Stories about friends abound in children’s literature – largely because it is such an important relationship. Classic buddies like Frog and Toad, Ivy and Bean and Jesse and Leslie from A Bridge to Terabithia attend to the joys and challenges of making and keeping friends. Such books explore how being a friend means sharing adventure, respecting differences, providing support and navigating loss.
Tots–age 7
Just What to Do
By Kyle Lukoff
Illustrated by Hala Tahboub
Dial, 2024, $18.99
What might you do if a friend is sad or grieving? To avoid awkwardness, many of us tend to say and do nothing. But young Justin models a different approach. Each time someone suffers a loss – of a favorite plant, goldfish and so on – Justin offers a homemade card or joke or hug, only to be told by the recipient that they prefer another way of being cheered. Justin listens and complies. But when his best friend’s beloved grandmother dies, he “wanted to do the just-right thing.” He gently asks his friend to tell him how he might help and together they figure it out. A wordless spread shows comforting activities, including holding hands, picking flowers and quietly swinging on swings. Empathy shines from every page of this tender, lovely book.
Ladybug Girl and the Best Ever Playdate
By Jacky Davis
Illustrated by David Soman
Dial, 2015, $18.99
With 26 books in the Ladybug Girl series, the titular character is clearly popular with young readers. In this engaging tale, she deals with a well-known aspect of contemporary childhood: the playdate. How do you treat a friend who is visiting? Or behave when you are the guest? How do you go about sharing toys or deciding what to do? How do you handle disagreements? Like many kids, Ladybug Girl fixates on a certain toy and unwittingly ignores her friend. But when her friend’s feelings are hurt, the two decide to play in ways they both enjoy. Their behavior models how to speak up rather than simply submitting or pouting and how to find mutually beneficial solutions.
Preteens
School Trip
By Jerry Craft
HarperCollins, 2023, $14.99 pbk.
This is the most recent graphic novel in Jerry Craft’s bestselling series, anchored by the Newbery-winning New Kid. Good friends Jordan, Drew, Liam and others from their prestigious private school prepare for a trip to Paris. As with the first two books, Craft delves into race, class and the imbalance of privilege between students. This fast-paced, vividly drawn graphic novel balances hijinks and heart for a compelling read about boy friendships.
The Strange Wonders of Roots
By Evan Griffith
HarperCollins, 2024, $19.99
After her parents’ divorce and multiple moves, 12-year-old Holly, a budding forester, prefers to keep to herself. But the summer with her Uncle Vincent in a tiny Vermont town changes all that. As she works to save a local grove from destruction, Holly makes like-minded friends. But will the plans she hatches with her uncle, lively Lionel and fierce elderly Beatrice make a difference? And what should she do when one of her new friends betrays the cause? This gently humorous, high-stakes novel keeps readers turning pages to discover what happens to the friendship and the grove.
Teens
When You Were Everything
By Ashley Woodfolk
Ember, 2020, $11.99 pbk.
Loss is often part of friendship, whether due to a move, death, falling out or drifting apart. How does one deal with the pain? Move forward to make and trust new friends? Is closure possible? In this nuanced YA novel, 16-year-old Cleo grapples with these questions as she reflects on the complexities – and recent blow-up – of her friendship with bestie Layla. Cleo narrates across two timelines – present and past – which deepens her understanding of the relationship and her own growth.
Mary Quattlebaum lives in Washington, D.C. and is the author of 30 award-winning children’s books, most recently Queen Elizabeth II, an early reader biography. She teaches in the graduate program in writing for children at Vermont College of Fine Arts, writes frequently for The Washington Post and is a popular school and conference speaker.
Liam McCrickard holds a B.A. in creative and professional writing from Goucher College. He is former assistant editor at Washington Parent. He works as a freelance designer, writer and editor of tabletop role-playing games.
Mary Quattlebaum lives in Washington, D.C. and is the author of 30 award-winning children’s books, most recently Queen Elizabeth II, an early reader biography. She teaches in the graduate program in writing for children at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, writes frequently for The Washington Post and is a popular school and conference speaker. maryquattlebaum.com
