Books are a perfect place to find a best mate. Whether you’re looking for a friend to round out your show-stopping musical act, a sidekick to help you get through your first love and the scary school dance, or simply a buddy to see you through the everyday, our list of books about BFFs has something for everyone. You never know where you’ll find your next partner-in-crime, so why not bury yourself in the pages of these tales about friendship? With a book by your side, you’re always in good company.
Hetty Feather has begun a new chapter in her life story. Escaping from
Tanglefield’s Travelling Circus with her dearest friend Diamond, Hetty is determined to find them positions as glamorous music hall artistes. Hetty and Diamond quickly become the Little Stars of Mrs Ruby’s show, alongside many colourful acts – including an old friend from Hetty’s past, Flirty Bertie. But the Cavalcade proves a dangerous place, and Hetty must fight to protect her darling Diamond, who longs for a normal childhood. Meanwhile, Hetty struggles to understand her feelings for Bertie – and for Jem, whom she has never forgotten. Hetty dreams of a glittering future for herself and Diamond. The bright lights of the London theatre world beckon – will Hetty become a true star? Add Little Stars by Jacqueline Wilson to your list to find out!
If you’re new to Hetty Feather, why not try the original, compelling and utterly fascinating tale from Jacqueline Wilson? It’s London 1876, and Hetty Feather is a tiny, fiery-haired baby when her mother leaves her on the steps of the Foundling Hospital. Sent to live with a foster family in the count
ry until she is big enough to go to school, Hetty plays vivid imaginary games with her foster brothers. Together they sneak off to visit the travelling circus, and Hetty is mesmerised by the show – especially the stunning Madame Adeline and her performing horses. But Hetty’s happiness is threatened when she must return to the Foundling Hospital to begin her education. The cruel matrons’ strict regime is a terrible struggle for Hetty, and she desperately misses her beloved foster brother, Jem. But now she has the chance to find her real mother. Could she really be Madame Adeline? Or will the truth be even more surprising? Add Hetty Feather by Jacqueline Wilson to your list!
‘My name is August. I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.’ Auggie wants to be an ordinary ten-
year-old. He does ordinary things – eating ice cream, playing on his Xbox. He feels ordinary – inside. But ordinary kids don’t make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds. Ordinary kids aren’t stared at wherever they go. Born with a terrible facial abnormality, Auggie has been home-schooled by his parents his whole life. Now, for the first time, he’s being sent to a real school – and he’s dreading it. All he wants is to be accepted – but can he convince his new classmates that he’s just like them, underneath it all? Add Wonder by R. J. Palacio to your list!
Wonde
r tells the story of Auggie Pullman: an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face, whose first year at school changed the lives and the perspectives of everyone around him. Auggie & Me is a new side to the Wonder story: three new chapters from three different characters – bully Julian, oldest friend Christopher and classmate Charlotte – giving an insight into how Auggie has touched their own lives. Thought-provoking, surprising, infuriating, heartbreaking and heartwarming, Auggie & Me is a must-read for the thousands of readers who loved Wonder. Add Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories by R. J. Palacio to your list!
Love is in the air, but what does that mean for Greg Heffley? A Valentine’s Day dance at Greg’s school has turned his world upside down. As G
reg scrambles to find a date, he’s worried he’ll be left out in the cold on the big night. His best friend, Rowley, doesn’t have any prospects either but that’s small consolation. Then an unexpected twist gives Greg a partner for the dance and leaves Rowley the odd man out. But a lot can happen in one night, and in the end, you never know who’s going to be lucky in love . . . Share in the hilarious adventures of everyone’s favourite wimpy kid, Greg Heffley, by adding the seventh book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney to your list!
“I know you are only a tiny little girl, but there is some kind of magic in you so
mewhere.” Meet Matilda, an extraordinarily brilliant child who can move things with her mind. But her thoroughly ordinary and unpleasant parents couldn’t be less pleased about their daughter’s prodigious talents. Matilda’s school isn’t any more nurturing, for there presides Miss Trunchbull: formidable hammer-thrower and loather of very small children. Matilda soon discovers that she has supernatural powers, and both Miss Trunchbull and the Wormwoods will come to realise that they underestimate Matilda at their peril. Add Matilda by Roald Dahl to your list!
Cherry Costello’s life is about to change forever. She and Dad are mo
ving to Somerset where a new mum and a bunch of brand-new sisters await. And on Cherry’s first day there she meets Shay Fletcher – the kind of boy who should carry a government health warning. But Shay already has a girlfriend, Cherry’s new stepsister, Honey. Cherry knows her friendship with Shay is dangerous – it could destroy everything. But that doesn’t mean she’s going to stay away from him . . . Add the first book in the Chocolate Box series, Cherry Crush by Cathy Cassidy, to your list!
Tina is a triplet, but she’s always been the odd one out. Her sisters Phil and Maddie are bigger and stronger and better at just about everything. Luckily, they look after teeny-tiny Tina wherever they go – but when the girls start in scary, super-strict Miss Lovejoy’s class, they’re split up, and Tina ha
s to fend for herself for the first time. Tina is horrified when she’s paired up with angry bully Selma, who nobody wants to be friends with. But when Miss Lovejoy asks them to help her create a butterfly garden in the school playground, Tina discovers she doesn’t always need her sisters – and that there’s a lot more to Selma than first meets the eye. Add the beautiful, heartwarming story about friendship, confidence and becoming your own person, The Butterfly Club by Jacqueline Wilson to your list!
What’s your favourite tale of friendship? Let us know using #SeasonsReadings on the@PuffinBooks Twitter.
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