Behind the Scenes: How Friends, Not Foes Came to Life

January 19, 2026

When I first started imagining the world of Friends, Not Foes, I was thinking about my own experiences of changing schools. Moving to a new classroom can be exciting and scary at the same time. I wanted to write a story that would help kids like me feel less alone when they face new situations. The idea of a girl named Niza, who finds the courage to stand up to bullying, came to me during a conversation with my little cousins. They asked if any story shows a bully becoming a friend.

I spent many afternoons after school writing ideas in my notebook. I would jot down possible character names and draw scenes of a playground under a big tree. Once the main characters were clear in my mind, I talked to my mom about the themes I wanted to include. She suggested focusing on restorative justice and empathy, concepts I was learning about in social studies. From there, the outline grew into a full story.

Working on the book taught me that writing is not just about typing words. It involves research, listening to teachers, and asking friends how they would feel in certain situations. I talked to some teachers about how they address bullying in class, and their stories influenced the scenes where Niza’s teacher guides the students toward kindness. I also learned how important it is to edit and rewrite. My first draft was very long, and some parts were confusing. After many drafts, I finally shaped the book into something clear and hopeful.

Publishing this story made me understand the power of teamwork. Illustrators, editors, and educators all contributed to making the final product better than I could have done alone. Seeing the printed book for the first time was a moment I will never forget. I hope readers see themselves in Niza’s story and find courage to face challenges with kindness. Although writing can be a solitary activity, sharing your work connects you with others in meaningful ways.

I’m now exploring more stories to tell and, as I grow, my dream is to become a lawyer who protects children’s rights. Writing Friends, Not Foes has shown me how powerful storytelling is, and I want to continue using my voice for good.