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I'll Be There (And Let's Make Friendship Bracelets): A Girl's Guide to Making and Keeping Real-Life Friendships
In a challenging world, making friends as a kid is tough. Luckily, authors Amy Weatherly and Jess Johnston are back with a new spin on their successful friendship book for women--this time to help tween and teen girls struggling with those awkward adolescent years gain their courage and confidence by learning to make real and lasting connections with friends. An honest and humorous take on the connection between self-acceptance and community, I'll Be There (And Let's Make Friendship Bracelets) is a how-to for practicing time-tested skills to establish quality friendships and navigate their ups and downs. For any girl who's ever felt uncomfortable in their own skin or is still healing from "friendship hurt," this book will teach them I'll Be There (And Let's Make Friendship Bracelets) will encourage and reassure girls by showing them the value and importance of healthy friendships. Whether breaking it down page by page independently or in a friend group, they're guaranteed to connect with the book's insightful activities and candid content, including From the supermom team that brought you I'll Be There (But I'll Be Wearing Sweatpants) comes a compulsively readable and highly interactive map for girlhood and friendship with a clear life in our crazy and chaotic "plugged-in" world is more fulfilling surrounded by real-life friends.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
208 pages, Paperback
Published November 8, 2022
13 people are currently reading
3174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 8, 2023
A cute workbook for young girls and a guide to friendship. How to make them snd how to be a good one. There are fun activities and a lot of really positive messages to help build confidence. Can't wait to share this book with my preteen.
October 16, 2022
I am loving this nonfiction middle grade journal series so much!
More like a journal with prompts and interactive exercises than a self-help kind of book, this one is filled with colours and creativity!
Haven't come across a journal on friendship this amazing. Choose it without thinking twice!
The exercises are quite helpful (psst! Yes, for you too, you frowning adults!).
I need a physical copy!
Thank you, Thomas Nelson CHILDREN'S, for the advance reading copy.
More like a journal with prompts and interactive exercises than a self-help kind of book, this one is filled with colours and creativity!
Haven't come across a journal on friendship this amazing. Choose it without thinking twice!
The exercises are quite helpful (psst! Yes, for you too, you frowning adults!).
I need a physical copy!
Thank you, Thomas Nelson CHILDREN'S, for the advance reading copy.
September 30, 2022
Love. This. Book.
I wish it was around when I was growing up. Amy and Jess are my people. They get it. And they write in such an engaging way, making the book enjoyable as well as inspiring and informative.
I wish it was around when I was growing up. Amy and Jess are my people. They get it. And they write in such an engaging way, making the book enjoyable as well as inspiring and informative.
December 13, 2022
This peppy self-help guide shares friendship advice and encouragement for preteen and young teen girls. The authors share stories about the ups and downs that they have experienced in their childhood and adult friendships, and all of their advice is realistic and honest. They tackle hard topics like when and how to end an unhealthy friendship, how to deal with rejection, and how to seek out more connection when you feel like you're surrounded by acquaintances but don't have a true friend.
The book is cute and well-designed, with activities and games interspersed throughout, and it will appeal to girls from around third to eighth grade. The overall presentation skews too young for high schoolers, but the advice still applies, so some older girls may be interested in this if they can look past the elements aimed below their age level. Most of the advice here is timeless. My only major critique is that I wish the authors had shared advice about mixed-gender friendship and addressed specific challenges about maintaining and developing platonic bonds with boys during this stage of life.
Although the authors originally published an adult version of this book, this is not simply a young reader's edition of it. They completely geared the content to children and created a different book. They did a great job addressing kids' concerns in developmentally appropriate ways, but fans of the adult book should know that even though this one is also from a Christian publisher, it does not have any faith content. The authors occasionally mention church as a context for some of their relationships, but they do not talk about God, share Bible verses, or address friendship challenges from a specifically Christian worldview.
If someone is looking for a Christian book about friendship for their daughter, this isn't it. However, if someone would see the Christian publisher name as an obstacle to purchasing this, they should know that this is on the same plane as American Girl books about friendship, which sometimes mention places of worship but are completely secular in nature. It's often confusing when Christian publishers are so inconsistent in what actually has faith content and what doesn't, but it's important for people to know that the adult and tween books from these same authors are different in this way.
I received a free copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
The book is cute and well-designed, with activities and games interspersed throughout, and it will appeal to girls from around third to eighth grade. The overall presentation skews too young for high schoolers, but the advice still applies, so some older girls may be interested in this if they can look past the elements aimed below their age level. Most of the advice here is timeless. My only major critique is that I wish the authors had shared advice about mixed-gender friendship and addressed specific challenges about maintaining and developing platonic bonds with boys during this stage of life.
Although the authors originally published an adult version of this book, this is not simply a young reader's edition of it. They completely geared the content to children and created a different book. They did a great job addressing kids' concerns in developmentally appropriate ways, but fans of the adult book should know that even though this one is also from a Christian publisher, it does not have any faith content. The authors occasionally mention church as a context for some of their relationships, but they do not talk about God, share Bible verses, or address friendship challenges from a specifically Christian worldview.
If someone is looking for a Christian book about friendship for their daughter, this isn't it. However, if someone would see the Christian publisher name as an obstacle to purchasing this, they should know that this is on the same plane as American Girl books about friendship, which sometimes mention places of worship but are completely secular in nature. It's often confusing when Christian publishers are so inconsistent in what actually has faith content and what doesn't, but it's important for people to know that the adult and tween books from these same authors are different in this way.
I received a free copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2022
OH MAN... so when I read the other book by these same authors (the one intended for adults), I was BLOWN away with the insight Amy and Jess have about friendship. Reading that book I often thought, dang- I wish this book was out when I was in middle/high school. It's that time in a young child's life when it's hard to understand why some kids are mean to you but others are nice. When you feel like you can't trust anyone because kids are so desperate for popularity that they will throw you under the bus in a heartbeat if the "cool" kids tell them to. So when I found out that Amy and Jess were writing another book- this time for young girls- I was so excited. And rightly so. Amy and Jess have a way of writing that makes the reader feel like they are talking directly to them. I wanted to read the book first before buying it for my daughter because she is only 7 and I wanted to make sure it was appropriate for her. She is in 2nd grade and ALREADY feels like she (quoting her) "gets along with everyone but doesn't really have any Friends." It breaks my heart because she is such a sweet, fun, outgoing girl! This book- it's perfect! I am buying this book for her along with a friendship bracelet kit for Christmas this year. I think this is really going to help her as she gets older and enters those teen years- to have this perspective on things. I plan on reading it with her to explain some of the more mature concepts but I am really looking forward to seeing how she puts all of this information to play in her life! Once again, I am SO impressed with the relatability Amy and Jess have with their readers! Great book for all the young women in your life!
November 2, 2022
This new book by Amy Weatherly and Jess Johnston is the book I wish I had when I was growing up!! Just like their book on friendship for adults, "I'll Be There (But I'll Be Wearing Sweatpants)", the authors show so clearly that, more than anything, to have wonderful friends we need to BE wonderful friends. Their heartwarming (and sometimes heartbreaking) stories about their own struggles to find true friendship are inspiring, beautiful, and often filled with the humor and silliness that will appeal to girls of all ages. I love the additions of places to reflect and journal, quizzes, word searches, and challenges. They are just right to speak to young teens and tweens. My daughter's are 16 and 18, and I am definitely going to give them a copy of this book. And "I'll Be There (But I'll Be Wearing Sweatpants)"!! I want them to know none of us are alone. We all feel like we are the only ones that are left out sometimes, but reading this, it's clear we are definitely not the only ones.
November 21, 2022
What an amazing book about being OK with who you are and how to have genuine friendships!
I wish this book was around when I was growing up. It’s written more like a journal with lots of writing prompts and interactive exercises than a self-help kind of book. My daughter is too young for this right now, but I will definitely be saving this and pulling it out when she’s middle school age or upper elementary. We all want to thrive in a community where we are accepted and this book helps point us to the right direction.
The exercises are quite helpful, I’d even recommend it for adults. And I’ve heard that they have another book – “I’ll be there (but I’ll be wearing sweatpants)” that’s geared towards adults that I can’t wait to get me hands on and read.
This books would make an excellent gift paired with a friendship bracelet making kit for any young girls ages 9 and up!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and not required to write a positive review.
I wish this book was around when I was growing up. It’s written more like a journal with lots of writing prompts and interactive exercises than a self-help kind of book. My daughter is too young for this right now, but I will definitely be saving this and pulling it out when she’s middle school age or upper elementary. We all want to thrive in a community where we are accepted and this book helps point us to the right direction.
The exercises are quite helpful, I’d even recommend it for adults. And I’ve heard that they have another book – “I’ll be there (but I’ll be wearing sweatpants)” that’s geared towards adults that I can’t wait to get me hands on and read.
This books would make an excellent gift paired with a friendship bracelet making kit for any young girls ages 9 and up!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and not required to write a positive review.
December 4, 2022
When I was twelve, my family moved from ousr city neighborhood in Indianapolis to a suburb. I did not know why I feeling the way I did, partly it was a big culture shock. I had moved from a poor to a rich area, and from racially and culturally diverse are to a totally white community. In the old neighborhood, we went to the library, pool, played games on the sidewalk and we all knew each other. In the new one, I knew noone, they were having piano lessions, ski trips and you never met anyone who had come from another country. In fact, in high school, we had our first student. I had gone to summer school in the old neighborhood and I was the only white student in the whole school.
I could have really used this book in seventh grade in a junior high full of cliques, sitting by myself in the lunchroom so many times. Because in the new neighborhood, we had to take two buses to get to high school and many of the activities were after school, I could never participate. This is a very bad situation, I think this must happen to a whole of students.
A lot of the skills, activities and quizzes are applicable to later life, and even marriage.
I applaude the authors and thank them for this wonderful book!
I could have really used this book in seventh grade in a junior high full of cliques, sitting by myself in the lunchroom so many times. Because in the new neighborhood, we had to take two buses to get to high school and many of the activities were after school, I could never participate. This is a very bad situation, I think this must happen to a whole of students.
A lot of the skills, activities and quizzes are applicable to later life, and even marriage.
I applaude the authors and thank them for this wonderful book!
September 27, 2022
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher (Thomas Nelson) and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
We all want to thrive in a community where we are accepted and this book just about points us to the right direction. It's a book about friendship, how to make them , connect and how to navigate the challenges of being a friend. I loved that the book was more interactive as it is written in journal format and included exercises that one could partake of. The exercises were helpful, interactive and relatable. I highly recommend it,
We all want to thrive in a community where we are accepted and this book just about points us to the right direction. It's a book about friendship, how to make them , connect and how to navigate the challenges of being a friend. I loved that the book was more interactive as it is written in journal format and included exercises that one could partake of. The exercises were helpful, interactive and relatable. I highly recommend it,
November 27, 2022
From my daughter because she stole my access and wouldn’t let me read until she finished it.
I loved this book! Once I finished chapter 1 I just sat there like wow. While I kept reading I could notice how my brain realized that I did a lot of the bad stuff. I think this book has really helped me with friendships and learning the importance of having a friend. I also loved the books connection with teenagers. It was definitely the most eye seeking book I’ve read so far and I can’t wait to read the rest of it!
I loved this book! Once I finished chapter 1 I just sat there like wow. While I kept reading I could notice how my brain realized that I did a lot of the bad stuff. I think this book has really helped me with friendships and learning the importance of having a friend. I also loved the books connection with teenagers. It was definitely the most eye seeking book I’ve read so far and I can’t wait to read the rest of it!
October 25, 2022
Thank you Netgalley for letting me review this book, my opinions are completely my own.
I found I'll be there to be the kind of book I would of loved in middle school. I'll be honest I loved as an adult as well. I greatly enjoyed the spots where one can write their feeling in a guided journal kind of way. I also like the spot for an adult, where kids can write to their adult their thoughts. I thought that was a nice touch
I found I'll be there to be the kind of book I would of loved in middle school. I'll be honest I loved as an adult as well. I greatly enjoyed the spots where one can write their feeling in a guided journal kind of way. I also like the spot for an adult, where kids can write to their adult their thoughts. I thought that was a nice touch
December 15, 2022
I received a copy of this book free for a review.
I really enjoyed the hidden messages. It had a lot of great information and girls should get a lot out of it but the praise "if you want to share your friendship journey with your grown up" bothered me. It sounds so politically correct. A better phrase would have been "share with a trusted adult".
I really enjoyed the hidden messages. It had a lot of great information and girls should get a lot out of it but the praise "if you want to share your friendship journey with your grown up" bothered me. It sounds so politically correct. A better phrase would have been "share with a trusted adult".
March 14, 2023
This was such a cute read! Definitely, anyone who wants to be a better friend can read this and learn some good tips. I also did enjoy the word searches and activities. I'm such a sucker for a good activity! If you are a young girl in school, an adult, or a parent with a daughter, this is such an amazing read!
December 8, 2022
This was a partial sample of the book and I love it. Even though it's geared to kids, the messages are for everyone. I can't wait to buy this for my daughter and for her friends. Also want to get the adult version
January 20, 2023
A great book, as the cover says, for “ making and keeping” friendships. Although aimed at girls, much of the advice is good for everyone. With all the problems of loneliness in our society, I hope the authors also write a book for adults.
June 4, 2023
I think it’s good. Not aimed at me for sure. But for some younger kids, it might help to understand that friendships come and go. It’s also designed as a workbook.
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July 5, 2024
Sends an important message to the girls of this generation. The anecdotes shared by the authors were real and very relatable. I wish I had this book when I was younger.
If you have a young niece or daughter, this is a great gift idea for her.
If you have a young niece or daughter, this is a great gift idea for her.
October 26, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
November 7, 2022
This is the perfect spin-off book of their adult version, but for our daughters and the younger generation of girls in general! Can’t wait to get my copies for my girls.
February 17, 2023
Great book about friendship for young girls/preteens. Best for 5th grade - 9th grade.
December 31, 2022
Easy 5. I feel like this exactly the book I needed when I was 12 but I'm so glad I got to read it now.
May 20, 2025
This was super cute. Definitely not meant for people my age but I loved listening to this perspective of making friends. It definitely made me appreciate my friends so much more. I also think it helped me understand the feelings related with some previous friendship break ups.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews