The best books for building friendships
Making friends is an important part of growing up and although it can feel challenging for some children, our comforting books on friendship show them that it doesn’t have to be. Offering guidance on everything from sharing to understanding others, they’re perfect for helping your child build friendships that will last a lifetime.
The Treasure Hunters by Lisa Thompson
When lonely Vincent is forced to go on an outdoor activity weekend with three other kids from his class, he’s counting the seconds until he can escape home. But one of his classmates is hiding a secret: she’s convinced there’s pirate treasure buried deep within a nearby mountain.
Suddenly, this boring trip becomes an exciting adventure! But a thief is hot on the trail, intent on stealing the loot for themselves… can the Treasure Hunters work together to stop them?
Friends Are Amazing by Hughie Higginson and Freddie Xavi
Hughie and Freddie are both 11 years old and winners of the Pride of Britain Award, having raised more than £250,000 after Hughie was diagnosed with Leukaemia and Freddie vowed to help him thank his doctors and nurses.
In this title Hughie and Freddie tell us why friends are so special and show us what we can do to be a brilliant friend! The perfect picture book celebrating the importance of friendship and togetherness.
The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf
There used to be an empty chair at the back of my class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it. He’s nine years old (just like me), but he’s very strange. He never talks and never smiles and doesn’t like sweets. But then I learned the truth: Ahmet really isn’t very strange at all. He’s a refugee who’s run away from a War. A real one. With bombs and fires and bullies that hurt people. And the more I find out about him, the more I want to help.
Told with heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class is a child’s perspective on the refugee crisis, highlighting the importance of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense.
Meesha Makes Friends by Tom Percival
Meesha loves making things . . . but there’s one thing she finds difficult to make – friends. She doesn’t know quite what to do, what to say or when to say it. But one day she discovers that she has a special talent that might just help her navigate social situations – and maybe even make new friends.
A warm and affectionate look at the joys and difficulties of making and keeping friends, relating to others, and finding your place in the world.
This Rock Is Mine by Kaye Umansky
Friendship wins the day in this fabulously funny quarrel! Two frogs sit on an ordinary little rock. But . . . uh-oh! Both frogs think it’s their rock – and they really don’t want to share! The frogs fight and squabble furiously. But when a hungry heron swoops down, both frogs realise it’s time to find another rock . . . together!
Kaye Umansky’s brilliantly simple rhyming story shows how two grumpy frogs go from fighting . . . to friendship (with lots of laughter along the way.) Alice McKinley’s hilarious illustrations bring to life every twist and turn of this wonderfully witty little drama.
Bears Don’t Share by Lorna Scobie
A laugh-out-loud picture book about friendship and what it means to share from the author-illustrator behind I Would Rather Hug A Tiger!
Squirrel found berries. ‘Ooh!’ said Squirrel.Then Bear found berries. ‘Oooooh!’ said Bear.‘Save some for me please’ begged Squirrel. ‘Sharing is caring, you know!’ But… BEARS DON’T SHARE! Bear and Squirrel are on the hunt for some food before Winter comes, but there’s just one small problem… Bears don’t share! Will Bear learn that you can’t always have your cake and eat it too? Join Bear and Squirrel on their adventure in the forest to find out!
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
The heart-twisting tale of being different that will take your heart on a wondrous rollercoaster ride!
Auggie likes doing normal stuff like eating ice cream and playing on his Xbox. He feels normal – inside. But being normal doesn’t make little kids run away screaming. Or devastate your soul like this inspiring story. Right? Born with a serious facial abormality, Auggie has been taught at home all his life. But now he’s going to school – exposing his face to the world. Will anyone see past it?
Can I Play? by Nicola Kinnear
Grumpy George doesn’t want friends – until he meets a funny little seal called Pebble . . . George the dog loves living alone on his island. He likes to do everything his own way, and friends would just ruin things. But one day a cheerful little seal wiggles up to him. Her name is Pebble, and she’s determined to be George’s friend, whether he likes it or not. George is quiet and grumpy. Pebble is lively and funny. Can this odd couple ever become friends?
This wonderfully funny story about making friends and overcoming differences will strike a chord with children and grown-ups alike.
Nat Enough by Maria Scrivan
For fans of Dork Diaries and Wimpy Kid comes a funny, heartfelt story about friendship!
Making friends isn’t easy, but losing them is even harder! Natalie has never felt that she’s enough – athletic enough, stylish enough, or talented enough. And on the first day of middle school, Natalie discovers that things are worse than she thought: now she’s not even cool enough for her best friend, Lily! As Natalie tries to get her best friend back, she learns more about her true self and natural talents. If Natalie can focus on who she is rather than who she isn’t, then she just might realize she’s more than enough, just the way she is.
Shop more stories about friendship
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Wonder
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The Boy at the Back of the Class
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Holes
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The Explorer
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The Hunger Games #1: The Hunger Games
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Charlotte's Web
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Skellig
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The Last Bear
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Kensuke's Kingdom
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
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The Girl Who Stole an Elephant
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Night Bus Hero
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Pig-Heart Boy
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The Hodgeheg
Editor's pick
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Go Big: The Secondary School Survival Guide
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7books
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Secrets of a Sun King
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Breakfast Club Adventures
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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
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Grimwood
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Harry Potter Illustrated Editions: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Illustrated Edition)
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The Final Year
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Can You See Me?
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Rumaysa: A Fairytale
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The Goldfish Boy
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Deluxe Hunger Games Collection (4 book set)
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The Crossing
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Diary of a Wimpy Kid: No Brainer (Book 18)
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The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
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Last Firefox
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