It had some references to Harriet the Spy and unfortunately had a similar outcome which I was cringing from the start that may be the case. I didn't like that some character actions went too far (eavesdropping, stealing, lying, etc) so definitely has a lot of situations to discuss. Good descriptions to the bumpy ride of changing friendships, growing up, etc.
We hope to catch this author's session at the Kansas Book Festival.

[Cass Biehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Holiday House for the digital ARC!

NOT THE WORST FRIEND IN THE WORLD captures the epic highs and lows of being a sixth grade girl in a way that feels totally authentic. There’s something about that specific grade where some friends are changing faster than others, and keeping up seems impossible. Lou’s voice is bright, witty, and realistic, and I really appreciated how flawed she was as she navigates friendship breakups, secrets, guilt, big feelings, and apologies. Middle grade readers will resonate with the exploration of different family structures and what it means to be there for a friend, even when you aren’t sure what the right thing to do is.

I read this in one session in about ~3 hours. I’m excited for readers to get their hands on it!

[Aimee Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

6th grade couldn't be going worse for Louise ("Lou") Bennett, and it's her own fault. After a nasty argument with her best friend Francie, Lou is the class pariah. When a new girl arrives at school, and asks Lou for help solving a mystery, Lou sees a second chance to prove that she can be a good friend. But can she? And what does a "good friend" do if they know someone is in danger?

I enjoyed this middle-grade novel about the struggles of a girl figuring out who she wants to be and how far she's willing to go to help a friend. The characters are flawed but believable, and I think readers will be able to relate to both the internal and external conflicts that Lou finds herself tangled up in.

[Noël · Rating 5 out of 5]

The selling point of this middle grade debut is its authentic characters who feel and act like real kids within this age range. Who hasn't ever fought with a best friend? There's no unrealistic portrayal of kids who never falter in their kindness. At some point in every kid's (and adult's) life, we are going to make decisions and act without considering others first. And as a result, there are consequences. But through those challenging times, we learn humility, forgiveness and understanding, and that is what, to me, this book is fundamentally about.

This will definitely speak to the targeted age range and help kids navigate the complexities of friendship. The mystery of Cece's missing mother and if Lou will ever apologise to Francie will keep them reading to the end.