Not the Worst Friend in the World -- Anne Rellihan, Hardcover

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.

It's the thirty-fourth day of sixth grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Missouri, and eleven-year-old Lou wishes she could rewind time.

Lou wants to go back to the ninth day of sixth grade--the day before she fought with her best friend Francie and said the terrible, horrible things she can't unsay. Or better yet, she would go back to fifth grade when Francie was still the Old Francie.

Then the new girl, Cece Clark-Duncan, passes Lou a mysterious note. It says she was kidnapped. (!) If Lou can help Cece, maybe she can prove she's not the world's worst friend.

But as observant Lou uncovers the complicated truth about Cece's family, she starts to panic. Can she help Cece without hurting her? Or will Lou end up losing another friend instead?

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.

Author: Anne Rellihan
Publisher: Holiday House
Published: 02/06/2024
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 7.90h x 5.60w x 1.70d
ISBN: 9780823454792
Audience: Ages 9-12

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 11/13/2023
Kirkus Reviews 12/01/2023
Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2024 pg. 101
Booklist 01/01/2024 pg. 70

About the Author
Anne Rellihan is a former elementary school teacher and an alumna of Teach for America with a master's degree in education from Columbia University. She lives in Kansas with her husband and four children. When she's not writing, Anne volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. This is her debut novel. Find her online @AnneRellihan and annerellihan.com.