The Friendship Code #1

By: Stacia Deutsch, Reshma Saujani - introduction

Narrated by: Sisi A. Johnson, Reshma Saujani

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • This fun, accessible series is perfect for anyone interested in STEM and coding, published in partnership with the organization Girls Who Code.

“The 'Baby-Sitters Club' for the internet age.”–Glamour.com

Loops, variables, input/output – Lucy can’t wait to get started with the new coding club at school. Finally, an after school activity that she’s really interested in. But Lucy’s excitement turns to disappointment when she’s put into a work group with girls she barely knows. All she wanted to do was make an app that she believes will help someone very special to her.

Suddenly, Lucy begins to get cryptic coding messages and needs some help translating them. She soon discovers that coding – and friendship – takes time, dedication, and some laughs!

Critic reviews

“The 'Baby-Sitters Club' for the internet age.”–Glamour.com

“Between the integrated logic and the consciously diverse cast, a wonderful series launch.” –Kirkus Reviews

“An intriguing coding mystery.”—Scholastic Teacher

“The Baby-Sitters Club for Gen Z!” –Parents

“[A] chatty, information-packed reference guide peppered with real examples of women in technology.” –The Austin American-Statesman

“[A] fresh series starter…Readers will appreciate the characters’ diversity of interests and their love of coding…. A complex topic made accessible; recommended for elementary and middle school libraries and for collections that serve ¬budding coders.” –School Library Journal

“In addition to the computer science concepts, the book demonstrates different reasons girls may become interested in coding, as well as connecting it to other hobbies such as fashion, sports, and acting. The story also captures realistic friendship issues.” –School Library Connection

“The series shows girls that anyone can code; it’s for anyone who sees a problem and has an idea about how to solve it.” –Colorado Kids

“[A] fast read about a sixth-grade girl who can't wait to get started at her new coding club at school and works with her friends to solve a mystery. The story has a diverse group of characters and includes real-life struggles, such as an uncle battling cancer and a mother getting divorced. Parents who want to introduce their kids to coding/computer science might enjoy reading this, too.” –Common Sense Media

Reviewed by 9yr old

The first book was very nice. I especially liked the friendships. What I loved the most about The Friendship Code was the suspense. Throughout the book, mother and I laughed, were surprised, and we were bummed out when the book ended because we enjoyed it so much.