Best Friends, by Jacqueline Wilson [$15.95 hardcover] – Never mind that Gemma hates dresses, loves soccer and is always in trouble, and Alice loves dresses, likes drawing and is never in trouble. The two have been best friends since birth. They can’t imagine life without each other. But now Alice’s family is moving far away, and since Gemma has created chaos at their farewell party, Alice’s mother won’t be asking her to visit anytime soon. So, what will happen to their friendship? Will they still be best friends? This story is for 9 – 12 year-olds, who certainly know about best friends. How the girls cope with their changed lives (and how their families cope with them!) is described with humor, reassurance and affection, while acknowledging the seriousness and impact of separation. This is a fast-moving book with some interesting twists.