Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

To be completely fair to this book, I am 10 years older than these characters. This book was NOT made for me. However, there a plenty of middle grade novels I can still really appreciate and love, so I tried. This book just simply did not work for me. I don't think it is a bad book, but the way things played out just wasn't my thing.
My only actual issue with this book is the unchallenged ableism around Francie's learning disability. I mean, when other characters than Francie make fun of her for her learning disability they do get called out. But there are several scenes in this book where Francie herself goes on and on about how she's stupid, and can never be smart or good at school things because of her learning disability. It is also constantly treated as a dirty little secret. It just put me off. Especially considering this is targeted towards a pretty young audience.
However, the rest of the story was pretty good. I absolutely flew through this book, and it didn't let me go. It was a pretty fun read, but also had it's hardhitting moments. I do feel like the topics broached in this book were also interesting, and I do think if I was more in the target demographic I might have liked it a bit more. However, as things are now I just thought this book was painfully obvious. I don't know. It might just be the age difference, but literally everything that was a mystery in this book just seemed so crystal clear. I do feel like I might have liked it more if one of the reveals came a little earlier, as now it just felt extremely repetitive.
Like I said before I think this book touches topics I think are very interesting, and also important for such a young audience. I think a lot of kids can really find themselves in what's going on in this book. I just kind of wanted this book to go a bit more in depth about some of these. I don't expect a real deep dive, but this felt so extremely surface level at points. I just don't get what the point of introducing these things were, if we would get nothing about it. So yeah, this book just did not work for me.

Wow, I really enjoyed this book! First of all, the characters are EXTREMELY realistic. I know that my sixth-grade students would absolutely love this book and would definitely see themselves in its pages. It's fast-paced, character-driven, and authentic, and I really enjoyed the mystery element too. There were a few tiny issues I found with the writing, but that's mainly me being picky. Overall, this was a fantastic book, and I can't wait to recommend it to my students!

(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)

This is a great middle grade novel about friendship, family, and learning to adjust to the changes that happen to relationships. The story is well-written with characters that are multi-dimensional, relatable, and worth rooting for. I would highly recommend this to middle grade readers. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

If you've ever read Harriet the Spy and wished for an updated version, then this is the book you've been looking for. The parallels are clear and are freely acknowledged within the text. Lou describes how Harriet inspired her activities. So of course we aren't surprised when things go about as well for Lou as they did for Harriet. That parallel aside, this book explores two important topics - personal responsibility and secret keeping. Throw in a heavy dose of changing friendships in the middle grade years and it makes for an honest, often uncomfortable, ultimately realistic read.

Can Lou Bennett keep a secret? She’ll do just about anything to prove herself to her new friend—and the best friend she betrayed—in this debut novel that is a modern-day Harriet the Spy with high emotional stakes.

Anchored by an outstanding voice and a page-turning mystery, this remarkable debut novel honors the powerful middle school friendships that can both break and heal a tender eleven-year-old heart. Perfect for fans of Fish in a Tree and My Jasper June.

Not the Worst Friend in the World, Rellihan’s debut, follows eleven-year-old Lou Bennett, a keen observer of those around her. As sixth grade begins, Lou's still hurting from a falling out with her longtime best friend, Francie. When new girl Cece approaches her with a request to help her find her missing mother, the Harriet the Spy-loving Lou is drawn to the mystery, as well as the opportunity to be a better friend to Cece than she was to Francie. But as she learns more about Cece’s family, Lou can’t help but feel Cece’s story doesn’t add up—and that she might not be able to help. As the action shifts between present day and flashbacks to key moments in Lou’s friendship with Francie, the mystery of what happened to Cece’s mom and the painful reason for Lou’s fight with Francie are revealed. Lou’s grief and guilt over her broken friendship and diminished social standing feel authentic, and will resonate with tween readers navigating the social complexities of middle school. Of note are the story’s many parental figures, empathetically presented as fallible-yet-loving people who, despite trying their best, have their own flaws that affect their children’s lives and well-being. With an underlying message that friendships and family relationships can be messy, and sometimes there’s no easy resolution, Not the Worst Friend in the World deserves a place on the shelf alongside Harriet the Spy and the more recent The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman.

This was a sweet read. Lou and Francie were friends since kindergarten until Lou made a big mistake on accident. She befriends a new girl in town acece, and continues to navigate mystery, family, and friendship. I enjoyed this book! Thank you for sharing it.

Not the Worst Friend in the World was such a fantastic middle grade story!! I’ll absolutely be recommending this one to the kids at my library who are looking for a good contemporary story,

6th grade couldn't be going worse for Louise ("Lou") Bennett, and it's her own fault. After a nasty argument with her best friend Francie, Lou is the class pariah. When a new girl arrives at school, and asks Lou for help solving a mystery, Lou sees a second chance to prove that she can be a good friend. But can she? And what does a "good friend" do if they know someone is in danger?

I enjoyed this middle-grade novel about the struggles of a girl figuring out who she wants to be and how far she's willing to go to help a friend. The characters are flawed but believable, and I think readers will be able to relate to both the internal and external conflicts that Lou finds herself tangled up in.

Not the Worst Friend in the World
by Anne Rellihan
Pub Date 06 Feb 2024 Holiday House /Peachtree / Pixel+Ink,Holiday House
Children's Fiction| Middle Grade| Mystery & Thrillers
   

I'm reviewing Not the Worst Friend in the World through Holiday House and Netgalley:


Will Lou Bennett be able to keep a secret? She’ll do just about anything to prove herself to her new friend—and the best friend she betrayed—in this debut novel that is a modern-day Harriet the Spy with high emotional stakes.In this debut novel that's a modern-day Harriet the Spy with high emotional stakes, she'll do anything to prove herself to her new friend-and the best friend she betrayed eleven -year-old Lou wishes she could rewind time on the thirty-fourth day of sixth grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Missouri. 

Lou wants to go back to the ninth day of sixth grade, the day before she fought with Francie and said the terrible, horrible things she can't take backBetter yet, she'd go back to fifth grade when Francie was still the Old Francie. 
 

Lou gets a mysterious note from the new girl, Cece Clark-Duncan.There's a note saying she was kidnapped.Maybe Lou can prove she's not the worst friend in the world if she helps Cece. 

When Lou uncovers the complicated truth about Cece's family, she panics. Is she able to help Cece without hurting her? Will Lou lose another friend instead?


I give Not the Worst Friend in the World four out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I received a complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are mine.

This book is perfect for Harriet the spy fans. It will serve nostalgia if you ask me. It is centered around sixth grader Lou .Lou is a smart girl who writes and observes everything and at the beginning of the book she is estranged from her best friend Francie who she hurt by the way. Her life gets a shake up when she receives a note from the new girl Cece.What follows is a middle grade mystery that will keep you entertained. A page Turner and perfect for young readers and the young at heart.

Rating:3.5

A wonderful debut about friendship breakups and the growing pains of growing up! I think so many young girls will relate to the characters in this engaging sotry filled with mystery, humor, middle-grade angst, and so much heart.

“I knew better than anyone that anger and fear made people do things they wouldn't normally do. Terrible things. Horrible things. Things they would take back a million times over. If only it were possible to go backward.”

Louise Bennett is stuck with the terrible, horrible things she couldn’t unsay to her best friend since kindergarten, Francie on the ninth day of sixth grade. But when she receives a note from the new, mysterious girl, Cece, an ocean of problems is about to come right at her.

But sometimes, that can just be the solution.

In Anne Rellihan’s debut novel, a thrilling middle grade exploring strong themes of friendship and acceptance, readers will be astonished and shocked time and again. This book is perfect for middle grade readers, but also adults, who are in need of a comforting yet exhilarating book that takes them on a true rollercoaster full of mysteries, plot twists, and shockers.

I really think anyone will take something from this. As long as they have emotions and problems, of course. ;)

⭐⭐⭐️⭐. 2 5 // 5

~

I liked so many things about the book, and I think every aspect of the story is explored thoroughly. And for a debut book, I think this is amazing. However, like every book, this book has some weaknesses I would like to point out (as a very sensitive reader). But in the end, this just means the next book will probably be better!

First, let’s dive into the characters. And wow. Aren’t they realistic? I mean so realistic to the point that it’s like real life. And for most of the time, that’s a good thing. But sometimes, especially during the start of the book, this often serves as an unnecessary detail, and slows the storyline down. But besides their dialogue and quirks, there is also personality to think about.

The characters each had a clear, unique, and memorable characteristic and personality that made them round and dynamic. They were also very easily formed in my brain. And more, they each have their complex motivations, and couldn’t be more morally gray. And that’s for almost every single character in the book!

As for the plot… Well, I don’t think there are too many suggestions besides some plot holes! Some clues are very obvious for me, and the character's reaction seemed a little too slow. Also, if Cece’s mom is “missing”, there are lots of ways to find her.

But like the characters, it was so interesting and real, but is 100% a good thing. The plot itself isn’t predictable at all, and has an unusual story arc. There are two main plots; Cece’s “parental kidnapping”, and Francie’s friend problem with Lou, which also serves as an internal fight for Lou. There are also lots of catholic aspects, which did provide me with information I never knew before. It was fairly interesting to learn about.

And a brief talk on the theme, it was really well portrayed. Most middle grade books either focus too much on conveying the theme, or too much on the plot—things we don’t see in this book! Like I said, it’s heavy on friendship, acceptance, and identity.

And wow. Ain’t it realistic? Especially to sixth graders! (Really! This book is one of the most realistic books I have ever read). I can see how many kids can learn through this book that they are not alone, and provides them with a sense of understanding. I especially loved how Lou always carries her notebook and jots things down.

Don’t even get me started on the beginning and ending! I don’t think it could’ve been done any better. It was absolute perfection. The beginning very easily got me hooked, and the writing is also easy for me to get into. The end was too good, and sealed everything together so nicely.

The idea is simple. But how it’s depicted is really what makes this book truly magical, and even worth rereading (I don’t say this often!). My emotions have been manipulated more than I can count, and this book couldn’t be more fast-paced and character-driven. The whole time I was reading this, I was on the edge of my seat. It was so fun, that I couldn’t even stop reading it!


But here we are, after all the tension. It crashes down but becomes better again. Like Mrs. Johnson, Lou’s teachers’ prompt, I need to write some truths to carry with me for this book. Thankfully, though, Lou has already done it for us.

“Truths to Carry with Me
I. It's okay to feel stuck, to even want to go backward, as long as you eventually figure out how to keep moving forward.
2. People sometimes get hurt and sometimes do the hurting, but an apology goes a long way.
3. Even when you really, really want to hold on, sometimes you have to let go-so you don't miss out on what's coming next.”

Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

3.5 stars

I have never read Harriet the Spy, but apparently this is a modern day retelling of it. Eleven year old Lou went a bit too far one day and has become friendless in the sixth grade. Can she go back and write the wrongs or just live with what she did?

This was a fun read about the joys of childhood friendships. Especially when a new girl enters the scene bringing with her mysterious notes, a mysterious past and seeking Lou's help. Can she redeem herself with her new friend? Time will tell.

Since I’ve never read Harriet the Spy, I can’t vouch for the similarities, but suffice to say, this was a fun read with the emotional impact any 11-year-old would feel after being alienated from her best friend and ridiculed by the rest of her class. Yes the mystery of this new girl is slowly uncovered leading to a story that highlights the value of family, friends and community.

Not the Worst Friend in the World is Anne Rellihan's debut novel, I will be on the lookout for more.

Thanks her Holiday House (via Netgalley) digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

Brava to Anne Rellihan on a wonderful debut novel! This is a classic middle grade friendship story at its best: well-written, perfectly paced and plotted, exploring real emotions with depth. Such a terrific read.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC. I really enjoyed the book. It was well written, the pacing was great. Also loved the plot twist, it was well done.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Holiday House for the eARC!

A few days into sixth grade, eleven-year-old Lou says something really hurtful that causes her to lose her best friend, Francie. So when the new girl, Cece, asks Lou for help, Lou sees it as a chance to prove that she's not the worst friend in the world. But when Lou has to choose between doing what Cece wants and what Cece really needs, she'll learn what it really means to be a friend.

NOT THE WORST FRIEND IN THE WORLD was an absolutely fantastic middle grade debut about what it means to be a friend. Anne Rellihan so honestly portrayed the difficulties of growing up and growing apart from people, and I think readers of all ages will be able to relate to Lou and the lessons she learns along the way. The mystery of what was going on with Cece's mom kept me intrigued throughout the story, and the ending was so incredibly poignant. I absolutely loved this novel, and I can't wait to see what Rellihan writes next!

It was a sweet story about coming of age that I truly loved. I'm an adult, but I still love these stories. They bring back many memories of somewhat and sometimes painful childhood school memories.
Yes, kids can be cruel. Sometimes, it is to the point of downright bullying. I hate that in the worst way.
I didn't like Francie at all.
I loved the main character, Louisa. In a way, I kind of felt sorry for her being in the middle of things and not knowing how to solve them.
I felt like her somewhat. I knew what she was going through.
I do love the flashbacks of each different grade and how their big quarrel came about.
It isn't always easy to do the right thing without possibly hurting the one you love most.
I loved every minute of this cute and sometimes funny read. I finished it in one evening it was so good.
You will fall in love and learn to dislike them at the same time. You will also want to cry, too.
I'm giving this little book 5 stars. It will leave you thinking about these girls long after their story is finished. I hope more books like this will come along soon!
It is written in In Verse style and told from Lou's POV, which I absolutely adored! She's a wonderful and smart little girl who sometimes gets herself into some scrapes and others that she has no control over.
I now know what chasing the wind means and that my dear friends is a very hard pill to swallow because it feels like that's exactly what I'm doing. How do you truly let someone go that you think likes or loves you back only to understand they they really don't? Yes, it's a very hard pill to swallow. And it doesn't get any easier either, even as an adult. It's sad, really.
It's why I wanted to cry for Lou and later Cece. I think Cece was another favorite. I can relate to her, too.
I had a lot of fun with this book and along with The Things that Shimmer are two of my favorite middle grade novels for this year. Good books like this are hard to come by.
5 tars for a well written novel. I highly recommend it!
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to @netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I wanted to read this because I have a daughter in middle school and I thought she would like this and I was right! She wants me to buy it for her for her birthday now.
This is an emotional yet wholesome mystery about a girl named Cece who thinks she’s been kidnapped and needs the help of her friend, Francine, to figure out the truth. The characters are real and the story authentic. Frannie wants nothing more than to prove she’s a good friend as many middle schoolers, especially girls, feel the pressure of.
As an adult, I could see from the start what was going on but I was still very entertained.
As a parent, I appreciated the humerous parts about imperfect parenting.
In the end, I highly recommend this to anyone with a middle schooler as I think they can very much relate to most of what’s happening in this book and they will find the mystery entertaining and engrossing. I will most definitely be buying this for my daughter to read.