The School Friends; Or, Nothing New

"The School Friends; Or, Nothing New" by William Henry Giles Kingston is a story about two friends with very different approaches attending the same school. Lance is a serious student with strong morals, whereas Emery focuses more on popularity, even if it means making bad choices. The book looks at what it means to be a good friend, staying true to yourself, and dealing with the results of your decisions. Early on, we get to know Lance and Emery and see how their different personalities affect their friendship; Lance is focused on school and helping his sick mother, while Emery wants to be popular and ignores good advice, suggesting he might get into trouble. A related story about Madelene Hayward, who Lance's family took in, shows the importance of loyalty, kindness, and what people will give up for those they care about. The events that follow offer a peek into the difficulties of growing up and the tough decisions that arise around friendship and doing what's right.