Best Friend, Worst Enemy
#1 in Holly's Heart Series
on Goodreads (243)
What’s inside...
Thirteen-year-old Holly Meredith's relationship with her best friend Andie is put to the test when both girls develop feelings for Jared, the new boy in their seventh-grade class. The conflict threatens to break their friendship, which they had previously solidified with 'Loyalty Papers.' As Holly attempts to resolve the situation with a secret plan, it backfires, teaching her valuable lessons about the true meaning of friendship and the importance of forgiveness.
Discussion points
How did the characters' actions show the difference between being a friend and being an enemy?
What could the characters have done differently to solve their problems?
How did the story make you feel about your own friendships?
What did you learn about forgiveness from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use real-life examples to connect the book’s themes with everyday situations your child might encounter.
Encourage empathy by asking how they would feel in the place of each character.
Praise your child for insightful answers and deepen the discussion with follow-up questions.
Discuss the importance of resolving conflicts and maintaining friendships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The protagonist learns to see things from their friend’s perspective, understanding their feelings and actions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to consider others' feelings and viewpoints during conflicts or misunderstandings at school or at home.
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: Characters in the story navigate through misunderstandings and arguments to find peaceful solutions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children effective communication skills and strategies to resolve disputes amicably with peers.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Through trials and reconciliations, the importance of friendship is a recurring theme, emphasizing support and loyalty.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cherish and nurture their relationships, understanding the role of a supportive friend.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Consequences
Explanation: The characters face consequences for their actions which teach them responsibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of being accountable for one's actions in their daily activities and relationships.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness
Explanation: Forgiveness is a key theme when characters make mistakes and learn to forgive one another.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to practice forgiveness, fostering a nurturing and empathetic environment in their interactions.