LitPick Review
Have you ever felt like you had to compete for your best friend’s attention? Have you ever worried that your friend had “moved on” when a new girl came to town? Avery, the main character in Avery Appreciates True Friendship by Paige Ashley Brotherton, is faced with the same tough situation.
Avery and her best friend, Charlotte, both have fun playing softball with the Lady Tigers, watching action movies, and comparing their dirty jerseys. When a new girl, Shelby, moves in a few houses down the street, Avery is amazed to see that Charlotte has another side. It turns out that both Shelby and Charlotte love fashion, and they start going everywhere together, even to get facials before softball practice! Shelby soon becomes Charlotte’s closest advisor and comments like, “Softball masks cause pimples,” make it seem like she’s trying to pull Charlotte away from softball and Avery.
Avery is in conflict as Charlotte becomes more and more distant. Will Avery start following Shelby’s lead, or will she stay true to herself? Will her friendship with Charlotte survive?
Opinion:
The latest book in the Lady Tigers series introduces Paige Ashley Brotherton as the author of Avery Appreciates True Friendship. It flows well with the rest of the series, and like all the Lady Tigers books, I found it to be a fast, enjoyable read.
One thing that I appreciate about all the books in the Lady Tigers series is the way they incorporate positive themes and values. Avery Appreciates True Friendship emphasizes some important lessons about friendship: be yourself and don’t try to change to be popular with others, friendship shouldn’t be possessive - friends are meant to be shared - and try to work out your problems - don’t just give up on your friendships.
I would recommend this book for girls, especially those who love sports/softball, ages 8-12.
