Your browser is not supported. For the best experience, you should upgrade to a modern browser with improved speed and security.

Making and Keeping Friends: 60 Mighty Girl Books About Friendship

A Mighty Girl's top picks of girl-empowering books for children and teens about making friends and coping with friendship challenges.

Whether they are in the midst of making new friends or renewing old ones, learning to navigate the complexities of friendship is an important part of growing up. In this blog post, we've showcased our favorite fictional stories and non-fiction guides that can help children and teens learn how to form and keep positive, healthy friendships. From the first introduction to the first big fight, these timely stories will help your Mighty Girl learn how to be a great friend at every age!

The recommendations shared in this post are just a small sample of Mighty Girl books on friendship. For hundreds of options for both children and teens, visit our Friendship section.

Mighty Girl Guides to Friendship

Some tweens and teens would rather read a non-fiction guide to friendship and social interaction. If that describes your Mighty Girl, check out these great books!

Friends: Making Them and Keeping Them

Friends: Making Them and Keeping Them

Written by: Patti Kelley Criswell
Illustrated by: Stacy Peterson
Recommended Age: 7 - 10

This interactive book features a combination of tips, anecdotes, quizzes, and hands-on activities to help girls learn everything from where to find new friends to how to introduce yourself to how to handle when a friend is being mean — or when a friend says you’re the mean one. A series of examples demonstrates how to respond to a friend in a positive way, while “trouble starters” show how particular behavior can cause strife in a friendship.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$9.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£12.25 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$20.87 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.59 (USD)

Stand Up For Yourself And Your Friends: Dealing with Bullies and Bossiness and Finding a Better Way

Stand Up For Yourself And Your Friends: Dealing with Bullies and Bossiness and Finding a Better Way

Written by: Patti Kelley Criswell
Illustrated by: Angela Martini
Recommended Age: 7 - 12

Sometimes the challenge is figuring out how to protect yourself and your friends from bullies. If your Mighty Girl wonders how to intervene when someone targets her — or her friends — this book provides a range of solutions, from ignoring the instigator to clever comebacks to a guide about when adult involvement is necessary. The book includes a pledge at the end that girls can sign to show their commitment to being a good friend — and to doing what's right.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$9.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£19.50 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$17.28 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.92 (USD)

A Smart Girl's Guide: Drama, Rumors, & Secrets

A Smart Girl's Guide: Drama, Rumors, & Secrets

Written by: Nancy Holyoke
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

As girls hit their tweens, relationship drama like secrets, jealousy, and gossip can start to make friendships more complicated — whether they happen within a group of friends or they're directed at people outside the group. This new release teaches girls how to handle it when relationship drama starts to pop up within their peer group. This handy book shows girls how to recognize drama as it begins, how to deflect and defuse it...and what to do if it goes to far, into the realms of cyberbullying and relational aggression. For any girl who's wondered how to stay true to herself in a world that seems determined to make her pick sides, this will be an excellent addition to the library.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$12.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£13.88 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$24.50 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.57 (USD)

A Smart Girl's Guide to Friendship Troubles

A Smart Girl's Guide to Friendship Troubles

Written by: Patti Kelley Criswell
Illustrated by: Angela Martini
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

Whether your Mighty Girl is feeling left out, trying to figure out how to talk to a friend about a problem without hurting her feelings, or dealing with a friendship turned toxic through rule-setting, backstabbing, or bullying, there are tips to help her out in this book. Despite the focus on friendship troubles, the overall message is positive, reminding the reader that a true friendship will buoy her up, support her through the tough times, and leave her feeling her best.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$12.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£11.91 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$19.59 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.79 (USD)

The Teen Girl's Survival Guide: Ten Tips for Making Friends, Avoiding Drama, and Coping with Social Stress

The Teen Girl's Survival Guide: Ten Tips for Making Friends, Avoiding Drama, and Coping with Social Stress

Written by: Lucie Hemmen PhD
Recommended Age: 13 and up

A teen's life is increasingly complicated and stressful — but good friendships can make all the difference! Psychologist and teen expert Lucie Hemmen provides tips for building, sustaining, and deepening the social relationships you want, whether that's one or two very close friends or a wide network of people. Thought-provoking exercises and quizzes help girls learn more about their socialization style and what they can do to be their best, authentic selves, as well as tackling what to do when conflict arises and how to address negative social habits. This book will help any teen girl develop a sense of confidence and security in her social life.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$26.95 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£12.65 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$21.20 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.89 (USD)

The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook for Teens

The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook for Teens

Written by: Jennifer Shannon LMFT
Recommended Age: 13 and up

If your teen finds that the problem goes beyond typical social struggles — maybe even to the point where she avoids some situations rather than risking saying or doing ‘the wrong thing’ — then a book to help her deal with social anxiety may be just the thing she needs. This workbook is for teens who feel like their shyness or discomfort with socializing is making them miss out on great opportunities. The exercises teach basic cognitive behavioral techniques to help her feel more confident speaking out and showing her true self. By learning to identify and counter the distorted thoughts and worst-case scenario thinking that comes with this anxiety, your teen can develop new confidence in her ability to develop the friendships she wants.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$31.50 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£13.71 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$28.65 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$18.89 (USD)

The Social Success Workbook for Teens

The Social Success Workbook for Teens

Recommended Age: 13 and up

Teens who have particular social challenges, like Asperger's, non-verbal learning disorder, and other problems empathizing with others, can get tailored help from this book. Whether she needs help dealing with changing plans, figuring out how to cool off when her emotions run high, understanding the social cues she gets from others, or learning how to filter what she says, there's guidance in this workbook, which incorporates comic strip stories about social situations and both written and visual arts activities to explore social skills. Making friends is a skill, and for teens who struggle with it, it can be a huge relief to know that it's something they can practice and improve — just like any other skill.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$25.24 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£14.05 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$28.80 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$15.19 (USD)

Girl-Empowering Fictional Stories Exploring Friendship

Who will be a friend, and how that friendship comes to be, is a topic that deserves attention of its own! These books explore the idea of friendship, and remind Mighty Girls that the most important ingredient is two people who care about one another.

Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy

Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy

Illustrated by: David Soman
Recommended Age: 3 - 6

Lulu and Sam are best friends but that doesn’t mean deciding what to play is easy. Sam suggests Diggers; Lulu counters with Monkeys. Sam wants to play under the castle; Lulu wants to climb to the top. But once Sam creates a new alter ego, Bumblebee Boy, inspired by Lulu's character Ladybug Girl, they finally find something they can both agree to play. This charming story is terrific for showing the give and take that comes with a great friendship.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$17.80 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£13.45 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$34.43 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.44 (USD)

I Don't Care

I Don't Care

Written by: Julie Fogliano
Recommended Age: 3 - 6

"I really don’t care what you think of my hair / or my eyes or my toes or my nose," says one child in this story. The other agrees: who cares about any of that? In fact, there's a lot that they don't care about... But that doesn't mean that they don't care about one another: "Mostly I care that you’re you and I’m me, and I care that we’re us, and I care that we’re we." Caldecott honoree illustrators Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal — real-life best friends — passed artwork back and forth creating childhood versions of themselves as they illustrated this gentle tale from best-selling author Julie Fogliano. The result is an empowering, emotionally resonant story about friendship, looking past the surface, and what it really means to care.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$21.10 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£13.28 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$23.09 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.44 (USD)

The Fairiest Fairy

The Fairiest Fairy

Written by: Anne Booth
Illustrated by: Rosalind Beardshaw
Recommended Age: 3 - 7

Good friends celebrate one another's strengths! The young fairy Betty is so busy rescuing animals and helping friends that she's never been able to perfect fairy arts like painting rainbows or turning an elegant pirouette. So when it's time for the fairy ball, Betty's surely not in the running for the award of Fairiest Fairy... or is she? It turns out that all of Betty's friends want everyone to know just how much they appreciate her kindness and compassion! This sweet story is a reminder that being a good friend is a value worth celebrating.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$15.19 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.50 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$13.77 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$15.04 (USD)

Meesha Makes Friends

Meesha Makes Friends

Written by: Tom Percival
Illustrated by: Tom Percival
Recommended Age: 3 - 7

Meesha struggles with making friends — she doesn't know what to say, and she doesn't understand the social cues that other kids seem to get easily. So she makes her own friends with paper, paint, scissors, and glue... even if they're not quite like having real friends. When her mother takes her to a "noisy, chaotic, and unpredictable" party, Meesha feels overwhelmed, so she finds a quiet corner to make more friends... only to discover that her talent for art is the key to connecting with the other kids! Empathetic and thoughtful, this new volume in Tom Percival's Big Bright Feelings series encourages kids to be accepting of differences, and reminds them of the value of staying true to themselves.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$19.30 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$53.21 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.29 (USD)

My Best Friend

My Best Friend

Written by: Julie Fogliano
Illustrated by: Jillian Tamaki
Recommended Age: 3 - 7

There are few things as special as the first moment of connection between friends! This little girl's new friend seems made for her: "when i say la la la/ she says la la la." They explore one another's likes and dislikes, and make forays into imaginary games where each contributes their part. And while she's never had a best friend before, this girl says "i think she is a really good best friend/ because when we were drawing/ she drew me/ and i drew her." Bestselling author Julie Fogliano and award-winning illustrator Jillian Tamaki come together to create a joyful tribute to the heady first moments of friendship.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$21.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£14.21 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$33.89 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.56 (USD)

Phoebe Dupree Is Coming to Tea!

Phoebe Dupree Is Coming to Tea!

Written by: Linda Ashman
Illustrated by: Alea Marley
Recommended Age: 3 - 7

Abby adores her new friend Phoebe, who is perfect in her eyes: she's fast, she's smart, she loves science and art and singing. So when she invites Phoebe over for tea, Abby knows the party has to be just as perfect as Phoebe is! She sets a table, prepares special snacks, and even instructs her dog, Louie, about proper behavior. But when Phoebe arrives, everything seems to go wrong, from a tipped tray of treats to Louie shaking pool water all over everything! Fortunately, the two girls take it as a sign that they should let loose a little — and discover that sometimes the imperfect is much more fun! Rollicking rhyme and adorable illustrations combine to create a sweet story of how friendship can help us handle anything life throws at us!

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$22.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£28.00 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$18.93 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$15.87 (USD)

Uni the Unicorn

Uni the Unicorn

Written by: Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Illustrated by: Brigette Barrager
Recommended Age: 3 - 7

In this clever twist on the age-old belief that there's no such thing as unicorns, Uni the unicorn is told there's no such thing as little girls! No matter what the grown-up unicorns say, Uni believes that little girls are real. Somewhere there must be a smart, strong, wonderful, magical little girl waiting to be best friends. In fact, far away (but not too far), a real little girl believes there is a unicorn waiting for her. This refreshing and sweet story of friendship reminds believers and nonbelievers alike that sometimes wishes really can come true. Uni fans will also love the other books in the trilogy, Uni the Unicorn and the Dream Come True and Uni the Unicorn in the Real World.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$21.00 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£19.30 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$33.21 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.99 (USD)

Farfallina and Marcel

Farfallina and Marcel

Written by: Holly Keller
Illustrated by: Holly Keller
Recommended Age: 3 - 7

Friendship can survive — and thrive — through even the most dramatic changes. Farfallina the caterpillar and Marcel the gosling do everything together until the day that Farfallina declares that she needs to rest on a tree branch for a while. Loyal Marcel sits to wait for her, and as Farfallina sleeps in her cocoon, growing new wings, Marcel sheds his baby fuzz and grows his adult feathers. When the day finally comes that the friends reunite, they don’t recognize one another’s outsides...but inside, they’re still the best of friends. This touching books is perfect for any Mighty Girl who’s worried that a change in her — or her friend’s — life will mean the end of a friendship.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$9.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£7.61 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$25.17 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$6.49 (USD)

Margaret and Margarita / Margarita Y Margaret

Margaret and Margarita / Margarita Y Margaret

Written by: Lynn Reiser
Illustrated by: Lynn Reiser
Recommended Age: 3 - 8

Margaret speaks only English, and Margarita speaks only Spanish. When their mothers take them each to the park, both complain (in their respective languages) that there’s nobody to play with — until each spots the other. Their mothers assume that their lack of a common language will be a barrier, but as far as the girls are concerned, that just means they have to get a little more creative! By the time playtime is over, each girl knows a few words in the other’s language and their mothers are smiling at the realization that friendship can go beyond words. This clever bilingual picture book captures how creative children can be when it comes to making a friend!

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$15.17 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£32.38 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$46.13 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.02 (USD)

Mabel: A Mermaid Fable

Mabel: A Mermaid Fable

Written by: Rowboat Watkins
Illustrated by: Rowboat Watkins
Recommended Age: 4 - 7

Mabel's mother, father, and even her baby brother all have glorious mustaches... but Mabel's face is completely bare. And while she tries to conceal it with everything from seaweed falsies to shells on her nose, her peers still tease her mercilessly. Then she meets Lucky, a seven-legged octopus, who also feels like he doesn't belong. It's not long before he and kind-hearted Mabel have struck up a friendship that gives them confidence to be themselves! Full of vibrant illustrations of Mabel's undersea world, kids will dive in to this story of self-acceptance and friendship.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$21.92 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£11.89 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$33.48 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$12.36 (USD)

The Girl and the Bicycle

The Girl and the Bicycle

Written by: Mark Pett
Illustrated by: Mark Pett
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

Friendship can blossom between a Mighty Girl and an adult as easily as it can between two children! In this wordless picture book, a little girl's dream bicycle appears in a shop window — and her quest for chores to earn the money for the bike leads her to a friendly neighborhood woman who offers her yardwork. Side by side, the pair tend her garden, their bond growing as they work together. But when the girl goes back to the store to find the bicycle has been sold, she does a good deed for her brother — and is rewarded for her patience and generosity by her new friend. This sweet story provides an excellent example of cross-generational friendship.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$22.10 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£12.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$21.44 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$15.37 (USD)

Pepper and Frannie

Pepper and Frannie

Written by: Catherine Lazar Odell
Illustrated by: Catherine Lazar Odell
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

Pepper and Frannie are friends, even though they're different as can be: Pepper is cautious and practical, while Frannie is adventurous and daring. When Pepper gives Frannie a lift to a skateboarding festival, Frannie begs her to stay and give it a try. Pepper struggles at first, but Frannie turns out to be a supportive teacher, and when Pepper finally succeeds, the boost of confidence she feels lets her know she can do anything! Charming vignettes and an empowering story about perseverance and friendship will delight young readers. These supportive friends return in the sequel, It's Showtime!.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$24.95 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£15.46 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$25.87 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$13.15 (USD)

When Molly Ate The Stars

When Molly Ate The Stars

Written by: Joyce Hesselberth
Illustrated by: Joyce Hesselberth
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

On a cold night, Molly gazes up at the stars above... and thinks they look good enough to eat! She reaches high into the sky and discovers that she can pluck them out of the dark. Surely it wouldn't hurt to try just one? Except it turns out that the stars are delicious, and when she's gobbled them all down, she feels "warm and bright, inside and out" — so much so that, as she walks home, she rejects her friends' offers for a lantern, hot tea, and companionship. It's not until she's climbed to her favorite place that she realizes how her selfishness has turned the world dark and gloomy... and what she can do to fix it. Lushly illustrated, with a powerful message about friendship, compassion, and community, this dreamy picture book will remind kids that each of us can change the world — for worse, or for better.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$25.77 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£8.10 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$25.61 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$18.99 (USD)

The Princess in Black and the Mysterious Playdate

The Princess in Black and the Mysterious Playdate

Illustrated by: LeUyen Pham
Recommended Age: 5 - 8

Princess Magnolia and Princess Sneezewort have a perfectly awesome playdate planned — the perfect chance for Magnolia to take a break from her secret life as the monster-defeating Princess in Black! They dress up and do karaoke, they have fun in the playhouse and enjoy a snack. But then a shout comes from outside Sneezewort's castle: a monster is on the loose! Princess Magnolia makes her excuses and transforms into the Princess in Black, but when she gets outside, the only thing she sees is another mysterious masked avenger. Who is this unexpected hero? And was the cry of monster really a false alarm? This addition to The Princess in Black early chapter book series is an ode to friendship and a reminder that two heroes are better than one!

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$9.50 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.26 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$9.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$6.57 (USD)

The Other Side

The Other Side

Written by: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by: E. B. Lewis
Recommended Age: 5 - 8

Clover and Anna live on two sides of a fence: the fence that keeps Clover’s African-American community separate from Anna’s Caucasian community. Clover’s mother says it’s dangerous to cross the fence, but how can she not be curious about the little girl who plays out in the rain? Finally, curiosity overwhelms caution, and they find a way around the rules by sitting next to one another on the fence. Clover’s friends and family disapprove of this new friendship at first, but by the end of the summer, all the girls play together. At the end, Anna bets that “Someday somebody's going to come along and knock this old fence down.” This poignant story of friendships blooming despite a divided community is also an excellent way to introduce the history of segregation to younger readers.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$24.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£13.49 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$36.81 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.99 (USD)

Mae and June and the Wonder Wheel

Mae and June and the Wonder Wheel

Illustrated by: Ashley Spires
Recommended Age: 6 - 8

June has a secret: her dog Sammy can talk, but only she can hear him. Her older sister is too big to play with them now, so June and Sammy decide to set out to make a new friend — one who can appreciate them both. A girl named Mae has just moved into the neighborhood, so June uses the Wonder Wheel, a game sent by her grandma Penny, to help them pick a new adventure to have each day. But is Mae the kind of friend who will believe June when she tells her about Sammy? This charming early chapter book celebrates friendship and the adventures to be had right outside your door.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$9.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£7.54 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$23.44 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.99 (USD)

Four Feet, Two Sandals

Four Feet, Two Sandals

Recommended Age: 6 - 9

In times of crisis and need, a friend can help sustain you. Lina and Feroza both live in a refugee camp in Pakistan, and when relief workers bring a donation of much-needed clothing, each girl ends up with one shoe out of a pair that would fit either of them. Rather than fight over the sandals, however, the girls decide to share them, and soon develop a friendship that will sustain them through the hardship of their lives as refugees. And when one of the girls has the opportunity to escape the camp and settle in a new country, the sandals will remain to remind each of them of their treasured friend.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$22.55 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£12.39 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$42.89 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$12.00 (USD)

Wolfie and Fly

Wolfie and Fly

Written by: Cary Fagan
Illustrated by: Zoe Si
Recommended Age: 6 - 9

Curmudgeonly Renata Wolfman (AKA Wolfie) prefers to spend time alone: after all, friends just take up time she could use for facts and reading! But when she meets Livingston Flott (Fly), the eccentric boy next door, she soon finds herself with a companion in her cardboard box submarine. Wolfie is relieved when she has to go on a solo mission to find a key part for their game, but to her surprise, she finds that the time alone isn't quite as appealing as it was before. Maybe it's not so bad having Fly around... This charming and funny early chapter book celebrates an unexpected friendship and the pleasure to be found when you are open to new experiences.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.56 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£7.39 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$22.58 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.99 (USD)

Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker

Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker

Written by: Shelley Johannes
Illustrated by: Shelley Johannes
Recommended Age: 7 - 9

Beatrice has always preferred being upside down — even in utero! (Her mom has the ultrasound to prove it.) And when she's upside down, she has some of her best ideas — like coordinating with her best friend Lenny to wear ninja outfits to the first day of third grade. But when Lenny shows up in a dress — and with a new friend — Beatrice doesn't know what to do! Fortunately, the kind, optimistic girl uses her topsy-turvy thinking to find a way through the conflict... ending up with not one friend, but two! This early chapter book with characterful spot illustrations throughout is a celebration of optimism and individuality.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$16.13 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$37.71 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.29 (USD)

Star Scouts

Star Scouts

Written by: Mike Lawrence
Illustrated by: Mike Lawrence
Recommended Age: 7 - 12

Avani is struggling to find a place to fit in after moving to a new town. Everyone in school thinks she's weird, especially the girls in her Flower Scouts troop. Is it so weird to think scouting should be about fun and adventure, not about makeovers and boys, boys, boys? Then Avani is accidentally abducted by Mabel, an alien from across the galaxy. It turns out that Mabel is a Star Scout, and collecting alien specimens is just one of the activities on her troop’s list. If Avani can make it through the Star Scouts’ Camp Andromeda — and manage to prevent her dad from realizing she’s left the planet — she’ll prove that humans can hold their own in the Star Scouts and finally find a place to belong. Kids will devour this fun sci-fi romp full of teamwork, inventiveness, and laughs.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$21.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£22.17 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$18.26 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$15.99 (USD)

El Deafo

El Deafo

Written by: Cece Bell
Illustrated by: Cece Bell, David Lasky
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

A noticeable difference often makes kids wonder if they can overcome standing out to find good friends. After a childhood illness leaves Cece hard of hearing — which means she needs a very visible Phonic Ear hearing aid in order to attend school — Cece finds friendship much harder than she'd expected. Between the feeling of being singled out and the challenges of teaching hearing peers how to interact with her, Cece wonders if she'll ever find true friends again. It's only once she learns to turn the thing that makes her different into an asset that she realizes that she can have the friendships she craves — both as Cece and as her superpowered alter ego, El Deafo!

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$19.00 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£8.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$19.25 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.89 (USD)

Ronia, the Robber's Daughter

Ronia, the Robber's Daughter

Written by: Astrid Lindgren
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Ronia might dance and yell like the rest of the robbers that live in her father’s castle, but it’s really in the quiet forest that she feels most at home. On one of her forest walks, she meets Birk, the son of her father’s greatest rival. As they get to know one another, Birk soon becomes the only friend who really understands Ronia. But when the rival band erupt in a ferocious conflict, Ronia and Birk have to figure out how to turn their friendship into lasting peace. Lingren, the author of the classic Pippi Longstocking novels has filled this coming of age story with adventure, suspense, and the true transformative power of friendship.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$9.59 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£10.14 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$17.34 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.98 (USD)

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

Written by: Karen Foxlee
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

When someone needs help, a friend can come to the rescue! Ophelia's family is grieving the loss of her mother when they become caretakers of a strange museum. On her wanderings through the exhibits, Ophelia discovers a boy who claims he was locked in a room of the museum by the Snow Queen — and that only Ophelia can free him and save the world from her icy grasp. Scientific and logical Ophelia finds it hard to believe his story of magic and curses, and yet as she befriends him, more and more of his fantastical world reveals itself. Soon, Ophelia learns that courage isn't always grand and dramatic: sometimes it shows up as a friend who refuses to give up on the person she cares for.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$12.49 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£12.17 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$22.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.99 (USD)

Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer

Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer

Written by: Gillian Goerz
Illustrated by: Gillian Goerz
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

10-year-old Jamila has just moved to a new neighborhood, and she's facing a boring summer with a science camp selected by her mom and no friends.... until she meets Shirley Bones. It's a friendship of convenience until Jamila discovers that Shirley is the neighborhood's best kid detective — and it turns out that Jamila has her own sleuthing skills. Now partners, they set out to find a missing gecko whose owner, Oliver, swears was stolen. But when the case gets tough, can their new friendship hold up under the strain? This middle-grade graphic novel opens a series about this detective duo, full of full mysteries, friendship challenges, and the joy of self-discovery.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$18.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£10.36 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$13.85 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.69 (USD)

Making Friends with Billy Wong

Making Friends with Billy Wong

Written by: Augusta Scattergood
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

One good friendship can help a Mighty Girl blossom. It's 1952, and Azalea is dreading a summer helping her Grandmother Clark — she struggles to make friends at the best of times, and now she'll spend months in an unfamiliar town. When Billy Wong, a local Chinese-American boy, shows up to help in her grandmother's garden, Azalea is startled that her grandmother encourages her to talk to him. Not only does it turn out that Billy is easy to befriend — a surprise given their different backgrounds and experiences — but Azalea also discovers that making friends with others isn't as hard as she thought it was after all.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$22.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$36.77 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$4.99 (USD)

Bob

Bob

Illustrated by: Nicholas Gannon
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Five years after her first visit to her grandmother's house in Australia, Livy is back — and feels like there's something important she's forgotten about her last trip. What she forgot was Bob: a small, mysterious being dressed in a chicken suit. She promised to help find his family… and Bob remembers her promise, even if he doesn't remember his way home. Together, Livy and Bob will have to puzzle out the clues to where Bob comes from — and along the way, they'll learn truths about both love and the joys of childhood. Told in alternating chapters in Livy and Bob's perspectives, this irresistible story explores friendship, belonging, and the magic of storytelling.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$25.65 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.10 (USD)

Tru and Nelle

Tru and Nelle

Written by: G. Neri
Recommended Age: 9 - 11

Despite — or perhaps because of — their place as town misfits, Tru and Nelle are best friends who love playing detective — which turns out to be honing their observation skills for their future careers as authors! In this fictionalized account of Truman Capote and Harper Lee's childhood friendship, their penchant for sleuthing turns into a bit of a tangle when their investigation into a drugstore theft results in some real-life trouble for the daring pair. Humorous and heartfelt, this novel celebrates the joy of finding the person whose strengths and weaknesses are perfectly offset by your own.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$9.31 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£12.06 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$29.84 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.99 (USD)

Roller Girl

Roller Girl

Written by: Victoria Jamieson
Illustrated by: Victoria Jamieson
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

A new interest can create new friendships — and add new facets to old ones! Astrid thinks her longtime friendship with Nicole is over when Nicole chooses to go to ballet camp instead of following Astrid's new passion for roller derby. Learning roller derby when you've rarely even been on skates is hard, but feeling like your best friend is gone forever is harder. Fortunately, by the end of the summer Astrid has not only made new friends within her sport, but discovered that true friends can support one another as they explore new horizons.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$16.10 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£8.25 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$13.09 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.64 (USD)

Things Seen From Above

Things Seen From Above

Written by: Shelley Pearsall
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

Sixth-grader April feels out of place now that her former best friend has a cooler clique. To avoid her classmates, she volunteers as a "buddy bench monitor" for the fourth graders, partnered with Veena, a new student from India. She wonders about a boy named Joey who only seems to scratch in the dirt, but her concerns are dismissed by both her mother and the school counselor. April's not deterred, though, and when she talks to Joey about what he's doing, she discovers that he's creating detailed, elaborate "land art" made from found materials. The conversation leads to an unexpected friendship — and becomes an opening for other outcast kids to make their voices heard, too. Told in a unique combination of April's voice and Joey's pictures, this powerful novel celebrates friendship and understanding other points of view.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$14.65 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£5.81 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$13.09 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.99 (USD)

Real Friends

Real Friends

Written by: Shannon Hale
Illustrated by: LeUyen Pham
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

Shannon and Adrienne have been best friends forever, but things start to change when Adrienne starts hanging out with Jen, the leader of the elementary school's popular clique known as The Group. To be in The Group, you have to do everything Jen says — even if that means bullying others. Shannon will need to decide whether being part of The Group is worth it... and figure out how to stand up for herself if it's not. Young Shannon’s day dreams hint at her future as a bestselling author, while LeUyen Pham's appealing illustrations still underscore how alienated Shannon feels with The Group and how comfortable she feels with other friends. This graphic novel memoir from beloved author Shannon Hale about navigating the challenges of friendship and discovering what it means to be a real friend will resonate with many young readers.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$17.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£9.95 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$15.44 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$6.99 (USD)

Stick With Me

Stick With Me

Written by: Jennifer Blecher
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

12-year-olds Izzy and Wren have been thrown together against their will: Wren's family is renting space with Izzy's so that her sister can have a potentially life-changing treatment for her epilepsy at a Boston hospital. Their mothers have even decided that this is the perfect opportunity for both girls to attend the same theater camp! Art-loving Izzy, whose best friend has attached herself to the local mean girl, and figure skater Wren, who's frustrated at being dragged away from the rink where she practices, seem like an unlikely pair — but when they both become targets for the bullies, they might realize they fit together perfectly. Told in dual perspectives, with an empathetic and realistic view of the struggles of middle school relationships, this is a satisfying story about the power of finding the people who support you.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$9.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£16.44 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$38.90 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.99 (USD)

The Question of Miracles

The Question of Miracles

Written by: Elana K. Arnold
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

Iris is struggling: she's simultaneously dealing with her family's recent move and grief over her friend Sarah's death. At first Boris, the school's awkward know-it-all, is just someone to eat lunch with, but as they develop a true friendship, Iris also learns that Boris is a miracle, alive despite a supposedly fatal birth defect. But if Boris got a miracle, why didn't Sarah? In the end, perhaps the true miracle is friendship itself — that it exists, and that it can be found even when you're not looking for it. This book tackles some tough but important questions about life, friendship, and fate.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$9.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$30.42 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.99 (USD)

The Hurricane Girls

The Hurricane Girls

Written by: Kimberly Willis Holt
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

Last year, a school project about Hurricane Katrina brought Greer, Joya Mia, and Kiki together: each of them was born in the aftermath of the storm, and the experience has left its mark on all of their families. But their close friendship is strained when Greer's little sister Darby is paralyzed in an accident — and Greer blames herself. Joya Mia and Kiki have an idea that could help Greer and resolidify their friendship: a triathlon, where Kiki can swim, Joya Mia can cycle, and Greer, who used to love to run, can finish the race. But there are so many roadblocks in their way. Kiki struggles with body image in a swimsuit, and Joya Mia's family can't afford good cycling gear. And will Greer even be willing to try running again, when Darby never will? This powerful coming of age novel, set in New Orleans, shows how even when you're faced by many life challenges, friendship, forgiveness, and healing are possible.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$22.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£12.96 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$26.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$16.31 (USD)

Stargazing

Stargazing

Written by: Jen Wang
Illustrated by: Jen Wang
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

Christine Hong is a dutiful Chinese-American daughter who accepts her parents' strict expectations without complaint... until Moon moves in next door. Moon doesn't attend Chinese language lessons; she's vegetarian; and she carries herself with a confidence that Christine both scorns and envies. Despite their differences the two become close friends, close enough that Moon tells Christine about her visions of celestial animals. But when those visions turn out to be from an earthy — and dangerous — cause, Christine needs to figure out how to be a good daughter and a good friend. Author/illustrator Jen Wang draws on her own childhood for this poignant and funny friendship story that will speak to anyone who's felt out of place.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$17.50 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£9.05 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$24.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.29 (USD)

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl

Written by: Stacy McAnulty
Recommended Age: 9 - 13

When 12-year-old Lucy Callahan was struck by lightning at age eight, she developed genius math skills and has been homeschooled ever since. Now she's ready to head off to college, but before she does, her grandma insists on a different sort of test: middle school. Her tasks: attend for 1 year, make 1 friend, join 1 activity, and read 1 book (not another math textbook!). In this smart, funny, and heartfelt novel, author Stacy McAnulty cleverly helps readers see the world through Lucy's point of view – both her gift for numbers and her struggles with OCD, which can lead to spiraling digits of pi taking over her brain. This outstanding story is an uplifting celebration of friendship, self acceptance, and, of course, math!

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$19.85 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.91 (USD)

The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novel Box Set

The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novel Box Set

Written by: Ann M. Martin
Illustrated by: Raina Telgemeier
Recommended Age: 9 - 13

Fans of Ann M. Martin's The Baby-Sitters Club will love these graphic novels adapted by Raina Telgemeier! Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, Stacey, and Dawn are The Baby-sitters Club! Whatever comes up — from cranky toddlers to unexpected illnesses to spats between friends — you can count on them to work together to support one another and save the day. This box set collect the full-color editions of all four volumes of these graphic novels, perfect for fans of the series.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$77.22 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£54.89 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$92.37 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$44.98 (USD)

Lumberjanes, Volume 1: Beware the Kitten Holy

Lumberjanes, Volume 1: Beware the Kitten Holy

Illustrated by: Brooke Allen
Recommended Age: 9 and up

Jo, April, Mal, Molly and Ripley are best friends who are looking forward to a fun few weeks at camp, that is, until they see a woman turn into a giant bear! Suddenly, the friends find themselves in the midst of mysterious and supernatural adventures. Fortunately, “Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types” can provide them with all the skills they need. It’s going to be quite the unexpected summer! This collection gathers issues 1 to 4 of this fun series, which also makes reference to inspiring women of history. Fans of the first volume can find more volumes in our Lumberjanes Collection.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$19.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£10.11 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$22.25 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.49 (USD)

Raymie Nightingale

Raymie Nightingale

Written by: Kate DiCamillo
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

Raymie has a plan: she'll win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, her father will see her picture in the paper, and he'll forget all about the woman he ran away with and come home. Winning the competition requires new skills, including dealing with her fellow competitors — like Louisiana Elefante, who has a show business background but faints constantly, and Beverly Tapinski, who's determined to sabotage the whole thing. But as the competition approaches, the three girls develop an unexpected bond based on loneliness, grief, and a series of adventures in which each girl gets a chance to come to the rescue. Through Raymie's eyes, middle readers will see how friendship can help you find peace in a difficult time.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.00 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.50 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$11.55 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.89 (USD)

All Summer Long

All Summer Long

Written by: Hope Larson
Illustrated by: Hope Larson
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

In this coming-of-age graphic novel from Hope Larson, 13-year-old Bina has one more summer before eighth grade, and it's going to be a tough one: her best friend Austin usually sets their course but he's away at soccer camp (and he hasn't been acting himself anyway.) Without Austin, Bina discovers a passion for the guitar and makes some new friends — including Austin's older sister, who loves music too. But when Austin comes home, Bina will need to find a way to establish her own identity but reconcile their differences so their friendship can survive. In a summer where Bina's mom observes she's "becoming more you every day," a lot can change, but that makes old friendships all the sweeter.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$20.50 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£11.17 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$17.70 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.69 (USD)

I Will Always Write Back

I Will Always Write Back

Recommended Age: 12 and up

Sometimes, a friendship can dramatically change the lives of both friends — even one that starts unexpectedly through a school assignment. Caitlin, a 12-year-old from a middle class American family, was assigned a pen pal named Martin, a 14-year-old from a Zimbabwe slum. Caitlin began by describing a world of shopping mall trips, movies, and quarrels with friends; when Martin finally opened up, Caitlin was shocked to realize how many of the things he dreamed of having were things she took for granted. In this dual memoir, the pair recount how that simple assignment became a six year relationship that changed both of their lives, as Caitlin helped Martin achieve his dream of studying at an American university, while Martin opened Caitlin eyes to the world and her privileged place within it. Unflinching but hopeful, their writing also shows how individual friendship can drive global change.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.91 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£8.27 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$23.28 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.29 (USD)

Under A Painted Sky

Under A Painted Sky

Written by: Stacey Lee
Recommended Age: 13 and up

It's 1849 in Missouri, and Samantha dreams of moving back to New York to be a professional musician — a difficult enough challenge when you're Chinese and female. But when her father dies in a fire, and Samantha is forced to kill a man in self-defense, all she can hope for is survival. Her friend Annamae, a slave housekeeper, runs away with her, and the two friends conceal themselves as boys while they make their way down the Oregon Trail, hopefully to safety. The law is hot on their tail, but with the help of a sympathetic band of cowboys — and each other — perhaps they can find safety, hope, and happiness.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$16.49 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$36.30 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$11.99 (USD)

Rose Under Fire

Rose Under Fire

Written by: Elizabeth Wein
Recommended Age: 13 and up

In this companion to Wein's remarkable Code Name Verity, Rose Justice is an American pilot who is captured in Nazi-held France and sent to the infamous Ravensbruck concentration camp. There she will befriend the most unexpected people including a Polish girl who was used for medical experimentation, a Russian woman pilot, and even a German woman, formerly a guard but now a fellow prisoner. Each friend, in her own way, will help Rose survive, escape, and recover from the tremendous trauma of the horrors she experienced. And in return, Rose will help her friends by telling their stories to the world. This remarkable work of historical fiction shows how friends can get through the worst times together.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$18.95 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£24.50 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$29.54 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.99 (USD)

Kat and Meg Conquer The World

Kat and Meg Conquer The World

Written by: Anna Priemaza
Recommended Age: 13 and up

Kat and Meg don't seem like a natural pair: Kat's anxiety means she only feels safe in front of her computer, playing video games, while Meg loves people but her ADHD behaviors often drive them away. The only reason they meet up is a random partnership for a year-long science project. As they work, they discover they both love the same online gaming star... and that point in common could be the beginning of a friendship both of them never expected to have. This charming, sweet story about how friendship can change lives will speak to many teens who wonder if they'll ever meet someone who understands them.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$10.63 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£13.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$17.26 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.99 (USD)

Turtles All The Way Down

Turtles All The Way Down

Written by: John Green
Recommended Age: 14 and up

16-year-old Aza is trying to fill many roles: good daughter, good student, and most importantly right now, good friend. Her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, wants to investigate the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett — and the $100,000 reward would go a long way towards Aza's college fees. But behind her facade, Aza is fighting anxiety and obsessive-compulsive thoughts that are creating a tightening spiral of stress and fear. In order to succeed, Aza may have to lean on friends both old and new — and trust that they'll be there for her. In his long-awaited return, John Green, the acclaimed, award-winning author of The Fault in Our Stars, shares Aza's story with shattering, unflinching clarity in this brilliant novel of love, resilience, and the power of lifelong friendship.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$19.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£16.63 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$32.32 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.95 (USD)

The Edge of Anything

The Edge of Anything

Recommended Age: 14 and up

Len and Sage are struggling with different kinds of grief. Sage was a volleyball star until her doctor discovered a heart condition that could threaten her life if she plays. Len is a talented photographer but struggles with OCD that's spiraling out of control. When the two girls meet, they recognize one another's vulnerability and form a surprising bond. Facing their demons without being fully honest with one another puts lives at risk... but if they can each lean on the other for support, they have a chance for the happiness they seek, even if it doesn't look like they expected. Inspired by the author's own experience with trauma-induced OCD, this stunning novel about grief, mental health, and friendship includes mental health resources for teens looking to support their own friends.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$22.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£13.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$26.71 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$13.57 (USD)

Struggles and Challenges

Of course, friendship doesn’t always run smoothly, and learning how to deal with conflict or with a friend in crisis is an important part of learning to be a good friend. These books will help your Mighty Girl figure out how to handle friendship when it’s not all fun.

Almost Always Best, Best Friends

Almost Always Best, Best Friends

Written by: Apryl Stott
Illustrated by: Apryl Stott
Recommended Age: 3 - 7

Poppy the tiger and Clementine the sheep adore one another; they spend time together EVERY DAY. Except, one day, Clementine has a play date with a new companion, Georgia. Poppy can't help but worry: what if Clementine likes Georgia better than her? And when she and Clementine get together the following day, Poppy's worst fears are realized: all Clementine can talk about is her new friend. Hurt, Poppy lashes out and runs home. Is she losing her best, best friend? Fortunately, Poppy's dad guides her into talking to Clementine about how she feels. Even though the friends have to have a tough conversation, it turns out that their friendship is stronger than ever... and might even have room for one more. This sweet story from the bestselling creator of Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light is a reminder of the power of talking things through.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$22.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£3.44 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$42.39 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$13.53 (USD)

Willow Finds A Way

Willow Finds A Way

Written by: Lana Button
Illustrated by: Tania Howells
Recommended Age: 3 - 8

Willow’s classmate Kristabelle is having a fabulous birthday party — and using the prospect of it to bully everyone into doing things her way. Willow wants to tell Kristabelle that she’s being mean, but she can’t find the words, no matter how hard she tries. When Kristabelle starts crossing people of the “invited” list, though, Willow finds a way not only to break Kristabelle’s hold on the class, but also to show Kristabelle that mistakes can be forgiven. One of the few books about bullying that shows the power of the bystander, Willow Finds A Way is also a reminder that friends know when to give one another a chance to make amends.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$15.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£16.31 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$16.56 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.68 (USD)

A Friendship Yarn

A Friendship Yarn

Written by: Lisa Moser
Illustrated by: Olga Demidova
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

Porcupine and Badger are best friends, so when each of them finds bright red yarn in the woods, their first thought is to knit a present for the other. What they don't realize at first, though, is that they're using opposite ends of the same skein! When their projects fall apart as each animal pulls at the yarn, their friendship starts to unravel too, and each takes a selfish turn and starts designing something grand for herself. It takes a cold night — and the realization that they miss one another — for them to find the perfect compromise: there's just enough yarn for a sweater for each. This charming story of two friends rediscovering their generosity and overcoming conflict highlights provides a model for forgiveness when friendship goes astray.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$23.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£14.50 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$40.64 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.43 (USD)

Finding François: A Story about the Healing Power of Friendship

Finding François: A Story about the Healing Power of Friendship

Written by: Gus Gordon
Illustrated by: Gus Gordon
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

Little piglet Alice has almost everything she would want living with her grandmother — except a sister, a brother, or ANYONE her size. So she writes a note and tucks it into a bottle, and throws it into the Seine river, where it finds it way to François the dog at a faraway lighthouse. Soon, the pair are writing back and forth daily... until Alice's grandmother dies, and Alice is too consumed by grief to write. François worries about her silence, but Alice's new guardian, the kindly Miss Clément, knows just what Alice needs — and soon the friends get to meet in person. Gentle and emotionally complex, this book explores grief, love, and the power of friendship to get us through the hardest of times.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$23.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£15.07 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$28.06 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$17.99 (USD)

The Sandwich Swap

The Sandwich Swap

Recommended Age: 4 - 8

Conflict can break out over the simplest things sometimes — like lunch. When Lily tells Salma that her hummus and pita looks yucky, and Salma counters that Lily’s peanut butter and jelly stinks, soon the former best friends are embroiled in a huge fight — one that’s drawing in the rest of the school, who start calling each other “jelly heads” and “chickpea brains.” After a food fight ends up with the two girls in the office, they decide that it’s time to fix everything, starting with their friendship. Trading lunches results in a realization that new experiences are positive and that the little differences are never worth losing a friend.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$18.31 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£12.87 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$31.01 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.69 (USD)

Eunice and Kate

Eunice and Kate

Written by: Mariana Llanos
Illustrated by: Elena Napoli
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

Eunice and Kate live in "side-by-side apartments" with their loving moms, and they're the best of friends — even though Kate dreams of being an astronaut, while Eunice imagines being a ballerina. Everything goes wrong, though, when they draw portraits of one another in art class — Eunice's picture shows Kate dancing, while Kate's picture puts Eunice in the astronaut's helmet. "That's not me!" each declares, and soon they're in a full-on fight. Fortunately, their moms help them understand the importance of respecting differences — and of appreciating a friend's point of view. This charming book is a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be a good friend.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$22.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£14.27 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$34.79 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$5.43 (USD)

Maddi's Fridge

Maddi's Fridge

Written by: Lois Brandt
Illustrated by: Vin Vogel
Recommended Age: 4 - 9

When a friend needs help, but asks you not to tell, what do you do? Sofia and Maddi are the best of friends, but one day Sofia stumbles upon Maddi's secret: her family's fridge is nearly empty. Maddi begs Sofia not to say anything, but Sofia can't bear to think of her friend's family going hungry. Smuggling food from home may work for a day, but what Sofia really wants is to make sure that her friend never goes hungry again. Finally, Sofia realizes that, sometimes, a good friend has to break a confidence. This compassionate look at the problem of hunger in an urban community is also a great starting point for discussions about when a friend's secret needs to be shared.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$17.95 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£15.26 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$63.60 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.65 (USD)

Juna's Jar

Juna's Jar

Written by: Jane Bahk
Illustrated by: Felicia Hoshino
Recommended Age: 5 - 9

When a friend moves away, can the friendship survive? Juna loves collecting treasures in empty kimchee jars with her best friend Hector — until the day he moves away without even getting to say goodbye. Juna’s older brother, Minho, sees her sadness and gives her small gifts hoping to cheer her up, including a cricket. But it’s not until Juna’s vivid imagination takes her on a cricket ride to Hector’s new bedroom — complete with a kimchi jar still on the windowsill — that she’s reassured that Hector will be okay and that she will be too. What Juna finds is that adventure and new friends can be found in the most unexpected places.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$16.13 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$27.84 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.73 (USD)

The Lemonade Club

The Lemonade Club

Written by: Patricia Polacco
Illustrated by: Patricia Polacco
Recommended Age: 6 - 9

Sometimes a friendship is rocked by circumstances that neither friend controls. Traci is having a great year in fifth grade when she starts noticing changes in her best friend, Marilyn. Marilyn is tired all the time, and she’s losing weight even though she’s not dieting. When Marilyn reveals that she’s been diagnosed with leukemia, and is facing chemotherapy, Traci doesn’t know what to do. But their beloved teacher’s advice that “when life hands you lemons, make lemonade!” will be the key to helping Traci figure out how to support her friend and get the whole fifth-grade class to stand with her, too. Based on the true story of Polacco’s daughter and her best friend, this book shows how friendship can provide so much, even when friends feel helpless in the face of illness.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$22.85 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£11.08 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$42.76 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.92 (USD)

Camp

Camp

Written by: Kayla Miller
Illustrated by: Kayla Miller
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

Olive is sure this will be the best summer ever — she and her friend Willow are heading to camp together! But while Olive makes friends fast, Willow struggles, and latches onto Olive for companionship. It's not long before Olive is fed up and they have a full-on fight. Summer camp was definitely not supposed to be the end of their friendship! Fortunately, a little time apart gives them the chance to find their own way — and their way back together. Tween readers will sympathize with both Olive and Willow during this graphic novel sequel to Click that celebrates how summer adventures can help you discover new strength. Olive's story continues in Act and Clash.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$13.00 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$32.54 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.06 (USD)

Ruby Lee and Me

Ruby Lee and Me

Written by: Shannon Hitchcock
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

When the prejudice of others puts pressure on a friendship, it's hard for kids to know what to do. It's 1969, and for Sarah Beth Willis, everything is changing. Her sister Robin has had a terrible accident, forcing Sarah to go live with her grandparents. Everyone in town seems upset about the new teacher, Mrs. Smyre, just because she's African American. And Sarah still doesn't understand why people think she shouldn't be friends with Ruby Lee just because their skin colors aren't the same. Fortunately, Mrs. Smyre is able to help Sarah understand this strange world of Freedom Riders and family struggles — and to get the whole community thinking about things in a new way. This tender story, and the touching friendship between Sarah and Ruby Lee, is also an excellent introduction to civil rights struggles.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$9.48 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£2.06 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$23.31 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$6.59 (USD)

Maggie & Abby's Neverending Pillow Fort

Maggie & Abby's Neverending Pillow Fort

Written by: Will Taylor
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Maggie and Abby are best friends... except after six weeks away at camp, all Abby wants to talk about is camp things. She even calls Maggie's awesome pillow fort a "cabin" — but at least she builds one too. Then, Maggie discovers that a spot in the back of her pillow fort leads straight to Abby's, and the girls learn that there is a massive network of linked pillow forts... and the kids who run it aren't happy that Maggie and Abby got in without authorization. They have only three days to prove they deserve access, or they'll lose their link forever! But can their friendship survive the mission, or will their effort to keep their forts connected drive the friends themselves apart? This fun and fantastical adventure is also a poignant story about growing up and staying close to friends along the way.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$19.96 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£10.37 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$41.87 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.15 (USD)

Let's Pretend We Never Met

Let's Pretend We Never Met

Written by: Melissa Walker
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

Mattie's family had to move during the middle of the school year, and at first she expects to spend her winter beak worrying about fitting in. Instead, she meets Agnes, a next-door neighbor and soon-to-be classmate, and they quickly become friends: Agnes is funny, smart, and inventive. Except when school starts, Mattie learns that Agnes is considered a "freak of nature" — and that the popular kids may not want anything to do with Mattie if she's Agnes' friend. Mattie will have to decide whether Agnes or others are more important — or perhaps, find a way to bridge this seemingly enormous gap. This honest and insightful middle grade novel will get kids thinking about friendship, peer pressure, and how to build healthy relationships.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$8.05 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£7.20 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$12.54 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$6.99 (USD)

Serena Says

Serena Says

Written by: Tanita S. Davis
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

11-year-old Serena's best friend JC outshines everybody — but she's been okay with being in her shadow. Except when JC gets back from the hospital after a kidney transplant, Serena has a cold and has to keep away... and by the time she's back, her classmate Leilani has stepped in. Now Serena feels lonely and uncertain of her place, focusing on perfecting her vlogs and wishing that real life had a pause button so she could edit (or even delete) conversations. But as she practices, Serena starts to discover she has her own talents... and learns that making a friendship work takes patience, communication, and understanding yourself. Kids will fall in love with Serena and her developing voice in this heartwarming, funny, and nuanced novel.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$9.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£9.35 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$14.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.99 (USD)

Besties: Work It Out

Besties: Work It Out

Illustrated by: Kristina Luu
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

Chanda and Beth have two very different families but one common goal: building a fashion empire! So when they get the chance to dogsit at a luxurious house, the temptation becomes too much and they end up trying on the owner's clothes... and end up accidentally destroying one of Ms. Langford's prized possessions. To make it right, they've got to earn the money for a replacement, but as they struggle to make what they need, they also start arguing over who's to blame, putting their friendship at risk. Best-selling author Kayla Miller, co-author Jeffrey Canino, and illustrator Kristina Luu come together to create an authentic look at poor decision making and friendship struggles in this graphic novel from the world of the Click series.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$15.00 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£9.79 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$24.50 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.69 (USD)

Paper Chains

Paper Chains

Written by: Elaine Vickers
Illustrated by: Sara Not
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

Katie and Ana are the kind of friends who share everything with each other... almost. Katie has always known she was adopted, but recently she's been wondering about her birth parents and her birthplace in Russia — and worries that admitting this might mess up the perfect family she has now. Meanwhile, Ana's family is falling apart after her father suddenly leaves. When Ana's Babushka arrives, she resents her imperious ways and unfamiliar foods — and Katie's quick connection with her. Misunderstandings start building, and soon the friendship between the girls becomes strained. Fortunately, before they lose each other, the realize the truth: friendship, just like family, is worth fighting for.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$18.89 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£13.45 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$29.60 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.99 (USD)

Faith, Hope, and Ivy June

Faith, Hope, and Ivy June

Recommended Age: 9 and up

Ivy June and Catherine are the first two seventh-grade exchange students to switch between their Kentucky schools, and as each girl gets the chance to live with the other, it becomes clear that their families couldn’t be more different: Catherine’s parents have a huge home, with plenty of space, while Ivy June’s house is so full that she lives with her grandparents, while her Pappa works in the coal mines to support four generations of family. But as the girls get to know each other, they realize that they share more similarities than differences...and when tragedies strikes both families, it’s the support that each provides the other that gets them through the fear of losing someone they love.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$17.82 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.89 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$17.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$2.28 (USD)

Saint Ivy: Kind at All Costs

Saint Ivy: Kind at All Costs

Written by: Laurie Morrison
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

13-year-old Ivy is very determined to be a GOOD kid — and that means putting everyone else's needs first. But when her mom decides to be a gestational surrogate for her friend, Ivy is shocked to discover that she's jealous and concerned about appearances. That's not the right way — the IVY way — to react! And if she's not the kindest kid out there, who is she? So she dives headfirst into proving how selfless she is... but it's hard for Ivy's friends to feel connected to her when she never lets them help her. Ivy will have to learn what it means to be vulnerable before she really understand what it means to be kind. This thoughtful and authentic middle-grade novel conveys an important message about the reciprocity of friendship and what it means to find yourself.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$4.56 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£15.93 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$6.39 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.99 (USD)

The Lost Language

The Lost Language

Written by: Claudia Mills
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

6th grader Betsy considers herself "good at being second" — although that often puts her at odds with her controlling mother's high expectations of her. She's also used to caving to her best friend Lizard; it's hard to speak up when Lizard will just shut her down. When Betsy learns from her mom, a linguistics professor, that thousands of languages are going extinct, Lizard becomes obsessed with the idea of saving one, Guernésiais. But those who still speak it aren't as grateful as the girls expected, and Betsy would rather be joining in with the school musical than devoting all her time to learning a dying language. As Betsy starts to assert herself to both her mother and to Lizard, she also starts to wonder if some languages — and some friendships — can't be saved. This poignant novel in verse explores nuanced issues about relationship, identity, and what it means to communicate.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$22.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£13.43 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$7.08 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$16.99 (USD)

Just Jaime

Just Jaime

Written by: Terri Libenson
Illustrated by: Terri Libenson
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

It's the last day of seventh grade, and everything is about to change for best friends Jaime and Maya. Jaime has noticed the group poking fun at her and freezing her out ever since Celia took over — but she hasn't gotten up the courage to talk to Maya, her best friend since first grade, about it. Meanwhile, Celia's told Maya that she has to kick Jaime out of the group... for her sake, since she doesn't fit in. Over the course of one middle school day, Jaime and Maya will find their friendship tested in a shocking way — and figure out a way to move forward. This graphic novel by the author of the best-selling Emmie and Friends series explores cliques, frenemies, and the importance of being true to yourself.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$19.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£8.19 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$13.85 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.70 (USD)

Summerlost

Summerlost

Written by: Ally Condie
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

A friend — old or new — can help a person through grief... even when that seems impossible. It's the first summer since Cedar's father and brother were killed in an accident, and Cedar and what's left of our family are returning to the town of Iron Creek. Cedar's mom sets herself to fixing up the house, leaving Cedar and her younger brother to explore on their own. When Cedar sees a boy in a costume ride by on a bike, she's curious enough to follow him — and discovers the renowned local theater festival. With a new friend, a job at the festival, and a mystery to occupy her mind, Cedar might find the most valuable thing of all: healing. This touching and tender novel uses lyrical language and vibrant characters to tell a heartfelt story about grief and resilience.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$12.14 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$23.22 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.70 (USD)

Dear Friends

Dear Friends

Written by: Lisa Greenwald
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

Leni and Sylvia have been BFFS since they were born, since their mothers are best friends too. She really can't imagine not having Sylvia by her side! But when Sylvie has her birthday party right before middle school, Leni is heartbroken to discover that three girls are sleeping over — NOT including Leni. Hurt and confused at being frozen out, Leni decides to investigate her past friendships with the help of Adelaide, the daughter of another of her mother's friends. And the clock is ticking: the class overnight trip is coming up, and Leni's desperate to prove she's best friend material in time to room with Sylvie! In the process, she learns a lot more about what it really means to be a friend — and that sometimes, friendships have to come to an end. The best-selling author of the TBH and Friendship Lists series has created a realistic, relatable story about the changing relationships of middle school, full of heart.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$12.50 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£7.35 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$23.84 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.99 (USD)

Shouting at the Rain

Shouting at the Rain

Written by: Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

12-year-old Delsie has always been content living with her kindhearted Grammy in her Cape Cod home, but recently she's started wondering what it would be like to have a "normal" family. And, when Delsie's best seasonal friend, Brandy, returns to her cottage for the summer hanging out with a snobby new friend who scoffs at Delsie's immaturity, Delsie starts to feels like the world doesn't make sense anymore. So when she meets Ronan, a new neighbor who is known as a liar and a thief, she thinks he's just another storm on the horizon. After he stands up for her, however, Delsie discovers that Ronan is caring and courageous but, like her, is lonely and troubled by his own losses. This touching story by the author of Fish in a Tree features a resilient Mighty Girl who discovers that, with real friends and loving family by your side, you can stand strong through just about any weather.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£9.53 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$13.09 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.39 (USD)

Forget Me Not

Forget Me Not

Written by: Ellie Terry
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

Ever since her father died, astronomy-loving Calliope June has struggled with her mother's constant moves — and faced rejection among new sets of peers when her Tourette's syndrome causes facial tics and noises that she can't control. When they arrive in St. George, Utah, Calli once again tries and fails to blend in, but she finds friendship with her neighbor Jinsong, the student body president and a sports star. But will he be brave enough to make their friendship public? And what if Calli's mom decides to move again just as she's beginning to feel like her differences aren't the end of the world? Told in Calli and Jinsong's dual perspectives, in prose poetry and free verse, this touching story celebrates the power of accepting — and being true — to who you are.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$10.67 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.50 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$15.06 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.19 (USD)

My Jasper June

My Jasper June

Written by: Laurel Snyder
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

Last summer, 13-year-old Leah's brother Sam drowned, and since then, she's felt like a ghost herself, imitating a normal life and lacking support from her parents. Now that it's summer again, all of Leah's friends are away and she has nothing to distract her from her grief. Then she meets 14-year-old Jasper, a gregarious and mysterious redhead who almost seems like she stepped out of a fairy tale, with her overgrown cottage and her chores like doing laundry in the creek. The friendship gives Leah solace, but Jasper is hiding her own painful past — and as both girls' truths come out, they have to figure out if they can save one another. This poignant novel tackles difficult issues with gentleness and grace, and recognizes the strength to be found in friendship.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$10.00 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£13.09 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$33.81 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.99 (USD)

Awkward

Awkward

Written by: Svetlana Chmakova
Illustrated by: Svetlana Chmakova
Recommended Age: 10 and up

Peppi Torres knows that the two cardinal rules of school are 1) don’t get noticed by the mean kids and 2) seek out groups with similar interests for support. But on her first day, she trips into quiet Jaime, and immediately starts getting teased as the “nerder girlfriend.” Peppi doesn’t handle the moment well, and even as she finds friends in the art club, she feels ashamed about how she treated Jaime — even as she learns that he's a member of the science club, the art club's archrivals. But maybe friendship can cross the lines of interests... and maybe if it does, Peppi and Jaime will both feel more at ease with their place in the world. This graphic novel about managing the rapidly changing social relations of middle school also captures how friendship can help you become comfortable in your own skin.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$17.00 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$16.98 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.82 (USD)

Nest

Nest

Written by: Esther Ehrlich
Recommended Age: 10 and up

While friends can provide support, it is heartbreaking to realize that they don't always provide the best solutions. Chirp and her friend and neighbor Joey are facing some serious problems: Chirp's mother, who has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, falls into depression and eventually commits suicide, while Joey's family is abusive. To the two friends, struggling to deal with challenges they're ill-equipped to face, the solution seems obvious: run away to a place where their memories are happy. But Chirp and Joey discover that memories can deceive, and there's no way to go back in time — or escape the present. This heartfelt book is a reminder that friends, especially young ones, can't handle everything alone.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$10.71 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£3.15 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$16.38 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.99 (USD)

Lily and Dunkin

Lily and Dunkin

Written by: Donna Gephart
Recommended Age: 10 and up

Big secrets and tough choices can complicate a friendship — but a friend can also give you the courage to be yourself. Timothy McGrother is actually Lily, and she feels trapped in a body that looks like a boy; Norbert Dorfman is new in town, struggling to maintain a normal life even though he's gone off his medication for bipolar disorder in order to play on the middle school basketball team. When the two of them meet, for the first time, each has someone who is ready to take them just as they are. Alternating first-person chapters tell the story of how Norbert becomes Dunkin and Timothy becomes Lily, thanks to the support of a new friend.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$21.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£8.66 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$24.38 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$12.66 (USD)

Just As Long As We're Together

Just As Long As We're Together

Written by: Judy Blume
Recommended Age: 12 and up

Sometimes a new friendship challenges an established one. Stephanie and Rachel have been best friends since second grade — but then Alison moves into the neighborhood, and suddenly the old friends are keeping secrets from each other. Stephanie wonders if it’s possible to have two best friends, or if she has to give up one to be friends with the other. Fortunately for Stephanie, when she needs a friend to help her through her parents’ separation, she discovers that the only thing better than a best friend is a group of friends who can count on each other — always.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$14.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£15.50 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$26.95 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.79 (USD)

I Hadn't Meant to Tell You This

I Hadn't Meant to Tell You This

Written by: Jacqueline Woodson
Recommended Age: 12 and up

Marie lives in a prosperous African-American community, and is surprised when she becomes friends with Lena, a new white girl in school. The two girls bond over shared sadness — Lena’s mother died of cancer, while Marie’s mother has abandoned her family. But as they grow closer, Lena reveals a terrible secret: her father sexually abuses her. Marie is desperate to help, but doesn’t feel like she can break her promise not to tell. Marie’s decisions — and the outcome for Lena — are sure to prompt many discussions with your Mighty Girl about what responsibility to and caring for a friend really means.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$10.17 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$14.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.99 (USD)

Girls Like Us

Girls Like Us

Written by: Gail Giles
Recommended Age: 15 and up

Sometimes a friendship is solidified by a common experience, however painful. Biddy and Quincy are paired to share housing with an elderly widow after graduating from their high school special education class. The pair see everything differently — Biddy is sweet but terrified, while Quincy approaches everything with her guard up — and initially feel like their only connection is their shared identity as "Speddie" kids. But as the pair share their painful life stories — and equally heart-wrenching current tragedies — with one another, they realize that they have a lot to offer one another. Quincy helps Biddy overcome her fears, while Biddy helps Quincy open up and learn to lean on another person's support. Perhaps, after eighteen years of abuse and bullying, they have finally found someone who cares about them.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$17.33 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$26.35 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.80 (USD)

No relationship is easy all the time: it takes the investment of time, caring, and understanding to move from being an acquaintance to being a friend. But every Mighty Girl deserves to know what a true friendship feels like. With these books in hand, we hope that she’ll be able to find the perfect friendship for her.

Additional Recommended Resources

You May Also Like

Help keep A Mighty Girl growing in the years ahead!

If you discover books or other resources via this post that you would like to purchase, please use the "Buy at Amazon" and other links found on every A Mighty Girl product page. By doing so, at no added cost to you, you help to support the site and allow us to continue providing you with wonderful girl-empowering resources. We appreciate your support!