Kloe's New Friendship
by K. M. Selvidge
Hope Kelley Book Publishing


"He wants friends, and for people to think of him in a better light."

Kloe is excited to start another semester at Main Street Junior High, where she reunites with friends Terry and Ginger and befriends a new student, Jilly. However, she notices that Terry hasn't been herself lately and learns that she has a crush on Greg, a basketball player. Terry confides in Kloe, swearing her to secrecy. Kloe's brother, Wreny, approaches her, and she assumes he wants to connect. He guesses that Terry is interested in Greg, and Kloe confirms this. When Wreny embarrasses Terry by revealing her crush at school, Terry becomes upset and refuses to talk to Kloe. Frustrated by Wreny's betrayal of her trust, Kloe must find a way to repair her friendship with Terry while managing her relationship with her brother.

In her work, Selvidge explores themes such as crushes, the longing for belonging and acceptance, the challenges of being the new kid in school during the latter half of the year, loneliness and isolation, and difficult sibling relationships. Through the characters' perspectives, the author provides readers with insight into these issues. Everyone desires acceptance and a sense of belonging, but this can be challenging for those with a troublemaker nature, as it often breeds distrust, particularly in sibling dynamics. Readers who have experienced similar situations can easily relate to the characters' struggles. Another compelling aspect Selvidge addresses is the nerve-wracking experience of having a crush, which can resonate with readers who have been through it. Overall, Selvidge identifies relatable themes that are commonly encountered in school settings, making her work accessible and meaningful to her audience.

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