How to be… a friend

Anna Branford, How to be… a friend, Walker Books, July 2023, 128 pp., RRP $15.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781760657246

Producing pretend video tutorials such as How to fold your pajamas: the Morrison Method or Say goodbye to your dad with the KWaG technique: (Kiss, Wave and Go) is a fun way for ten-year-old Hazel Morrison to deal with life’s changes, such as navigating moving house and going to a new school. But when her best friend Laura starts to behave strangely and do things like forget her lunch, Hazel needs to come up with the How to fit more dried apricots in the snack section of your lunch box: top tips for beginners tutorial so Laura won’t go hungry.,

When Laura shares a secret with Hazel about her pregnant mum being very sick, Hazel has to do a lot of careful reflection on how best to support Laura and when and if its ok to share a secret. She is also learning how to deal with other things like Camilla, a girl in her class who is really mean to her and Laura, along with how to navigate such things as a school play, new neighbours and a missing cat.

This is a beautifully paced story about building friendships, understanding others and the importance of good communication.

Anna Bradford has one other book in this series, so far.

Highly recommended 8+

Reviewed by Mem Capp

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