The Kind of Friends We Used To Be by Frances O'Roark Dowell 234 pages

This sequel to The Secret Language of Girls is an insightful look at the nature of middle-school friendships. Marylin, the fashionable, has just become a cheerleader and seems to have been adopted as a new best friend by the meanest of cheerleaders, Mazie. Kate, has no interest in girly stuff, and has just discovered an interest in learning the guitar with the hope of starting a female band. Is there any way that they can communicate again? They each make new friends, learn a lot about themselves and grow up a little in this charming story. Recommended for middle grade girls.