Worst Best Friend (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2—Mike and Conrad do everything together—until a new kid arrives in their classroom. Victor, a self-involved braggart who excels at sports, captivates Conrad's attention, leaving Mike feeling left out. At recess, Victor declares himself captain for a kickball game and picks only the biggest kids, cruelly telling Conrad he's too small to help the team win. Mike, the other captain, feels bad and chooses Conrad. Ultimately, Conrad apologizes and the boys make up. This tale about the vagaries of young friendship is predictable and a bit slick, and the characters are too lightly drawn for readers to become fully engaged in the story. The brightly colored illustrations move the action along and provide funny details. The cafeteria menu board advertises delicacies like "Chocolate Glazed Carrots" "Humble Pie," and "Broccoli Ice Cream." Kevin Henkes's A Weekend with Wendell (HarperCollins, 1986), Isabella Hatkoff's Owen & Mzee (Scholastic, 2006), and George Shannon's Rabbit's Gift (Harcourt, 2007) are all stronger titles on the topic.—Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME
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From Booklist

The author and illustrator of The Recess Queen (2002) turn here to boys in another action-packed picture book about power plays in the schoolyard. Mike and Conrad are best friends until big, flashy Victor joins the class, and Conrad abandons Mike to hang onto the bragging newcomer. At first kids may have trouble distinguishing who is who in the bright, lively computer graphics. But once it is clear that the small boy is Conrad, the twists and turns reveal the betrayal drama. Mike cannot decide if he is sad or mad, and the pictures show him seething and alone (“no room for Mike”), while on the next page Victor blathers about “Me Me Me.” But then Victor rejects Conrad for his team because Conrad is too small. Mike comes to his friend’s rescue, Conrad is sorry, and the friends high-five each other. A fun read-aloud that preschoolers will want to talk about. Preschool-Kindergarten. --Hazel Rochman

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Press; First Edition. First Printing. edition (September 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0545010233
• ISBN-13: 978-0545010238
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #116,035 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stories for Children Magazine 5 Star Review, October 5, 2008

By	V. S. Grenier "Stories for Children Magazine ... (Ivins, Utah USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

REVIEWED BY: Wayne Walker

It is reported that bullying is one of the big problems in schools today. Not all bullying is necessarily physical. Bullying can be mental and emotional too. Mike and Conrad are best friends. That is, until one day Victor comes along. Victor does not beat up on other kids, but he boasts and brags about how good he is at sports. So Conrad no longer plays with Mike but follows after Victor. Mike feels very hurt. His best friend becomes his worst friend. The next day, Victor and Mike are captains of the kickball teams, so when Victor's desire to win does not leave any room for Conrad, what will Mike do?

In addition to its being a fun read, there are some wonderful lessons in this story for children about the importance of true friendship, the need for showing kindness, and even the fact that winning is not always the most important thing. The lively illustrations will appeal to young readers, and observant students may find what is written on the blackboards in the classroom and cafeteria scenes quite amusing. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and looking at this picture book and recommend it highly. While the target audience is ages 5-8, even my twelve-year-old said that he liked it too.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Student Review, November 10, 2008

By	Ed Student - See all my reviews

The Worst Best Friend was a good book. I would recommend it to any child who is in kindergarten or first grade. This book talked about bullying and was an easy read so children would be able to understand easily. This book would be a great tool to teach children about the different concepts and what it means to be a friend.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEING DUMPED AND HOW TO DEAL, January 25, 2009

By	topangamaria - See all my reviews

Being dumped by a best friend hurts, even for a dude. The author navigates through the angst with comic gusto and classy resolution.
HIGH FIVE, HIGH FIVE, KNUCKLE, KNUCKLE, CLAP for a great story !!!