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

No Romance Required

30 Books About Girl – Boy Friendships

A Mighty Girl's top picks of books about friendships between girls and boys.

Books about girls who are best friends forever are easy to find — but what about girls who are friends with boys? Mixed-gender friendships are all too rare in children's literature, and often those that do exist develop into a romance story, creating the impression that romance is the inevitable conclusion of all relationships between a girl and a boy. But in an ideal world, people are friends with anyone who shares their interests, and gender isn't a factor! Providing a model for these girl-boy friendships in children's books is a great way to show that friendships form with many different people — and reading about these friendships encourages kids to build and maintain mixed-gender friendships as they grow.

In this blog post, we're featuring a variety of stories about girl-boy friendships. These girls and boys adventure together, care for one another, and provide the support that everyone needs to get through tough times. It's the perfect way to encourage young readers to focus not on the gender of a friend, but on the quality of the friendship.

Books About Girl and Boy Friends

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
£9.67 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$34.43 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.44 (USD)

Farfallina and Marcel

Farfallina and Marcel

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

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 shows that friendships can survive even big changes!

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)

Josie's Lost Tooth

Josie's Lost Tooth

Written by: Jennifer K. Mann
Illustrated by: Jennifer K. Mann
Recommended Age: 4 - 7

Josie and Richard compete at everything, and Josie always wins... except when it comes to losing teeth. When she finally feels one of her teeth start to wiggle, she's excited to finally catch up, but when she literally loses her tooth, Josie wonders if the Tooth Fairy will come after all. Richard offers her his beloved shark tooth as a substitute, but Josie doesn't think the Tooth Fairy will bite. To her delight, the Tooth Fairy understands... and provides a gift to remind her that her friendship is more valuable than any coin! This charming and relatable story will speak to any child waiting for that first wiggle.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$21.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£16.56 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$16.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.15 (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)

Journey

Journey

Written by: Aaron Becker
Illustrated by: Aaron Becker
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

A lonely girl wants to escape the solitude of her bedroom, but when she draws a magic door on her wall with a red crayon, she gets more than she bargained for! Soon, she’s drawn a boat, a balloon, and a magic carpet which lead to an incredible new world. After she bravely rescues a beautiful purple bird from captivity, she herself is captured. But the grateful bird helps her to escape and together they fly to safety and to what she wants most of all: friendship... with the owner of a purple crayon! This Caldecott Honor wordless picture book begins a friendship that continues in its sequels, Quest and Return; you can also get a box set of the whole trilogy.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$23.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£24.20 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$22.50 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$11.58 (USD)

Sakura's Cherry Blossoms

Sakura's Cherry Blossoms

Written by: Robert Paul Weston
Illustrated by: Misa Saburi
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

When Sakura's dad gets a new job in America, Sakura struggles with culture clash and learning a new language, but most of all she misses her beloved grandmother, Obaachan, who used to picnic with her under the cherry trees. Slowly, though, she makes a new friend, Luke, and starts to settle in... until Obaachan gets sick, and the family has to fly back to Japan to say goodbye. When she gets home, Luke tells her she'll get a surprise in the spring — and Sakura is delighted to see the cherry trees that bloom in her own neighborhood, reminding her of warm memories of the past and giving her the chance to make new ones with her friend by her side.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$21.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£16.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$42.20 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.20 (USD)

Starcrossed

Starcrossed

Written by: Julia Denos
Illustrated by: Julia Denos
Recommended Age: 5 - 8

A long time ago, a girl named Eridani made friends with someone unexpected: a star named Acamar! Every night, they talked as she studied the skies and walked home to bed. But both of them wished they could know what life was like for the other: Eridani imagined glowing in the dark, while Acamar imagined dancing on human feet. And when their wishes were granted — at the same time, meaning the friends were still separated — they discovered that their friendship can sustain itself even when they're apart. This wondrous, lyrical picture book, with glowing illustrations, celebrates the joy of discovering new things and the power of true friendship.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$26.38 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£14.90 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$43.89 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$13.98 (USD)

Sticks and Stones

Sticks and Stones

Written by: Patricia Polacco
Illustrated by: Patricia Polacco
Recommended Age: 5 - 9

Beloved author Patricia Polacco shares a story of a transformative year in elementary school — and the power of supportive friendships. On the first day of school, separated from her friends, Paricia breaks out in a rash and gets nicknamed "Cootie" by her class bully. Fortunately, a boy named Thom and a girl named Ravenne step in to comfort her. Thom's graceful manner and love of ballet make him a particular target, but he responds with poise and humor, helping Patricia see that she can overcome the bullying — and for many years to come, the three friends support one another as they find their passions and achieve success. This is a powerful anti-bullying tale that celebrates girl-boy friendships.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$24.70 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£15.29 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$23.29 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$16.99 (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)

Stella Endicott and the Anything-Is-Possible Poem

Stella Endicott and the Anything-Is-Possible Poem

Written by: Kate DiCamillo
Illustrated by: Chris Van Dusen
Recommended Age: 6 - 9

Stella Endicott is thrilled by her new poetry assignment: what better time to write all about Mercy Watson, the pig who lives next door! Wanting to impress her teacher, she devotes herself to the work, adding metaphors and coming up with grand phrases. But Horace Broom, her annoying classmate, insists she's lying: "Pigs don’t sit on couches, they live on farms." Before long, the pair are arguing so loudly Miss Liliana sends them to the principal's office! Horace is so afraid of being in trouble that he runs out of the office, causing even more trouble, so Stella draws on her poem to help give him the courage to make it through the day. It turns out, her poem makes anything possible — even an unexpected new friendship! This is a laugh-out-loud story full of metaphor and fun.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$8.07 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$11.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$5.99 (USD)

Lulu Walks The Dogs

Lulu Walks The Dogs

Written by: Judith Viorst
Illustrated by: Lane Smith
Recommended Age: 6 - 9

Stubborn Lulu from Lulu and the Brontosaurus is back, this time looking to make a little extra cash by walking the neighborhood dogs. But Brutus, Cordelia, and Pookie don’t make the walk a very easy one! Lulu’s do-gooding neighbor Fleischman offers some help, which she reluctantly accepts — but can two totally opposite personalities, and three not-very-cooperative dogs, ever work together? With a sarcastic, witty tone, Viorst’s story captures how these undisciplined animals help create an unusual but satisfying bond between two unlikely friends.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$10.08 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$14.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.99 (USD)

The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden

Recommended Age: 7 - 12

After Mary Lennox is orphaned by a cholera epidemic, she goes to live on her uncle's Yorkshire estate. Lonely and sad, she's left alone to explore, eventually meeting the high-spirited Dickon and her sickly and imperious cousin Colin. Then she discovers the greatest treasure of all: a locked, walled garden, overgrown and desperately in need of tending. And as she, Dickon, and Colin start caring for the garden, a remarkable thing happens: Mary and Colin start to bloom too. This classic novel, full of beauty and emotion, is sure to inspire young readers today as it has inspired generations of others.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$7.95 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£5.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$16.94 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$4.49 (USD)

Zita the Spacegirl

Zita the Spacegirl

Written by: Ben Hatke
Illustrated by: Ben Hatke
Recommended Age: 7 - 12

When her best friend Joseph is abducted by aliens, Zita leaps after him and finds herself on a strange world, far from home. But can a girl from Earth step in to save this new world — and her friend? As Zita's adventures continue in Legends of Zita the Spacegirl and The Return of Zita the Spacegirl, she'll rely on new friends to help her rescue Joseph... and on Joseph to help her get both of them back home. Full of action, adventure, humor, and heart, this graphic novel trilogy is sure to be a favorite.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$19.07 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£8.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$16.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.99 (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
$7.65 (USD)

Payback on Poplar Lane

Payback on Poplar Lane

Written by: Margaret Mincks
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Peter Gronkowski has his sights set on being a professional businessman, so he starts a new business with the help of an unpaid "intern," aspiring writer Rachel Chambers. But while Rachel may seem quiet, she's also resourceful and driven — and when Peter's overbearing behavior proves too much, she starts her own competing empire! As they each jockey to win their rivalry with slander, espionage, and sabotage, they finally realize that money and success aren't as important as their friendship. Smart and funny, with alternating chapters telling both kids' perspectives, readers will love watching Rachel and Peter find a partnership that proves that two determined heads are better than one.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$4.47 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£9.94 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$29.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.50 (USD)

Book Scavenger

Book Scavenger

Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Emily's literary idol, Garrison Griswold, lives in San Francisco — something that makes her move to the city a lot more exciting! He's the creator of Book Scavenger, a game where books are hidden in cities around the country. But when she arrives, Emily learns that Griswold has been attacked and no one knows anything about the epic new game he was just about to launch. When Emily and her friend James discover a strange book, they find themselves rushing from clue to clue, trying to find the secret — before whoever attacked Griswold comes after them too. This fun adventure, sprinkled with mysteries and ciphers, is sure to appeal to mystery fans. Emily and James' adventures continue in The Unbreakable Code and The Alcatraz Escape.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$9.14 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$12.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.40 (USD)

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

Written by: Jeanne Birdsall
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

The Penderwick sisters are spending the summer on a sprawling estate, full of interesting places to explore — and a fascinating new companion: Jeffrey, the son of the estate’s owner, Mrs. Tifton. Who better to accompany them on their adventures? Mrs. Tifton doesn't approve, though, and Jeffrey's on the verge of being sent to a military school. Will the sisters' adventures save their new friend from such a terrible fate, or just get him deeper into hot water? It will be a summer of full of trouble, laughter, mischief, and confusion — definitely one that no one on the estate will ever forget! Fans of the Penderwicks will also love this paperback box set featuring the four books in the series, and the sweet series finale, The Penderwicks At Last.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$23.06 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.50 (USD)

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs

Written by: Anne Ursu
Illustrated by: Erin McGuire
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

Hazel and Jack were always best friends, and their vivid imaginations made them a perfect pair — something that was particularly valuable for Hazel, who is struggling with her adoptive parents' divorce and unanswered questions about her birth family. Then Jack got a sliver from a magic mirror in his eye, and suddenly he became cold and heartless. But Hazel isn't willing to give up on him, not even when a mysterious woman made of ice takes him away. She's determined to brave all the dangers of this strange, frozen world to bring Jack home. But one of the things about growing up is recognizing that you can't live in a world of fantasy... and that relationships may change as you grow. This complex story that draws from "The Snow Queen" and other folk and fairy tales is bittersweet and powerful.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$12.50 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£17.68 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$26.90 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.99 (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)

Treasure in the Lake

Treasure in the Lake

Written by: Jason Pamment
Illustrated by: Jason Pamment
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

13-year-old Iris and her best friend Sam both live in the tiny town of Bugden, where nothing interesting ever happens. Iris dreams of adventures like she reads about in books, but Sam is content with the quiet... and their friendship has been starting to strain as Iris even considers going to school far away. When the two friends explore a dry river outside town, a selection of artifacts leads them to a shocking discovery: a hidden city that was flooded long ago. Iris wants to stake her claim for finding it, but as the two investigate, they realize that there's a story about their town's past and a friendship long gone to unravel within. And if they don't solve it in time, their own friendship may fade too... This compelling graphic novel adventure mixes archeology and action together for an adventure that will leave young readers eager for more of Iris and Sam's story!

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$15.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£15.46 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$33.13 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.69 (USD)

11 Birthdays

11 Birthdays

Written by: Wendy Mass
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Amanda is incredibly excited for her eleventh birthday — until everything goes wrong, including a fight with her best friend, Leo. She's glad when the day is over... but wakes up to discover that she's starting it all over again. The only other person aware of the time loop is Leo, and soon the pair have patched their friendship and start exploring the possibilities of unlimited do-overs. It turns out that seemingly small decisions have big and often unforeseen consequences — but can they find the one that gets them out of the loop and back to real life? Kids will love seeing Amanda and Leo rebuild their friendship and discover that what they do really does make a difference. Fans can return to author Wendy Mass' unique world in the second book in the series, Finally.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$23.60 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.99 (USD)

Iron Hearted Violet

Iron Hearted Violet

Written by: Kelly Barnhill
Illustrated by: Iacopo Bruno
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Princess Violet knows she doesn't fit her country's ideal of a princess: she's too plain, too bold, and far too clever for her own good. The only person who makes her feel at ease is Demetrius, the stable boy and her best friend. But when Violet stumbles across a forbidden book and accidentally releases an ancient evil back into the world, her insecurities might cut her off from the people who care most about her — including her friend. With Demetrius' help, though — plus an ancient dragon and a remarkable talent for storytelling — Violet might just be able to save her kingdom and find her place. This remarkable fantasy novel celebrates the power of story...and the power of a friendship to help you find your way.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$8.13 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$18.50 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.99 (USD)

Ronia, the Robber's Daughter

Ronia, the Robber's Daughter

Written by: Astrid Lindgren
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Ronia is the celebrated daughter of Matt, leader of a ferocious band of robbers, but she’s happiest alone, exploring the deep forest. There, she meets Birk, the son of Matt’s greatest rival, Borka, and the two become unexpected friends. But when new hostilities break out between two bands, Ronia is faced with conflicting loyalties when her father wants to use Birk as a hostage to force his rival’s surrender. Can Ronia and Birk find a way to reconcile the two robber barons, or will they have to choose between friendship and family? This book by Astrid Lindgren, author of Pippi Longstocking, is full of adventure and suspense.

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)

Liesl & Po

Liesl & Po

Written by: Lauren Oliver
Illustrated by: Kei Acedera
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Liesl is confined to the attic by a cruel stepmother, and she's deeply lonely after the death of her beloved father — until the day that Po, a child-sized ghost, appears in her bedroom. Not only do they form a friendship, but Po gives Liesl hope that she might be able to take her father's ashes home so she can finally say goodbye. The same night, a mistreated alchemist's assistant, Will, accidentally mixes up two boxes, one unimportant and one containing a powerful magic. The mistake draws all three together on an adventure full of laughter, love, and healing. Alternating between quiet, philosophical moments and hilarious hijinks, this story celebrates how friendship can help you overcome the most difficult moments in life.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$9.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$14.30 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.99 (USD)

Extra Credit

Extra Credit

Written by: Andrew Clements
Illustrated by: Mark Elliott
Recommended Age: 8 and up

Abby Carson doesn't like doing schoolwork... but letting it slide has put her at risk of repeating sixth grade. To earn extra credit, she writes to a school in Afghanistan for a pen pal, where the elders decree that Sadeed should write the letters dictated by his sister, Amira — Sadeed is best at writing in English, but in their village, it's improper for a boy and a girl to correspond. But Sadeed can't resist letting Abby know who's really doing the writing, and soon they've formed a friendship. As the pair share details about their very different lives and cultures, Sadeed urges Abby to devote the same energy to her schoolwork that she does to her adventures, and teaches her to see the world through different eyes. This heartfelt story about a relationship that forms across distance and cultural divides shows the power of a friendship to change lives.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$10.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£4.74 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$22.08 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$6.79 (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)

Anybody Here Seen Frenchie?

Anybody Here Seen Frenchie?

Written by: Leslie Connor
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

11-year-old Aurora is impulsive and talkative, which has always made it hard for her to make friends — except with Frenchie. Frenchie, who is nonverbal and autistic, chose her in third grade and they've been best friends ever since. Together, they explore the outdoors in their coastal Maine town. One day, they even see a rare piebald deer in the woods; shortly afterward, Frenchie disappears. Aurora, who's used to problems being the results of her mistakes, worries that she should have stopped him from disappearing... or maybe she even made him go. But she's determined to put all of her energy into helping find him — and ensuring others can understand his viewpoint when he returns. Both funny and poignant, this novel told from multiple viewpoints explores friendship and community through a neurodiverse lens.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$17.08 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£27.95 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$50.42 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$11.69 (USD)

Because Of The Rabbit

Because Of The Rabbit

Written by: Cynthia Lord
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

Emma has been lonely homeschooling without her brother who is now attending high school, so she's decides to start 5th grade at Lakeview Elementary. The day before she starts, she helps her game warden father rescue a lost bunny trapped in a fence. Emma names the bunny Lapi, after her beloved French Canadian grandfather's stories, and Lapi helps her find common ground with her first friend, a misfit named Jack who speaks out of turn and adores animals. And when Emma wonders if her friendship with Jack could hold her back at school, Lapi will also remind her that staying true to yourself is the most important thing of all. This heartfelt novel encourages young readers to see the value in understanding other peoples' perspectives — especially when they're different.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$10.08 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£12.13 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$27.77 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.99 (USD)

The Graveyard Riddle

The Graveyard Riddle

Written by: Lisa Thompson
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

Melody Bird is feeling lonelier than she ever has before: her friendship with Matthew, who's still finding balance with his OCD, got a lot more crowded when Jake joined the group, and her parents are divorcing after a secret of her father's was revealed. She founds herself drawn to the dark, abandoned "plague house" at the edge of town... and when she goes in to explore, she stumbles across a boy named Hal who claims he's a spy-in-training, operating undercover to keep an eye on a suspected criminal. Melody starts helping Hal, but when she tells Matthew and Jake, they question whether he is who he says he is, and decide to solve that mystery instead.... In this nuanced and heartfelt story set in the world of The Goldfish Boy, themes of mental health, loss, friendship, and trust combine as Melody tries to make sense of her changing world.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$16.41 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£5.03 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$39.86 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$11.99 (USD)

The Whispering Wars

The Whispering Wars

Written by: Jaclyn Moriarty
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

Honey Bee is one of the wealthy children who attends Brathelthwaite Boarding School in the magical, mysterious town of Spindrift; Finaly is one of the orphans who goes to the Orphanage School. They meet for the first time at the Spindrift Tournament, where Honey Bee is determined to prove to her harsh uncle, head of the school, that she meets his high expectations, and Finlay is determined to help his friends show that wealth isn't the same as skill. But when children start going missing, taken by the Whisperers, Honey Bee, Finlay, and their friends will have to work together to turn the tide before it turns into a full-on Whispering War. Told in dual narration, this story of unexpected friendship explores competition and class prejudice in a fascinating magical setting.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$24.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£16.49 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$31.23 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$15.37 (USD)

Da Vinci's Cat

Da Vinci's Cat

Recommended Age: 9 - 12

When 11-year-old Bee discovers a picture — supposedly by the famous painter Raphael — that looks just like her, she's shocked. Then a friendly cat emerges from a strange cabinet in her neighbor's attic... and when she follows the cat back through it, it takes her to Renaissance Rome! There, she meets 11-year-old Federico, a political hostage in Pope Julius II's castle, who's been witnessing the legendary rivalry between Raphael and Michelangelo as it happens. The pair become unexpected friends, but they also accidentally mess with history! Now they'll have to work together to get things back in order... and to get Bee back home. With vivid descriptions of the Renaissance setting and a story told in dual perspectives between Federico and Bee, this is an action-packed time-slip adventure that's facilitated by one clever cat.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$16.23 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£14.47 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$17.14 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.69 (USD)

A Perilous Journey of Danger and Mayhem: A Dastardly Plot

A Perilous Journey of Danger and Mayhem: A Dastardly Plot

Written by: Christopher Healy
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

It's the Age of Invention, and 12-year-old Molly knows that her mother Cass' flying machine deserves to be exhibited at the 1883 World's Fair, but it's monopolized by members of the all-male Inventor's Guild. When she and Cass sneak into the Guild's headquarters to get Cass' display a space, they stumble across a plot involving a secret army of death machines controlled by Alexander Graham Bell — or is it Thomas Edison? With the help of Bell's assistant, Chinese immigrant Emmett Lee, and some other other little-known inventors, Molly and Cass will (hopefully) save the day! Full of rollicking adventure, fascinating historical figures, and observations about what we lose through prejudice, this series opener is sure to delight middle-grade readers.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$8.50 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£7.81 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$14.47 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$15.57 (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)

The Way to Bea

The Way to Bea

Written by: Kat Yeh
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

Bea is going through a lot at the beginning of middle school: her best friend is drifting away, and she's about to become a big sister for the first time. The Taiwanese-American would-be poet tries to sort through her emotions by writing haikus in invisible ink, which she hides somewhere secret. And then one day, someone writes back. As she tries to solve the mystery, she becomes closer to several classmates, including Will, an analytical boy with a passion for labyrinths and mazes. Can Will help Bea sort through the labyrinth of her feelings to find a new sense of self? With a realistic depiction of middle-school awkwardness and an exuberant main character who dances to her own playlist, this book celebrates the power of friendship to help someone through difficult times.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$36.75 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£31.43 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$80.85 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$18.91 (USD)

On Snowden Mountain

On Snowden Mountain

Written by: Jeri Watts
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

12-year-old Ellen has seen her mother fall into depression before, but when her father has to leave to fight in World War II, it happens again — worse than ever. When it becomes obvious that her mother can't care for them, Ellen has only one choice: reach out to her cold aunt Pearl and accept leaving the city for Pearl's country home. Now Ellen faces outhouses, a one-room schoolhouse, and a classmate who smells like skunks, Russell. But Russell also offers a chance at a true friendship, one deep enough that Ellen can confess her fears that she'll face depression too. This touching novel shows the power of human connection to heal the heart.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$18.35 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£13.17 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$46.20 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.42 (USD)

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Written by: Dusti Bowling
Recommended Age: 9 - 13

Aven has long since gotten tired of questions about what "happened" to her arms, so she creates crazy stories instead of repeating over and over that she was born without them. When her family moves to Arizona to run a theme park called Stagecoach Pass, she steels herself for even more questions. Then she meets Connor, who also feels isolated by disability (in his case, Tourette's Syndrome.) And when the newfound friends discover a mystery at Stagecoach Pass, the real adventure can begin! This quirky adventure starring a delightfully funny main character is a reminder that others' reactions are often more problematic than the disability itself — and that with a good friend by your side, you can achieve anything.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.50 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$20.43 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$6.99 (USD)

Project Mulberry

Project Mulberry

Written by: Linda Sue Park
Recommended Age: 9 - 13

Julia and her best friend Patrick would love to win a blue ribbon at the state fair, so they need a top-notch project. Julia's mom suggests raising silkworms like she did as a child in Korea, and Patrick loves the idea — but Julia is tired of standing out for her background, and secretly hopes the "not American enough" project will fail, especially once she and Patrick start having trouble finding mulberry leaves, the only thing the silkworms will eat. As they get to know Mr. Dixon, an elderly African-American man who is willing to give them the leaves they need, and the silkworms start growing, the pair will wrestle with racism, life and death, and self-acceptance...together. This funny and poignant story also provides interesting details about silkworm life cycles and sustainable farming.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$9.40 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$23.98 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.99 (USD)

Dust

Dust

Written by: Dusti Bowling
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

Avalyn's family has lived in Arizona ever since she almost died of an asthma attack as a toddler; ever since then, she's been able to breathe a bit easier. But clean, dry air doesn't help against the bullies at school that target her and her friends, despite the empathy-building and anti-bullying posters. When a new boy named Adam arrives, he and Avalyn quickly bond over their love of X-Men comics. But Avalyn soon starts to suspect that something terrible is happening to Adam at home... and that his roiling emotions are connected to the sudden increase in dust storms that are forcing her inside. Will the dust take her breath away, or will she have enough to raise her voice to help Adam — and make a real change at her school? This poignant story about trauma, hope, and friendship is perfect for fans of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley and Lynda Mullaly Hunt.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$18.19 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£12.95 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$26.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.40 (USD)

Running on the Roof of the World

Running on the Roof of the World

Written by: Jess Butterworth
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

As a practicing Buddhist in Tibet, Tash must follow many rules set by the occupying Chinese soldiers — but as long as she and her family hide their religion and don't mention the Dalai Lama, their lives are peaceful. But when one man protests the occupation in a dramatic fashion, the soldiers crack down, breaking into Tash's house; her parents are arrested and Tash barely escapes. To find safety, she and her best friend Sam — and their two borrowed yaks — will have to rely on one another as they travel across the mountains in hopes of reaching in the Indian border. This action-packed story celebrates courage, the will to survive, and the power of friendship to provide hope in desperate times.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
(Unavailable)
Amazon.co.uk
£23.00 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com
$10.95 (USD)

The Ambassador of Nowhere Texas

The Ambassador of Nowhere Texas

Written by: Kimberly Willis Holt
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

Thirty years ago, in 1971, Rylee's father Toby had a life-changing summer that included a brief and unexpected friendship with Zachary Beaver. This year, Rylee is facing her own challenges: heartbreak over the 9/11 attacks, and a faltering friendship with her best friend Twig. When a new kid from New York, Joe, moves into the small town of Antler, Rylee and Joe become fast friends, with Joe even feeling comfortable telling Rylee that his father was one of the 9/11 first responders. Soon, the pair have a new project in mind: reunite Toby with Zachary Beaver and see if rebuilding that friendship can help the rest of the world feel less broken. This companion to the National Book Award-winner When Zachary Beaver Came to Town is a celebration of friendship and perseverance.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$15.89 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£12.97 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$47.22 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$11.49 (USD)

Secret of the Storm

Secret of the Storm

Written by: Beth McMullen
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

12-year-old Cassie is grieving the loss of her father, struggling with her mother's depression, and facing bullying at school after her former best friend ditched her for the popular kids. She finds solace in her volunteer work at the local library, and forms a friendship with Joe, a fellow outcast. Then a bizarre storm strikes as Cassie and Joe leave the library, and Cassie finds a kitten who was struck by lightning. Soon weird things start happening: Albert the kitten is strangely strong, and then a mysterious symbol appears on Cassie's closet door. And when it becomes obvious that Albert is more than he appears — and is in great danger — Cassie and Joe will have to depend on one another as they face a deadly foe. This action-packed series opener from best-selling author Beth McMullen is a pitch-perfect combination of seriousness and fantasy.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$23.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£13.32 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$21.68 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.76 (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)

In Your Shoes

In Your Shoes

Written by: Donna Gephart
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

Amy is still grieving after her mother's death — and while she's glad her uncle could take her in, living in his funeral home only reminds her of it. She's hoping to settle in to a new school and maybe foster her gift for writing. Miles is struggling with anxiety and wishes that someone would think he was interesting enough to go to the dance with. When one of Miles' bowling shoes hits Amy on her first day at school, it seems like the worst luck ever, but when Miles tries to make amends it leads to a friendship that's good for both of them. Told in alternating perspectives, this charming novel by the acclaimed author of Lily and Dunkin is a celebration of unexpected friendship and the power of empathy.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$12.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£13.75 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$16.36 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.89 (USD)

The Bridge Home

The Bridge Home

Written by: Padma Venkatraman
Recommended Age: 10 and up

The streets of Chennai are dangerous for children, but when life gets more dangerous at home, sisters Viji and Rukku become runaways. Fortunately, before long the girls find shelter under and abandoned bridges, as well as friendship, both from a puppy they name Kutti and from two runaway boys, Muthi and Arul. Muthi and Arul are so taken with Viji's storytelling that they agree to teach her and Rukku how to scavenge the garbage dump for items to sell. And when tragedy strikes, their new family will help Viji come to terms with her grief. Written in the form of a letter from Viji to Rukku, this vividly emotional book gently explores issues around poverty, caste, and child labor through the story of one girl.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$12.00 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£6.89 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$35.00 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$6.99 (USD)

Bronze and Sunflower

Bronze and Sunflower

Recommended Age: 10 - 14

When Sunflower and her father are forced to move to the rural Chinese countryside, she wishes she could go and play with the children in the village on the other side of the river. When her father tragically drowns, Sunflower is taken in by the village's poorest family. There, she meets Bronze, the family's son who has been traumatized into silence by a terrible fire. The pair become inseparable, and their bond helps both of them learn the power of loyalty and love and the importance of a connected community. Newly translated from the original Mandarin, this Hans Christian Andersen Award-winning story is not to be missed.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$23.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$34.46 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$17.80 (USD)

Return to Sender

Return to Sender

Written by: Julia Alvarez
Recommended Age: 10 and up

When Tyler's father is injured, his family has to hire a family of undocumented Mexican workers to help on the farm. Mari, the family's oldest daughter, that means a strange in-between life: proud of her Mexican heritage, tied to a life in America, and ever fearful of immigration agents. Although they seem quite different, Tyler and Mari form a strong friendship, and Mari slowly reveals her family's story — including the disappearance of her mother on a trip back to Mexico. And when "coyotes" contact the family demanding money for Mama's return, it's Tyler who helps the family reunite. There's nothing Tyler can do when immigration raids the farm, but perhaps their friendship can still provide solace and strength — for both of them. This complex, nuanced novel raises intriguing questions, but Tyler and Mari's friendship shines throughout it all.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$11.06 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£3.23 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$16.20 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.99 (USD)

Three Times Lucky

Three Times Lucky

Written by: Sheila Turnage
Recommended Age: 10 and up

Miss Moses LoBeau is used to everything being everyone's business in her hometown of Tupelo Landing, NC — but the one thing nobody knows is where she came from: she washed up after a hurricane as a baby. Colonel, the cafe owner, and Miss Lana, the cafe hostess, have provided her a home, while her best friend, Dale Earnhardt Johnson III, joins her on her adventures — and she would fight for any one of them. So when a murder/robbery happens in their little town, and a lawman comes around asking questions, Mo and Dale step up to solve the mystery...and along the way, Mo just might learn more about herself. Fans of this volume can follow Mo and Dale's adventures in The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing and The Odds of Getting Even.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$13.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£7.94 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$21.59 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.34 (USD)

Drama

Drama

Written by: Raina Telgemeier
Recommended Age: 10 and up

Callie's school year starts with heartbreak: after her hopes fly high when she gets a kiss from an upperclassman, he rejects her at school the next day. She opts to throw herself into the school musical — where the drama, of course, isn’t confined to the stage. There, she meets brothers Justin and Jesse, who understand her passion for musical theater...and sympathize with the challenges of dealing with crushes and romance. Their friendship will help Callie build confidence in her grandest plans, and in return, Callie will help them acknowledge the truth about themselves. This story of friendship is full of humor, angst, and all the challenges of middle school.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$16.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£14.02 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$32.89 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.58 (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)

Sparkers

Sparkers

Written by: Eleanor Glewwe
Recommended Age: 10 and up

Marah is an intelligent young woman and a gifted violinist — but she's also halani, the underclass in her world, who the upperclass kasir magicians dismissively call sparkers. But when a mysterious plague strikes her city, Marah develops an unexpected friendship with a kasir boy named Azariah. Together, they decide to pursue a cure — in secret, because they can't easily work together publicly. But more people are dying every day, and when Marah and Azariah make a shocking discovery, it will take both of their talents to evade government agents and try to save the people they care about. This story takes on complex discussions about discrimination and oppression — and features an equally complex friendship that dares to cross class lines.

Buy:
Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$99.94 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£32.16 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$24.55 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$16.99 (USD)

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!