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Our Friendship Matters
Leah and Sasha are 17-year-old friends who had been close to one another since elementary school, but as the summer approaches they find their friendship tested in ways they never anticipated.
Following graduation, Sasha’s privileged life and perception of the world around her is suddenly altered when an old childhood friend persuades her to join in a campaign against an injustice after his best friend is killed by a cop.
But joining the protest has unforeseen consequences for Sasha, distancing her from Leah, who becomes jealous of Sasha’s new friends and finds herself on the opposing side, protesting alongside her group of new white friends.
As the tension mounts between the two bitterly opposed factions, a tragedy strikes and threatens to make Sasha and Leah enemies. Can they find a way to resolve their differences, putting them to the side and learn to accept each other’s viewpoints? Or is their long friendship finished for good?
Following graduation, Sasha’s privileged life and perception of the world around her is suddenly altered when an old childhood friend persuades her to join in a campaign against an injustice after his best friend is killed by a cop.
But joining the protest has unforeseen consequences for Sasha, distancing her from Leah, who becomes jealous of Sasha’s new friends and finds herself on the opposing side, protesting alongside her group of new white friends.
As the tension mounts between the two bitterly opposed factions, a tragedy strikes and threatens to make Sasha and Leah enemies. Can they find a way to resolve their differences, putting them to the side and learn to accept each other’s viewpoints? Or is their long friendship finished for good?
- GenresYoung Adult
Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2020
About the author
Kimberley B. Jones
3 books137 followersKimberley B. Jones is a small country girl from St. George, SC. She followed her heart in college writing children books. Recently she decided to challenge herself and branch off to novels. She is your typical nomad who moves from place to place. Not by choice, but her husband is a nice looking military man. She has a bachelors and masters in early childhood education.
When she is not writing, she is either thinking of another topic or reading. She loves writing , it gives her a chance to escape into another human character other than being your typical mother and wife. If you don't want to be on her bad side, then she needs her white chocolate mocha every morning. Some days Folgers breakfast blend coffee is okay.
When she is not writing, she is either thinking of another topic or reading. She loves writing , it gives her a chance to escape into another human character other than being your typical mother and wife. If you don't want to be on her bad side, then she needs her white chocolate mocha every morning. Some days Folgers breakfast blend coffee is okay.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 11, 2020
With the current state of BLM aka #BlackLivesMatter movement and the whole world going through a state of racism between whites and blacks. Our Friendship Matters by Kimberley B.Jones was one of those books that were published at the right time and focuses on the different movements and racism. Sasha, though African-American herself, with her parents wealthy - they decided to send her to a private school called Chester rather than the public school Eastview that her childhood friends and some neighbors attend. At school, she is best friends with another wealthy girl who acts snobbish and wealth is important to her - Leah, she is also white. Similar to Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give this book starts with Sasha giving her childhood friend Ricardo a ride and then seeing him participating in a protest for #JusticeforMitchell. Sasha decides to do some research and learns he was shot by a white policeman and he wasn't doing anything wrong, just walking home. As she delves deeper and learns more, she is shocked at the statistics and decides that something needs to be done and starts spending more time with Ricardo and his friends. However, her private school friends who are mainly white don't understand and soon she finds herself on the other side of the fence and drifting apart from her school friends. What will happen though when Leah - her best friend decides to join a group aimed at white supremacy? When a tragedy occurs, can the friends make their way back to one another or will this tear them further apart?
Find out in this Black/White High School Friendship novel with a hint of Social Justice and Activism in Our Friendship Matters by Kimberley B. Jones. Fans of Angie Thomas's THUG will love this book as it talks about a lot of the same issues and speaking up for what is right, no matter the consequences as sometimes for something to change, we need to voice our opinions- no matter what.
Find out in this Black/White High School Friendship novel with a hint of Social Justice and Activism in Our Friendship Matters by Kimberley B. Jones. Fans of Angie Thomas's THUG will love this book as it talks about a lot of the same issues and speaking up for what is right, no matter the consequences as sometimes for something to change, we need to voice our opinions- no matter what.
August 30, 2020
✍️This is a story of two friends addressing social injustice, systemic racism, and prejudice.
Leah and Sasha are 17-year-old friends who had been close to one another since elementary school, but as the summer approaches they find their friendship tested in ways they never anticipated.
✍️Following graduation, Sasha’s privileged life and perception of the world around her is suddenly altered when an old childhood friend persuades her to join in a campaign against an injustice after his best friend is killed by a cop.
✍️But joining the protest has unforeseen consequences for Sasha, distancing her from Leah, who becomes jealous of Sasha’s new friends and finds herself on the opposing side, protesting alongside her group of new white friends.
✍️As the tension mounts between the two bitterly opposed factions, a tragedy strikes and threatens to make Sasha and Leah enemies.
Read the full story to know-
Will they find a way to resolve their differences, putting them to the side and learn to accept each other’s viewpoints?
Or is their long friendship finished for good?
Read the whole story to end your suspense.
Leah and Sasha are 17-year-old friends who had been close to one another since elementary school, but as the summer approaches they find their friendship tested in ways they never anticipated.
✍️Following graduation, Sasha’s privileged life and perception of the world around her is suddenly altered when an old childhood friend persuades her to join in a campaign against an injustice after his best friend is killed by a cop.
✍️But joining the protest has unforeseen consequences for Sasha, distancing her from Leah, who becomes jealous of Sasha’s new friends and finds herself on the opposing side, protesting alongside her group of new white friends.
✍️As the tension mounts between the two bitterly opposed factions, a tragedy strikes and threatens to make Sasha and Leah enemies.
Read the full story to know-
Will they find a way to resolve their differences, putting them to the side and learn to accept each other’s viewpoints?
Or is their long friendship finished for good?
Read the whole story to end your suspense.
December 13, 2020
A moving and heartfelt story
August 31, 2020
Our Friendship Matters by Kimberley B Jones is a coming of age YA novel that addresses several issues in today's times. Using the friendship of Sasha and Leah as backdrop of the plot or rather the centre of the story, the author shows the life of teenagers and issues troubling them on both side of the society- the privileged and not so privileged. The story and the lives of the 2 friends takes a turn when Sasha joins a group to protest violence against blacks which tests the boundaries of their friendship and also other relations. The story also beautifully delves on the point of how far is too far in the pursuit of justice and if any means/method is justified. A must read in today's troubled times
The characters in the story are all so real life and so part of the story The book grips you from the time the movement is mentioned. The best part is the book is neither preachy nor gives moral lectures but still teaches many lessons.
The characters in the story are all so real life and so part of the story The book grips you from the time the movement is mentioned. The best part is the book is neither preachy nor gives moral lectures but still teaches many lessons.
October 8, 2020
Our Friendship Matters is one of those coming of age books that should be in every school library.
Sasha is a black girl from a middle-class St Louis suburb. Her dad is a lawyer, her mom is a doctor, and they send her to the hoighty-toighty Chester Christian Academy. Sasha's best friend is filthy rich, Leah is a stuck-up white girl with a mean streak a mile wide, but Sasha adores her and puts up with her because that's what you do until the shark turns on you.
Some of the sly statements in this book:
Money is opportunity.
Money is resources.
Money gives you the ability to look the other way.
Money allows you the option to remain ignorant.
Money means you can celebrate frivolity during a revolution.
Money means you can drive away from a nightmare--but it might follow you in your dreams.
Also:
Protesting is hopeless.
A statement John Lewis would firmly disagree with and argue with the young to make good trouble, which I could see Sasha being able to organize and rally a world's worth.
But at the end of the day, this book is about the Pandora's Box that is our lives in our young and new adult years and how easy it is to light all the evils when we wake them up. It's good to challenge our curiosities and important to follow our hearts. Doing what is right is essential, but making good decisions is the most important thing to do to benefit the world around us. Our Friendship Matters underlines this with two bold marks. Making good decisions is what makes us good friends and family.
I definitely recommend this book. I think it should be on reading lists. It's timely. I don't necessarily agree with the politics as an adult, but this isn't speaking to adults--it's speaking to young adults, and the message is the best message to be sent to them right now. Just make good decisions.
Sasha is a black girl from a middle-class St Louis suburb. Her dad is a lawyer, her mom is a doctor, and they send her to the hoighty-toighty Chester Christian Academy. Sasha's best friend is filthy rich, Leah is a stuck-up white girl with a mean streak a mile wide, but Sasha adores her and puts up with her because that's what you do until the shark turns on you.
Some of the sly statements in this book:
Money is opportunity.
Money is resources.
Money gives you the ability to look the other way.
Money allows you the option to remain ignorant.
Money means you can celebrate frivolity during a revolution.
Money means you can drive away from a nightmare--but it might follow you in your dreams.
Also:
Protesting is hopeless.
A statement John Lewis would firmly disagree with and argue with the young to make good trouble, which I could see Sasha being able to organize and rally a world's worth.
But at the end of the day, this book is about the Pandora's Box that is our lives in our young and new adult years and how easy it is to light all the evils when we wake them up. It's good to challenge our curiosities and important to follow our hearts. Doing what is right is essential, but making good decisions is the most important thing to do to benefit the world around us. Our Friendship Matters underlines this with two bold marks. Making good decisions is what makes us good friends and family.
I definitely recommend this book. I think it should be on reading lists. It's timely. I don't necessarily agree with the politics as an adult, but this isn't speaking to adults--it's speaking to young adults, and the message is the best message to be sent to them right now. Just make good decisions.
October 10, 2020
Our Friendship Matters is a beautiful coming-of-age story with a diverse cast of characters. This story could not have come at a better time as it addresses several pertinent issues today. Through Sasha’s and Leah’s friendship, the author shows the social problems that still need to be discussed within society.
One of the things I loved about this story is that Sasha’s parents are accomplished figures, whereas, in most stories like this, her family would be a struggling family from the “wrong” side of town. Leah wasn’t wholly a likable character; however, she was realistic. It’s almost like she’s a modern-day mean girl.
In their senior year, a tragic incident happens that changes the course of their friendship. Sasha and Leah have to figure out how to navigate this new course while staying true to who they are, which you’re starting to learn that in high school.
I thought this would be a tough read for me, given the social climate; however, I couldn’t put it down once I picked this book up. Kimberley B. Jones tells essential stories in a way that everyone should comprehend. Her writing is clear, current and full of intent. I recommend Our Friendship Matters to everyone.
One of the things I loved about this story is that Sasha’s parents are accomplished figures, whereas, in most stories like this, her family would be a struggling family from the “wrong” side of town. Leah wasn’t wholly a likable character; however, she was realistic. It’s almost like she’s a modern-day mean girl.
In their senior year, a tragic incident happens that changes the course of their friendship. Sasha and Leah have to figure out how to navigate this new course while staying true to who they are, which you’re starting to learn that in high school.
I thought this would be a tough read for me, given the social climate; however, I couldn’t put it down once I picked this book up. Kimberley B. Jones tells essential stories in a way that everyone should comprehend. Her writing is clear, current and full of intent. I recommend Our Friendship Matters to everyone.
November 8, 2020
Great read on a timely topic. Sasha and Leah are best friends who have a lot in common, they both drive Mercedes, they attend a private school, they are popular, and they have hot boyfriends. Their differences though are what drive them apart in this coming-of-age novel. Sasha cares about others while Leah cares about no one. When Sasha decides to join in on the BLM protests following the shooting of a high school student, her whole world seems to turn on her.
December 7, 2020
Our Friendship Matters is an entertaining read with an important message in it. I believe this book has to have a spot in school libraries as it points out some issues of modern society and it clears out a lot of misunderstood truths. The book is well written and it is perfect for the time. Racism shouldn't exist but unfortunately, it does and itis important to teach our kids how to deal with it, no matter their skin color - everyone has to be involved in eradicating this big issue in our world.
I recommend Our Friendship Matters as a fun read that teaches an important lesson.
Julie
BooksShelf Reviewer
I recommend Our Friendship Matters as a fun read that teaches an important lesson.
Julie
BooksShelf Reviewer
November 7, 2020
OUR FRIENDSHIP MATTERS by Kimberley B. Jones
I WON an Autographed copy from Goodreads Giveaway, the author, and Rhetaskew Publishing. Thank you!
This book shuold be in every school library.
Black Lives Matter
White Lives Matter
Blue Lives Matter
Furry Lives Matter
Feathered Lives Matter
Scaley Lives Matter
ALL LIVES MATTER
*Every Day*
...... and true friendship matters.
I WON an Autographed copy from Goodreads Giveaway, the author, and Rhetaskew Publishing. Thank you!
This book shuold be in every school library.
Black Lives Matter
White Lives Matter
Blue Lives Matter
Furry Lives Matter
Feathered Lives Matter
Scaley Lives Matter
ALL LIVES MATTER
*Every Day*
...... and true friendship matters.
August 31, 2020
It is an easy to read story based on teenagers and throws light on the current issue of 'black life matters'. If you are looking for a light read which involves love, fun and drama then look no further. It definitely took me back to my school days..
October 7, 2020
A very timely YA book, covering a young girl who gets interested in BLM protesting because of a police shooting. Some of the members tactics make the main character, Sasha, uneasy. Book maintains an easy accessible tone. Leah's interactions with Sasha lent the story that extra pizzazz. Their disagreement offered the right blend of tension, humor, and sass.
Small nitpicks: author used celebrities on occasion to describe characters, even in the first chapter, and mostly I didn't get the references. I would have preferred a description; it felt unnecessary and lazy. Another thing was the change in pov of Leah. I found that a bit unexpected and I wondered if it might have flowed better- more suspense- if the author had written it all from Sasha. At times the povs felt a bit too simplified, but this is YA. Also, the ending lacked that extra bit of punch.
But overall I would recommend this as an enjoyable read.
I got this book from Reader's House in exchange for a free review.
Small nitpicks: author used celebrities on occasion to describe characters, even in the first chapter, and mostly I didn't get the references. I would have preferred a description; it felt unnecessary and lazy. Another thing was the change in pov of Leah. I found that a bit unexpected and I wondered if it might have flowed better- more suspense- if the author had written it all from Sasha. At times the povs felt a bit too simplified, but this is YA. Also, the ending lacked that extra bit of punch.
But overall I would recommend this as an enjoyable read.
I got this book from Reader's House in exchange for a free review.
October 30, 2020
A sweet tale of friendship
Sasha, a black girl, is smart, hip, and caring, not to mention well to do. Her best friend, Leah, a white girl, is snobbish and spoiled and uncaring. Also well to do. But they've been besties since they were little. Then a tragic event puts their friendship to the test.
I didn't think I was going to like this book at first because I couldn't stand Leah. I liked Sasha a lot and couldn't imagine what she could possibly see in Leah. But I found myself quickly becoming absorbed in their story and anxious to see if they would resolve their rift and if Leah would become a better person for it. I ended up being pleasantly surprised and moved. The book could still use a bit of editing polish--sometimes it reads like a first draft--otherwise it would be five stars. Much recommended.
Sasha, a black girl, is smart, hip, and caring, not to mention well to do. Her best friend, Leah, a white girl, is snobbish and spoiled and uncaring. Also well to do. But they've been besties since they were little. Then a tragic event puts their friendship to the test.
I didn't think I was going to like this book at first because I couldn't stand Leah. I liked Sasha a lot and couldn't imagine what she could possibly see in Leah. But I found myself quickly becoming absorbed in their story and anxious to see if they would resolve their rift and if Leah would become a better person for it. I ended up being pleasantly surprised and moved. The book could still use a bit of editing polish--sometimes it reads like a first draft--otherwise it would be five stars. Much recommended.
October 6, 2020
This young adult story was just wonderful! I love the diverse characters and a poignant, timely storyline that will force you to look at things differently.
Leah and Sasha have been friends since they were young children. While the color of their skin is different, they have never noticed, until a young black man is killed. Their world completely changes on them. Sasha gets involved in protests, while Leah feels alone and left out. With their friendship changing, can these two mend their strained relationship?
I felt that this book was wonderfully written. It's easy to read, and while it is a YA novel, I believe that it can be read by any adult, not just those interested in YA. The story feels real, with characters that are easy to connect with, and a story that is hard-hitting in today's world.
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Leah and Sasha have been friends since they were young children. While the color of their skin is different, they have never noticed, until a young black man is killed. Their world completely changes on them. Sasha gets involved in protests, while Leah feels alone and left out. With their friendship changing, can these two mend their strained relationship?
I felt that this book was wonderfully written. It's easy to read, and while it is a YA novel, I believe that it can be read by any adult, not just those interested in YA. The story feels real, with characters that are easy to connect with, and a story that is hard-hitting in today's world.
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
October 26, 2020
Our Friendship Matters is a thought provoking take on the BLM movement. The main character Sasha, a teenager attending a private school, is friends with Leah. Sasha is black and Leah is white. Their views on most things are similar, and when they aren't, it's not a huge deal. But when Sasha's friend is fatally shot by an officer of the law, Leah and Sasha's friendship is tested. Our Friendship Matters shines a light on the how detrimental an "all lives matter" retort can be to relationships, especially during times of grieving. Kimberly B. Jones crafts beatiful characters and moments of strife within her novel. It's a worthwhile read that will spark necessary conversations between adults and young adults.
October 11, 2020
This book is thought-provoking read for teens trying to make sense of the current tension between the black lives matter movement, and those who push back with the sentiment that "all lives matter." It is written from the perspectives of a private-schooled black teen and her very wealthy white friend. When the story first began, I had trouble connecting with the privileged, popular-girl lives of both of the main characters. However, I was quickly drawn in as the story shifted, and both girls had very different reactions to protests following the death of a local black teen at the hands of police. I think the book painted a unique picture, and is a worthwhile read in our troubled times.
September 8, 2020
A great story from a great author. Any agent would be privileged to have her on board.
Power to the people.
Power to the people.
October 17, 2020
Very good read especially with what has been going on within the race issues.
September 20, 2020
This is a heart wrenching novel of two privileged girls exploring opposite sides of BLM. The story starts brilliantly, setting up the girls motivations, and the ensuing drama follows naturally. Throughout the tale, the merits and arguments for and against the BLM movement are explored with deft hands. Timely and thought provoking.
Read
October 17, 2020A contemporary ya novel about two friends struggling a friendship during an injustice of police brutality.
If you like books about social justice, friendship, or books that can change the world we live in today- you’re going to enjoy this book!
Start reading here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Available in paperback, ebook, and Kindle Unlimited
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If you like books about social justice, friendship, or books that can change the world we live in today- you’re going to enjoy this book!
Start reading here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Available in paperback, ebook, and Kindle Unlimited
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November 5, 2020
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Two of the things that are quickest to make me give up reading a book are spelling and grammar errors, and stitled, overly formal dialogue. This book suffered immensely from both. I simultaneously felt like I was reading a book about first graders rather than teenagers, while reading dialogue that felt like it was a business exchange between two adult strangers. I never got as far as the importance of the subject matter because the text itself was so amateur it was unreadable.
Two of the things that are quickest to make me give up reading a book are spelling and grammar errors, and stitled, overly formal dialogue. This book suffered immensely from both. I simultaneously felt like I was reading a book about first graders rather than teenagers, while reading dialogue that felt like it was a business exchange between two adult strangers. I never got as far as the importance of the subject matter because the text itself was so amateur it was unreadable.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews