I think every girl and boy have gone through what Sophia has gone through. I know I have and being an only child and shy adds to it. Sophia can not understand why her best friend Camila wants to hang out with Christabel more than her. She goes through a series of emotions like jealousy, self doubt, anger and sadness. After talking to Mom she understands and starts a new adventure to find new friends. It is hard for children to understand that friendships change. They are still there but not as intense as it is when your younger. This book is a very good example of how to handle those emotions and move on. I recommend this chapter book for ages 7 up.

In the enchanting tale of "I Lost My BFF" by Jennifer Licate, we dive into the tender world of Sophia and Aaliyah, best friends since first grade. Their shared adventures, laughter, and common interests have always been the bedrock of their friendship. However, as life evolves, so do relationships, and Sophia finds herself grappling with unexpected changes.

The narrative unfolds with Sophia's surprise as Aaliyah starts spending more time with Christabel, introducing an element of uncertainty and insecurity. Licate skillfully delves into the complexities of jealousy and rejection within friendships, tackling the universal theme of evolving connections. As a reader, I was drawn into the emotional journey of Sophia, questioning if these shifts meant she did something wrong or if Aaliyah preferred someone else.

What sets this book apart is its approach to navigating these turbulent emotions. Through honest conversations and open-mindedness, the characters—Sophia, Aaliyah, Christabel, and Asha—embark on a journey of self-discovery and understanding. The narrative beautifully conveys the importance of kindness and respect in fostering healthy friendships that can withstand the test of change.

The illustrations complement the story, capturing the essence of emotions and adding a visual layer to the heartfelt narrative. Licate delicately balances the emotional weight of the theme, making it accessible and relatable for young readers while imparting valuable lessons about acceptance and the evolving nature of friendships.

As a reader, I resonated with the book's sincerity and its ability to address complex emotions in a way that feels authentic and compassionate. "I Lost My BFF" serves not only as an engaging story but also as a catalyst for discussions about friendship, change, and the importance of embracing diversity in our connections.

Sophia and Camila have been best friends for a long time. But when Camila starts to hang out with other people, Sophia is jealous and confused.

This book is so important for little girls or little boys to learn how to navigate friendships. I know people who are adults, who have degrees, who teach, and still do not know how to allow their friends to have other friends!

Just like the author's previous book, Am I Weird?, this book encourages communication between both the main character and her mother and with her friend. I Lost My BFF even give kids a script of sorts as to what to say to their friend about their feelings.

Thank you Boys Town Press and NetGalley for this e-Arc.

Sophia doesn't understand why all of a sudden her best friend Camila is spending time with another girl, Christabel. They've been best friends forever and in her mind she thinks she must have done something wrong. Sophia is sad, confused, and lonely. She's shy and it's hard for her to talk to other people. What can she do to make Camila her best friend again?

This book brought back memories of my pre-teen years. Having a best friend who all of a sudden starts hanging out with another girl, not thinking to include me or that she was hurting my feelings. It's tough being that age because starting middle school brought in a lot of other kids from neighboring elementary schools, and I depended on my best friend to navigate through this terrifying time for me. I never expected for her to leave me out as she made new friends on her own. As the author explained in the story Sophie's mom told her to talk to Camila and explain her feelings. I did that as well and my friend did not know she was hurting my feelings - she was just excited to make new friends. After that she made an effort to include me, but I ended up meeting new people who had the same interests in me and I started to hang out more with my new friends. Throughout time we eventually lost touch, but that's okay. Our interests differed while growing up and friendships will come and go. You'll know who your true friends are.

This book shows you that people change and your friendships may alter as well. When you open yourself up and try to meet other people you may end up surprising yourself. Friendships don't have to go away or disappear. They just need to be modified to include each other while building new relationships with others. This is a new-to-me author and I will check out her other books.

Thank you Netgalley and Boys Town Press / IBPA for the opportunity to read this book.

This was a cute & educational story for all young children on how friendships work. Also showing how to communicate with your friends & parents was shown very well. I enjoyed reading this!!!!

I Lost My BFF is a story about navigating changing friendships in middle grades. This is a tough issue. The main character, Sophia, learns about communication, jealousy, and feelings and gains solid strategies. Illustrations are engaging. I would highly recommend this story to students and fellow educators. Thanks to Boys Town Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this title.

I Lost My BFF
A book about jealousy and rejection within friendships
by Jennifer Licate
Boys Town Press
Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles
Children's Fiction | Middle Grade | Self-Help
Pub Date 26 Jan 2021


I am reviewing a copy of I Lost My BFF through Boys Town Press and Netgalley;



Sophia and Aaliyah have been the best of friends since the first grade, they would do everything together, and they enjoyed the same things. When they were together they always managed to have fun!




It’s not hard to imagine why Sophia’s surprise when Aaliyah starts spending more time with Christabel, and it’s interfering with Sophia and Aaliyah’s time together. Sophia finds it hard to deal with all the change. Was it because Sophia did something wrong? Does it mean Aaliyah likes Christabel better? Sophia finds herself thinking… I Lost My BFF


Sophia, Aaliyah, Christabel and Asha soon learn that it’s okay for friends to have other good friends, and not everyone needs to like to do the same things all of the time. Through the use of open and honest conversation they learn that friendship can change and grow as long as friends remain kind and respectful to one another, it will be okay.



I give I Lost My BFF five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

Sophia is sad because Camila, her BFF, is being distant with her. She's got a new friend and is hanging out with her often. Sophia finds herself alone and jealous. She does want to lose her BFF. She tries joining Camila and her new friend but they don't seem interested in her. This continues until Sophia can't take it anymore. She talks to her mom who advices her to communicate and express how she feels. But Camila is unaffected by knowing how Sophia is feeling. That makes her frustrated. Her mom further advices her to befriend other girls in her school. Mom explains her that friendship can't be forced, if Camila wants to have two BFF's she can. That Sophia should accept that while growing up we make many friends and not all stay. Amazing story with lovely illustrations and a wonderful message! Thank you so much for the copy!

This is a very relevant book for me as a mother to a teenage girl. Friendships and friend groups are a constant worry for my daughter. This is a great book to use as a discussion starter about jealousy and rejection within friendships.
I love the illustrations. And I love that the character in this book, and others in the series, work out their problems by talking to people they love and trust.
I would purchase this book for the middle school library.


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is a great teaching tool from the Navigating Friendship series by Jennifer Licate. It is about jealousy and rejection within friendships. I loved how it illustrated the importance of communication - having tough conversations as a first step to resolving conflicts. And most importantly respecting how a person feels even though it is hard and just being open to embracing many friendships even though you have a best friend.

*Thanks to Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and NetGalley for this Ebook in exchange for my honest review

I received an advance copy of, I Lost MY BFF, by Jennifer Licate. Sophia and Camila have best friends for years, until this year. This is very common in grade school and even high school, it hurts, but people change and move on. I liked the book, and the pictures in this book.