From award-winning Carolyn Mackler, the story of Willa,
who has been living with Sensory Processing Disorder but is thrown
for a BIG loop when her dad announces he’s dating Willa’s best
friend’s mum.
Willa likes certain things to be certain
ways. Her socks have to be soft … and definitely
can’t have irritating tags on the inside. She loves the
crunch of popcorn and nachos … but
is grossed out by the crunch of a baby carrot. And
slimy foods? Those are the worst.
Willa can manage all these things - but there are some things
she can’t deal with, like her father’s big news.
He’s been keeping a big secret from her … that
he’s been dating the mum of Willa’s best friend Ruby. Willa does
NOT like the idea of them being together. And
she does NOT like the idea of combining families.
And she does NOT like the idea of her best friend
becoming her sister overnight. Will she go along with all of
these changes? NOT
if she can help it!
Not If I Can Help it deals with themes of neuro-disorders
and changing schools with warmth and humour
For fans of The Goldfish Boy, A Kind of Spark
and Nothing Ever Happens Here
‘A quality, truthful portrayal of the general challenges
that come with different experiences of the world, whether personal
or familial.’ - Kirkus, starred review
Review
Praise for Best Friend Next Door:
[Mackler] gives a spot-on portrayal of the ups and downs of
young friendships. - Kirkus Reviews
[Mackler] insightfully portrays the complexities of friendship
and adapting tochange… An engaging, supportive read. - Booklist
Charming. - School Library Journal
About the Author
Carolyn Mackler is the author of the popular teen novels, The
Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things (A
Michael L. Printz Honor Book); Tangled; Guyaholic; Vegan
Virgin Valentine; and Love
and Other Four-Letter Words. Carolyn’s most recent novel, The
Future of Us, cowritten with bestselling author
Jay Asher, has received starred reviews, and the film rights
have been sold to Warner Brothers. Best Friend Next Door is
her first novel for a younger audience.
