Description

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Chloe loves going to school, but the first few days of middle school felt different. Chloe didn’t understand why she wasn’t invited to one of her classmates’ birthday parties, yet all the other girls did. 

She felt sad and left out. These feelings and experiences were all new to Chloe. She was confused. She had all the ingredients of a great friend yet still wondered, "What do you do when friends don't treat you with kindness?" 

Find out how this brave girl navigates the trials and tribulations that pop up on her way to discovering the recipe for lasting friendship.

When other kids aren’t kind, will Chloe have the confidence to stand up for herself? Will she choose to surround herself with friends who treat her well?

This sweet children's picture book gives boys and girls a realistic framework on how to handle challenging situations that commonly occur in friendships.

This book comes with a free Reader’s Guide for children. The guide is available for free download from the publisher website. Lesson plans, activities and discussion questions to allow parents, teachers and caregivers to explore the topic further and deepen comprehension.

The best book for addressing friendship issues in school.

The Fruit Salad Friend by award-winning author Maria Dismondy carries the key message of conflict resolution, friendship and bullying supported by the many advocates of positive parenting solutions. It’s sure to round out your home or school library among other books that focus on being left out, standing up to bullies and having confidence. Like the work of Gabi Garcia (Listening to My Body) and Grace Byers (I Am Enough).

About the Author

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When Maria Dismondy was a little girl she was teased for her curly hair and favorite lunch-box fare, spaghetti in a hot dog bun. Many moons later, these and other real-life moments continue to fuel what is now her critically acclaimed children’s book writing career. Maria has penned nine books featuring topics that range from anti-bullying to overcoming adversity, to friendship trials and tribulations, and beyond. Maria is dedicated to empowering those around her through her roles as author, teacher, public speaker, community leader, and friend. 

Praise For…

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“Written by teachers - who clearly understand playground dynamics - the message here is that you’re not alone.” —Real Simple Magazine

“An excellent source of positive approaches to the problem of making and keeping good friendships among children, further enhanced by cheery, colorful illustrations of children interacting.” —Midwest Book Review