'Kloe’s New Friendship' by K M Selvidge — A Review PLUS A Giveaway! #KloesNewFriendship ~

This post is sponsored by K.M. Selvidge. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kloe’s New Friendship

Written by K.M. Selvidge

Ages: 13-18 | 66 Pages

Publisher: Hope Kelley Book Publishing (2025) | ISBN: 979-8218824587

Publisher’s Book Summary: K.M. Selvidge brings back her characters in her second book of the Kloe book series. It’s the second semester, and Main St High is swirling with secrets. Kloe discovers that her brother is not always what he seems, and a new friendship gives her the courage to take matters into her own hands.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

K.M. Selvidge is an author and talented storyteller. She was a dancer, actress, non-proﬁt fundraiser, and animal lover. Watching her three cats inspired her to tell the stories that shaped her life growing up, in the hope that they will help others see that they are never alone.

INSTAGRAM ~ FACEBOOK

MY REVIEW

K M Selvidge’s Kloe’s New Friendship is a gentle yet emotionally rich story that resonates deeply with middle-grade readers and the adults who read with them. At first glance, it feels like a light, charming book about school life and friendships… but beneath that surface lies a tender exploration of empathy, identity, and the messy reality of growing up.

Plot & Characters

The incredible book follows Kloe, a junior-high student portrayed as an endearing anthropomorphic cat, as she navigates the ups and downs of school, friendships, and family tensions. When a new classmate arrives, Kloe finds herself balancing her loyalty to old friends with the hope of building new connections…. all while contending with the unpredictable behavior of her brother, Wreny.

Selvidge’s choice to cast her characters as animals with expressive illustrations gives the story both visual warmth and universal appeal, helping readers of all backgrounds find pieces of themselves in the narrative.

What Makes It Special

One of the most compelling aspects of Kloe’s New Friendship is how it captures real feelings without oversimplifying them. Kloe isn’t perfect… she gets frustrated, confused, and hurt… but she keeps trying which is a beautiful life lesson. Her empathy is sincere, and her effort to do right by others, even when she’s worn out, makes her someone readers will root for.

The dynamics with her brother add depth beyond a typical school story. Selvidge gently tackles the emotional challenges Kloe faces at home, illustrating how complex family relationships can affect young people’s confidence and social life. These moments are handled with a light touch that still carries real emotional weight and that is something that I can for sure appreciate.

Dialogues sometimes echo the natural, imperfect rhythms of real kids, and the heartfelt illustrations… especially the expressive faces and soft shading… bring the characters to life in memorable ways and honestly….I adore the illustrations so much as they bring the characters to life and give you a face to the name when reading too.

Themes & Takeaways

At its core, this is a book about:

*Friendship — both forming new bonds and maintaining old ones

*Identity — learning who you are beyond others’ expectations

*Empathy — understanding that people (and siblings) can be complicated

These themes are woven into the story so readers can feel them, not just read about them and I have to say it is what I love most about this book and story.

Final Thoughts

Kloe’s New Friendship stands out as a sweet and thoughtful read that speaks not just to kids navigating school drama but also to anyone who remembers the confusing blend of hope and vulnerability that comes with wanting to belong. Selvidge proves that stories for younger readers can still offer depth and authenticity… and that sometimes, the softspoken books are the ones that stay with you. This is the perfect read for…. young readers (tween and middle-grade), parents and educators who want a window into children’s social worlds, and honestly anyone who enjoys stories of real feelings and gentle growth. Chack out and grab a copy of Kloe’s New Friendship today! It makes the perfect addition to your child’s reading collection!