Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Mallory experiences a rocky start to fifth grade as her best friend distances herself and excludes Mallory from plans. But through trial and error, Mallory establishes a strong group of friends, both new and old. Friedman's focus on the changing nature of friendships adds depth to this longtime series. Black-and-white spot illustrations expand the story, along with text exchanges and diary entries. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

As Mallory starts her fifth-grade year, changes are in store and many questions arise. Is her longtime best friend, Mary Ann, really pushing her away? And if so, how should Mallory respond? The undeniable hurt is offset somewhat by help from two people who unexpectedly offer useful, outside perspectives. Friedman nails the first-person narrative as 10-year-old Mallory obsesses about the start of school, buys an exceptionally ugly cell phone cover, and gradually shifts her mindset. Black-and-white drawings and reproductions of text-message conversations illustrate the story, while an appended list offers Mallory series' fans 10 practical Do's and Don'ts for starting a new school year.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2016 Booklist