The Last Day Julian Was My Best Friend - by Jody Jensen Shaffer Hardcover

About the Book

A touching story of true friendship and the power of forgiveness. Best friends and neighbors Anthony and Julian are having the summer of their lives. Making pancakes, riding bikes to the beach, playing in the sand and surf...They have everything they need for an epic summer vacation. But Anthony is worried. He has a secret--a secret about Julian's missing marble. And he knows that once Julian finds out about it, he'll be mad. He may not even want to be Anthony's best friend anymore. So Anthony is determined to have the best last day as Julian's best friend...until he can't hold in his secret any longer. But maybe Julian has a surprise of his own to share with Anthony.

Book Synopsis

A touching story of true friendship and the power of forgiveness.

Best friends and neighbors Anthony and Julian are having the summer of their lives. Making pancakes, riding bikes to the beach, playing in the sand and surf...They have everything they need for an epic summer vacation. But Anthony is worried. He has a secret--a secret about Julian's missing marble. And he knows that once Julian finds out about it, he'll be mad. He may not even want to be Anthony's best friend anymore. So Anthony is determined to have the best last day as Julian's best friend...until he can't hold in his secret any longer. But maybe Julian has a surprise of his own to share with Anthony...

Review Quotes

"The tale delivers an important message about forgiveness and the importance of taking responsibility for wrongdoings...A touching exploration of the complicated dynamics of friendship." --Kirkus Reviews

"Shaffer examines an infrequently addressed childhood experience in children's literature: stealing toys from friends...Lew-Vriethoff's simple linework, bright colors, and uncomplicated compositions allow this story of childhood troubles to flow unencumbered. In the end, Julian's response shows readers that honesty and forgiveness are crucial components of true friendship at any stage of life." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"In this suspenseful friendship narrative, Jensen Shaffer examines what happens when one companion betrays the trust of another...[A] confession both ends the agony of unsaid words and leads to a surprising resolution. Breezy digital slice-of-life illustrations by Lew-Vriethoff depict expressive faces and summery landscapes." --Publishers Weekly

"With its underlying themes of friendship and forgiveness, The Last Day Julian Was My Best Friend is a charmingly crafted, original, and fun read from start to finish." --Midwest Book Review

"A touching story about friendship and forgiveness, one that kids will easily relate to and learn from." --Story Monsters Ink