The Holt's Friends Series is family fare, a wholesome set of five books about four modern youngsters: their friendships, motivations and family relationships. covering a four-year period from the time Benjamin, Kevin Ashley and Sue-Ellen are 10 to 14 years old, the novels look at their world from their point of view as they interact with their reality and the adults who influence it. As in real life, the characters have different facets of their personalities exposed as life's situations bring out different qualities or immaturities. The tone of the books is positive, emphasizing maturing youngsters dealing with change. For example, a boy who is in the first book small for his age, shy and lonely, in a later book rescues his extroverted and popular friend from certain death; and, two girls, initially in competition with each other, find compassion. The series has plenty of age-appropriate action, both emotional and physical. It never loses sight of the importance of communication. Family matters. Grandparents are respected and trusted. They are caregivers for self-esteem, emotional insights and teachers. They are caring and vital. And the storyline of Benjamin's widowed mother and Kelvin's perception of how threatening to a youngster a change in the parent-child relationship is, when it is perceived by the adults as positive and handled delicately. Book Three. Enter very pretty and athletic Ashley into the friendship equation of Kevin and Benjamin. The members of the group are now 12 years old. Summertime fun in a cave with sink-holes turns into disaster when Ashley falls into one. Benjamin needs Kevin's help to save her.