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.
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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.
GUEST POST
Kloe’s New Friendship
KM Selvidge
Guest Post Two
Topic: Inspiration for This Story
The Storm Within
I never understood why people are so frightened of the saying, “be careful what you wish for”. Why is wishing for something positive a negative? I only wished for a sibling I could talk to, play games with, or just hang out with. That seemed innocent enough to me. However, I didn’t receive that wish or anything close to it.
In many families, as it did with mine, an older sibling sets the tone for household interactions. When that sibling exhibits violent behavior or suffers from untreated mental illness, the home can become unpredictable and, at times, unsafe. As a younger sibling I always felt like I was walking on eggshells, constantly assessing his mood to avoid potential outbursts or conflict.
My brother was a tempest in human form. Our house, nestled quietly at the end of lovely Cul de sac, often trembled under the weight of his rage. Since childhood, the signs were there—violent outbursts over the slightest provocation, broken toys, shattered picture frames, and bruised walls that seemed to echo his pain long after the sounds had faded.
Growing up, I learned to read the weather of his moods. The blue-sky days were few and far between. Most often, clouds gathered: a slammed door, guttural shouts reverberating through the floorboards, and the sharp, metallic fear that always lingered in my chest.
One of the worst days that I can still remember was one winter night, when dinner was interrupted by an argument that spun out of control. He hurled a chair across the kitchen, splintering it against the wall. Our father tried to soothe him, but his words only stoked the fire. He rushed out into the cold and vanished into the night while we stood together in uneasy silence. Those episodes became increasingly common. My parents were at a loss, struggling to understand his troubles and how to help.
Afterward, I sat in his empty room, looking at the posters of rock bands and comic book heroes. As I considered this phenomenon, I found myself contemplating the subtle and profound ways it influenced the development of my brother's identity. It led me to examine not only his experiences but also the broader context and our shared journey, making me wonder how these forces contributed to who he has become. There were actual times when he could be the gentle and funny brother. That brother had vanished, carried off by a storm that no one could tame. His illness was a cage, and we were all trapped inside with him.
As a child in this environment, I often experience heightened anxiety, fear, or guilt. I would internalize my brother’s struggles, wondering if somehow, I was to blame or if I could do more to help. These emotions played upon my self-esteem, difficulty trusting others, or challenges in forming healthy relationships to this very day.
As I tried to navigate these challenges, I developed coping skills—some constructive, others less so. I aimed at seeking solace in my friends, at school, or hobbies like cheerleading or dancing. In my family, open communication was severely lacking which heightened my sense of isolation and made it much harder for me to seek help or express any difficult feelings.
Now, years later, I still flinch at loud noises and sudden movements. The scars on my heart are invisible, but real. Some nights, brief memories of him return—a smile, an apology, a promise—each revealing his brighter side. Those memories keep me hoping for blue-sky days, even as the storm clouds gather again.
The journey of learning from a mentally ill brother is a personal and transformative experience. It involves understanding the complexities of mental illness, the importance of self-care, and the value of sharing one’s story.
I write these stories to not only offer myself a chance for personal reflection and healing but to let others know they are not alone. What they feel is happening inside their family dynamics is real. My goal is to assist with:
1. Raise Awareness
Sharing my sibling’s experience with mental illness can increase understanding, dispel myths, reduce stigma, and educate others about mental health realities.
2. Providing Support to Others
I share my story to help families facing similar challenges feel understood and supported.
3. Encouraging Open Dialogue
Storybooks can spark meaningful discussions about mental illness among families and communities, encouraging openness and helping to lessen feelings of shame. I believe it is crucial to introduce necessary changes.
4. Promoting Advocacy and Change
Personal stories can motivate people to support mental health efforts, push for improved services, or engage in policy change.
5. Empowering Support from Adults
Support from caring adults, whether parents, teachers, or counselors, can make a significant difference. Acknowledging the reality of the situation and providing a safe space to talk about it helps children feel seen and validated. Professional counseling may be necessary not only for the sibling with mental illness but for the entire family, to foster healing and understanding.
6. Preserving Family History
By writing about my sibling's experiences, I aim to honor their journey and inspire resilience in future generations.
6. Fostering Personal Healing
Writing can be therapeutic, helping me process emotions, gain insight, and find closure, or perhaps acceptance.
7. Empowering Your Sibling
Giving voice to my sibling’s story can be empowering for both of us by affirming their value and helping them feel understood as well as seen.
8. Offering Hope
That my Kloe stories might provide a powerful way to connect with others who are struggling. To advocate for change and promote healing.
My goal by sharing my own personal perspective is to make a lasting impact on readers and contribute to a more compassionate understanding of mental health. This journey is not ventured solo. It grasps everyone around it willingly or not. I feel the only hope is to help yourself by believing in yourself. That you are worthy of your own story. Draw strength from your values and identity. Be resilient for and in yourself. Then and only then, can we help those around us.
MY THOUGHTS
Kloe's New Friendship is a well written illustrated chapter book that is written by KM Selvidge. This book is geared towards ages 13-18. I read this story with my sons, ages 14 and 12 and we all enjoyed it very much.
Kloe is back to school after break, and there is a new student that sparks Kloe's curiosity. Her name is Jilly. This story teaches middle grade readers trust, friendship, loyalty and honesty. Kloe accidentally tells her best friend, Terry's secret to her brother, Wreny. Wreny being a boy, uses it to humiliate Terry in public. Kloe's mom advises that Wreny is not maturing as fast as she is, and that he will grow out of it. Kloe hopes to salvage her friendship with Terry. Jilly, also has a secret - and it's similar to Kloe. Jilly has a younger sibling that is not as mature as Jilly.
This book is a great read for those that are dealing with many changes. Since I have boys in the targeted age group, and we just moved to a different state and they had to switch schools this helped them with the adjustment. I loved the themes of showing that inner strength along with how sibling relationships can be complex.
I hope to read more from this author.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Children's Book Review for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
Kloe’s New Friendship
Virtual Tour Dates
| Monday, December 15, 2025 The Children’s Book Review Tour Kick-Off for Kloe’s New Friendship |
| Tuesday, December 16, 2025 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Kloe’s New Friendship |
| Thursday, December 18, 2025 Life is What It’s Called Author Interview with K.M. Selvidge |
| Friday, December 19, 2025 @avainbookland Instagram Post about Kloe’s New Friendship |
| Monday, January 5, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of Kloe’s New Friendship |
| Tuesday, January 6, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Guest Post about Kloe’s New Friendship |
| Thursday, January 8, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Kloe’s New Friendship |
| Friday, January 9, 2026 @MeghensLittleLibrary Instagram Post about Kloe’s New Friendship |
| Monday, January 12, 2026 Because I said so – adventures in parenting Guest Post about Kloe’s New Friendship |
| Tuesday, January 13, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about Kloe’s New Friendship |
| Thursday, January 15, 2026 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with K.M. Selvidge |
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