FRIENDS FOREVER

by Miriam Chaikin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 1988

A fifth book about Molly, now in her last year of elementary school at Brooklyn's P.S. 164, in the 1940's. Several themes weave through this pleasant, episodic book. Yearning to be with her friends in the RA (rapid advancement) class next year, Molly has been cheating on math tests, but--mastered by her conscience--she finally gives it up, managing at the same time to take a small but satisfying revenge on suspicious seatmate Beverly, and winning the approval of a favorite, perceptive teacher. Meanwhile, boys are beginning to be interesting; Mother is studying in order to become a citizen; and news on the radio of events in Poland provide a dark undercurrent for this loving Jewish family that still has relatives there. Nonetheless, as the title implies, friends are most important to Molly; being poor doesn't matter much (no one can afford as many shoes as are allowed under rationing; when Aunt Bessie moves in, a cot in the room where Molly and her sister share a bed suffices). Egielski's occasional quiet, beautifully structured drawings help convey the aura of a simpler time. A nice extension of a well-liked series.

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1988

ISBN: 0595198791

Page Count: 119

Publisher: Harper & Row

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1988

Categories: CHILDREN'S