Out now from Simon & Schuster BFYR
Written by Thushanthi Ponweera, illustrated by Maithili Joshi
Best friends Selvi and Divya, who live in Sri Lanka’s tea country, but whose mothers work overseas, have to navigate jealousy and loneliness when only one girl’s mother returns.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
ISBN13: 9781665921725
Buy a copy of My Best Friend’s Bangles
This lyrical story, set in a Sri Lankan tea plantation, reflects the reality of many children who grow up with a parent who works far away. The children’s deep bond, briefly fractured by feelings of jealousy, shines throughout the thoughtful writing. Colorful illustrations capture their lush surroundings and moments of joy and sadness.
A moving story about friendship, heartache, and making amends.”
Kirkus Reviews
The girls’ friendship is sweet, and their connection will remind young readers about the importance of apologizing, forgiving, and finding connections in lonely times. Though their mothers are back abroad at the end of the story, the girls still have rainbows: in the love their ammas send, in their attachment to each other, and in the glowing of their bangles.”
The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Thushanthi Ponweera’s poetic language paired with Maithili Joshi’s breathtaking illustrations make for a truly gorgeous book. But my favorite thing about this story is that it subtly features an experience that many children around the world live daily: having a parent who works and lives far away from them for most of the year. Selvi and Divya show that while not having their moms around can be challenging, their love for them, as well as each other, only grows stronger.”
Deeba Zargarpur, Editor
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