Chopstick

Chopstick is the second book in Sandra Byrd's Friends for a Season Series. From the outside, it might seem like thirteen-year-old Paige has it all: a wealthy family, outgoing siblings, a beautiful home, and a great wardrobe. But Paige isn't happy. She feels invisible. If only her family and friends could see how talented she was. When she sees the ad for the Worship Works contest, she knows she's found the perfect way to let her gifts shine before others. Plus, the $400 prize is just what she needs to sponsor two elderly people to get a pet this Christmas. Thirteen-year-old Kate really does have it all together. She leads the worship team at her church, has lots of friends, and is beautiful. But Kate isn't happy, either. She's tired of being poor. Her father, a pastor of a small church, works two jobs just to scrape by. People are always giving them clothing and food, which really embarrasses Kate. If she can't even afford day-to-day life, how will she find the money for the Wee Care for Kids Christmas program? The Wonder Works contest presents an answer. The money will be just enough. The two girls meet over the sale of a guitar and become instant friends. They have music in common and decide that a pair of chopsticks will be their "team uniform" since musicians don't wear team jerseys. They discover they're both entered in the same contest. Each girl believes winning the contest will be an answer to prayer, but only one girl can win. Who will it be? And can their friendship survive this competition? I thoroughly enjoyed Chopstick. I fell in love with both girls as they struggled to find their way. They suffered relatable struggles and sacrificed bits of themselves to make their friendship work. Readers will love these girls and their story, which works out to a wonderful and surprising conclusion. Highly Recommended. Check out the other books in the series: Red Velvet (Friends for a Season), Daisy Chains (Friends for a Season), and Island Girl (Friends for a Season).

I'm a fan of Sandra Byrd's books; they provide, for me, encouragement and a sense of identification with the characters--and entertainment to top it off! Chopsticks is a manifestation of these characteristics--the interesting plot, the dynamic characters, the warm message between the lines--it's both a satisfying and an enjoyable read.

This is a fantastic book about true friendship, competition, helping others, and trying to do your best. It touches on young adult issues such as family difficulties, kids who are popular and kids who feel left out, and of course guys. You will enjoy reading this one!

A 13-year-old experiences dilemmas just as adults do. Sandra Byrd, in her Friends for a Season novel Chopstick, introduces readers to Paige Winsome and Kate Kennedy who are no different from anyone else in the problem arena. The two girls meet because of a guitar and become friends. Paige Winsome feels ignored by her sister, brother and parents. She's unsure of herself, has few friends but loves music and God. She just wants to be noticed for her talent. Kate Kennedy is the only child of a pastor and his wife. She loves God, is loved by her family, has plenty of friends and her voice is appreciated by all. But her family struggles financially and must take charity from others and then listen to the comments they make while giving. Both Paige and Kate have musical talent and take joy in helping others. A singer-songwriter contest with a $400 prize could be the answer to each girl's particular problem. Paige believes she can get the attention and recognition she yearns for and Kate will be able to give to her favorite projects without asking for others to donate. The issue occurs when the new friends discover they have both entered the contest. Only one girl can win. Will their friendship suffer as they compete? Will they each be willing to give of themselves and their talent to help the other? Will they understand the importance of God's children working together? Armchair Interviews says that Chopstick is a great story with a powerful message of the love of and for God, the importance of friendship and the peace that comes from having faith that God will meet your needs. It is a message of doing what's right. This is a must read for young adults. The meaning of the title will delight readers.