Best Friends Book

Gemma and Alice have been best friends since the day they were both born. But now Alice has to move faraway to Scotland. Can they remain best friends forever?

Children's Literature

Spunky, always-getting-into-trouble Gemma and prim, ladylike Alice may be an odd couple, but they have been best friends all their lives—literally. Not only were they born on the same day, in the same hospital—they even shared the same room! Their loving and joyful friendship is firmly established when the bomb drops and Alice learns she is moving away. Copious tears are shed; an attempt to run away (in disguises, yet!) is foiled; and ultimately the girls have no say in the matter. Many rally around Gemma: her parents and older brothers; her fabulously lovable grandfather ("Old guys like me don't count as people either."); her sympathetic teacher; and a kind-hearted, chubby boy named Biscuits. Meanwhile, Alice seems to have found a new friend, Flora, who is pretty and talented and rich and all-around perfect. At first, Gemma rebukes and mistreats Biscuits, blaming him for ratting the girls out when they ran away. Eventually they develop a sweet and warm friendship, but no one can replace Alice. As their joint birthday nears, Gemma manages to visit Alice—but Flora shows up, too, and it ends disastrously. By story's end, all works out and Gemma has grown up a lot in the process. Wilson has written another wise and wonderful book, equal parts heart and humor. The girls are tremendously easy to root for, and it is as sweet as it is satisfying. Sharratt's numerous illustrations per chapter are a fun and perfect addition. This one's a winner. Reviewer: Naomi Milliner