All I Gained: The Gift of an Unforgettable Friendship - Paperback

by Dale Maiella (Author), Kara Shade (Author), Kathleen Andrews (Illustrator)

Two Friends. Countless Adventures. One Incredible Gift.

A sweet bond between two unlikely grade school friends grows into an epic friendship spanning decades. Through their adventures and laughter, courage and heartbreak, Riley and Emma show us what it looks like to walk the path of life together faithfully, no matter what lies ahead.

Written in rhyming verse with breathtaking watercolor illustrations, All I Gained offers a fresh take on friendship for older children and adults alike.

Inspired by a real friendship of more than 30 years, this book:

1. helps older children and teens identify attributes of "true" friends so they can choose their crew wisely.
2. models how friendships can evolve from youth into adulthood, from more light-hearted fun to higher stakes challenges and transitions.
3. highlights the effort and intention it takes to cultivate close friendships for a lifetime.

Don't let the picture book format fool you; this story has resonated deeply with adult readers, too! We hope All I Gained will serve as a meaningful keepsake for lifelong friends, or to gift someone who has lost a dear friend.