Nikki and Deja

Meet Nikki and Deja, who live next door to each other and are best friends. They do everything together—watch Saturday morning cartoons, play jacks, jump double dutch at recess, and help each other with their homework for Mrs. Shelby's third-grade class. But when an arrogant new girl arrives and Nikki and Deja form a club that would exclude her, the results are not what they expect. This warm, easy-to-read chapter book from an award-winning author captures all the joys and complexities of elementary school life—particularly friendships and cliques—with finesse and humor. What happens when a new girl puts the ultimate friendship to the test? Best Friends: Nikki and Deja live next door and do everything together, until a new girl threatens to come between them. Third Grade Life: From homework in Mrs. Shelby's class to jumping double dutch at recess, this story captures the authentic world of an elementary schooler. Navigating Cliques: When Nikki and Deja start an exclusive club, they learn a tough lesson about kindness and who gets left out. Diverse Characters: An early chapter book that provides a much-needed mirror for young Black readers and a window for others into a warm, relatable friendship.