Collier has penned another endearing and relatable character in Zariah, the main character in THE BEST FRIEND BRACELET! Readers will land right in the center of a cast of characters experiencing friendship joys and woes. I loved the real-time portrayal of middle-school life and the uncertainties that come with how to show up just as you are. Don't miss this sweet, heartfelt read!

Nicole Collier has written another fun, endearing, and heartfelt middle grade novel exploring universal truths and concerns of kids. Zariah is a budding entrepreneur selling special friendship bracelets but struggling to find her own best friend. When she stumbles across a magical bracelet that allows her to become instant besties with anyone she chooses, the complications quickly unfold, even as she and another girl Theo become fake best friends for their own reasons. Altogether a delightful read!

A must-read middle grade! THE BEST FRIEND BRACELET perfectly captures middle school friendships in all their tenderness and drama. Zariah's middle school world - HOCO sleepovers, cliques, talent shows, the dreaded group project, and the terror of eating lunch alone - is so expertly drawn. And just as in all her books, Nicole D. Collier has crafted a beautifully realized main character kids will identify with and cheer for as she navigates friendship's tricky waters in her quest for a bestie. Young readers will be lining up for this one. My thanks to Harper Collins, Net Galley, and the author for the advanced read.

You can always tell a story by Nicole Collier by the beautiful, tender, and loving touch she imbues in her characters and their worlds. Vulnerability and honesty are Collier's calling cards, as are vivid world-building and a deep-seated respect for her characters, their families, and their struggles. The small moments of touchstone connection Zariah has with her father while he's away for work draw a direct, and beautiful line to her search for true, deep friendship.
Like Collier's two previous titles, THE BEST FRIEND BRACELET melds humor with heartfelt truths and wraps it all up in a beautiful story about the meaning of true friendship.

I highly recommend this for avid readers, crafters, and anyone with a heart.

Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an E-Arc.

Friendship bracelets are a middle school rite-of-passage, and this book weaves them into a delightful story of a young girl, Zariah (like Mariah but with a Z!), who makes such fantastic friendship bracelets that she sells them to her classmates. The only problem? Zariah would give anything for a best friend of her own, but she hasn't had one since the girl she thought was her best friend drifted away. Zariah discovers that one of her bracelets might have the power to magically gift her a best friend, but it turns out that a magical best friend might not be the same thing as a real friend. This story is sweet and poignant, and it will keep readers turning the pages to see if Zariah ever manages to find the (real) best friend she longs for. Perfect for every middle grade collection!