Description

Amanda Makes a Friend

A heartwarming story about courage, belonging, and finding friendship in a new place.

Starting at a new school can feel scary—especially when everything around you is unfamiliar. In Amanda Makes a Friend, Amanda leaves the countryside near Port Shepstone and moves to Durban with her family. Suddenly, she has a new home, a new school, a new teacher, and a classroom full of unfamiliar faces.

At first, Amanda feels shy and uncertain. But when she meets Anaya, she discovers that sometimes friendship begins with something as simple as a smile, a shared moment, or the courage to say hello.

Designed especially for young readers, this beautifully illustrated story gently explores new beginnings, friendship, confidence, belonging, and managing the nervous feelings that come with change.

Perfect for young readers

Amanda Makes a Friend is ideal for children aged 4–6, particularly children who are:

• Starting a new school or class
• Adjusting to a new environment
• Learning English as an additional language
• Developing confidence in social situations
• Learning about kindness, friendship, and empathy

What children can learn

Through Amanda’s experience, children are encouraged to:

• Understand that feeling nervous about something new is completely normal
• Build confidence when meeting new people
• Recognise the importance of kindness and inclusion
• Talk about their own feelings and experiences
• Celebrate the friendships that help us feel that we belong

A gentle story for little hearts facing big new beginnings.

📚 Bring Amanda’s story into your classroom, home, or reading corner and open the door to meaningful conversations about friendship and belonging.

From StoryBridge Academy — where every story builds a bridge.