Are there actual Japanese words in the book?

Yes, the book incorporates specific Japanese words, which provides a great opportunity to talk about how different languages sound and look while keeping the story accessible.

Is this a good book for a child with speech or language delays?

Absolutely. Because the core of the story is about non-verbal connection and the 'language of play,' it can be very validating for kids who find verbal communication challenging.

Is it too 'babyish' for a 2nd grader?

While the word count is low, the themes of social anxiety and cultural barriers are very relevant for 7 and 8-year-olds. It might be a quick read, but the conversation it sparks is worth it.

Does the book focus more on the moving process or the friendship?

The move is the catalyst, but the heart of the book is 100% on the interaction between the two girls. It's less about packing boxes and more about opening up to someone new.

Words to Make a Friend – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Words to Make a Friend

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2021Juvenile Fiction

91%

WISE Score

Two girls realize that a language barrier is no match for a fresh pile of snow and the universal desire to play.

Words to Make a Friend

book

2021, Juvenile Fiction

91%

WISE Score

Two girls realize that a language barrier is no match for a fresh pile of snow and the universal desire to play.

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Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a quiet, beautiful win for the picture book shelf. It tackles the potentially intimidating reality of a language barrier and turns it into a snowy afternoon of creative problem-solving.

It’s the kind of book that doesn't need to shout to make its point. By focusing on the shared experience of play, it teaches kids that connection is about presence and intention, not just having the right vocabulary. If you have a kid who is about to start a new school or move to a new neighborhood, this is a top-tier pick for the bedtime rotation.

Age Fit

Ideal for the 3-to-7 crowd. It's a great read-aloud for preschoolers and a gentle, manageable story for early readers who are just starting to grasp social dynamics.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A pitch-perfect example of kindness and cross-cultural friendship. It models how to bridge gaps through shared activity rather than just verbal communication.

Imaginative

The book encourages kids to think outside the box regarding communication, using play and shared joy as a creative medium.

Safe

100

Zero friction. It's a gentle, snowy story about two kids making a connection.

Enriching

Builds empathy and global awareness. It’s a great tool for helping kids understand that 'different' doesn't mean 'unreachable.'

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Visual storytelling helps younger kids follow the emotional arc even if they are still working on decoding text.
Low-stress introduction to the concept of different languages and cultures without being didactic.
Perfect for 'new neighbor' anxiety, showing that making a friend can be as simple as stepping outside into the snow.

Conversation Starters

"How did the girls know they wanted to be friends if they couldn't talk to each other?"
"What are some games you can play with someone without using any words at all?"
"If you moved to a new country where you didn't know the language, what would be the first thing you'd want to show a new friend?"

Deep Dive

The Power of the Language Comprehension Strand

In the context of the Reading Rope, Words to Make a Friend is a heavy hitter for the language comprehension side of literacy. While the text itself might be sparse, the narrative structure and the subtext of cultural exchange build the background knowledge and verbal reasoning skills that kids need to become sophisticated readers later on.

What makes this book stand out in the 'friendship' genre is its specificity. It doesn't just say 'be nice to the new kid.' It shows the awkward, silent moments of a first meeting and the bridge-building that happens when two kids decide to just do something together. The snow acts as a neutral territory where English and Japanese don't matter as much as the shared physics of a snowball or a snowman.

For parents, this is a great 'entry drug' to talking about diversity. It’s not a geography lesson or a lecture on linguistics; it’s just a story about two kids who want to hang out. It’s effective because it’s relatable. Every kid has felt that moment of wanting to connect but not knowing quite how to start.

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