Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Engaging story focuses on kindness, managing insecurities.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Audrey L already feels like there's nothing particularly special about her, but when a second Audrey joins her class in AUDREY L AND AUDREY W: BEST FRIENDS-ISH, she feels even more ordinary. She feels like she isn't the best speller or funniest joker, a great musician or unique artist, but now she isn't even the only Audrey anymore. As the Welcome Ambassador for Audrey W, she's surprised at how much they have in common but still feels left behind until she discovers what real friendship can be like.
Is It Any Good?
Author Carter Higgins expertly portrays the worries of a kid who feels like she's the third wheel in every situation and a plain kid who doesn't stand out at all. Audrey L and Audrey W: Best Friends-ish is a kind reminder to readers who feel left out on the playground or in the classroom that they have special, unique traits that others will cherish. Audrey L's insecurities can feel a little overwhelming, but it's a very real portrayal of group dynamics in elementary school. The adults in her world -- her parents and her teachers -- are all about building confidence and helping her see how special she really is.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Audrey L. has a different confidence at home than at school in Audrey L and Audrey W: Best Friends-ish. Do you act differently at school than you do at home? Do you know anyone who does? Why do you think people do that?
What things are you good at?
Have you ever been the new person in a group? How did you feel?
Book Details
- Author: Carter Higgins
- Illustrator: Jennifer K. Mann
- Genre: Friendship
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters , Friendship , Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Chronicle Books
- Publication date: October 5, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 6 - 9
- Number of pages: 184
- Available on: Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: November 6, 2021
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
What to Read Next
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate