Books About Childhood Friendship

The Best Childhood Friendship Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Friendship, featuring 10 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about childhood friendship? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

#1 in Series

#2 in Series

#21 in Series

Who Is Stealing the 12 Days of Christmas?

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Childhood Friendship

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2020

The Mutant Mushroom Takeover

By Summer Rachel Short · Book #1 in the Maggie and Nate Mysteries series

A mutant fungus threatens a town. Can two friends solve the mystery?

250 pages· 49,776 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 173 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Maggie, an aspiring naturalist, and her YouTuber friend Nate discover a strange fungus in Shady Pines. As animals mutate and her brother falls ill, Maggie must unravel the mystery to save her town. With her scientific skills and Nate's spooky insights, they face a growing threat. Can they stop the glowing mushrooms before it's too late?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1941

Betsy-Tacy and Tib

By Maud Hart Lovelace, Lois Lenski (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Betsy-Tacy Books series

Three friends defy expectations, creating chaos and joy without ever quarreling.

141 pages· 18,175 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 11,783 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Betsy, Tacy, and newcomer Tib form an unbreakable trio, defying adult expectations of discord. Despite messy adventures and clashes with bossy sisters, their bond remains strong. Will their friendship withstand every challenge?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

The Whiz Mob and the Grenadine Kid

By Colin Meloy, Carson Ellis (Illustrator)

A bored boy joins a band of child pickpockets, uncovering a thrilling world with dangerous stakes.

432 pages· 89,334 words· Est. 10 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 2,741 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In Marseille, Charlie Fisher's mundane life takes a thrilling turn when he witnesses a daring pickpocket heist. Intrigued rather than alarmed, he befriends Amir, a young thief, and learns the art of the steal. Drawn into the secretive world of the whiz mob, Charlie discovers a network of child thieves trained at the enigmatic School of Seven Bells. As he delves deeper, what seemed like a harmless adventure spirals into a perilous journey with global implications. Will Charlie's new skills lead to freedom or entrapment in a world far more dangerous than he imagined?

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2021

Jo Jo Makoons

By Dawn Quigley, Tara Audibert (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Jo Jo series

A young girl navigates friendship challenges on her Ojibwe reservation, fearing her best friend may drift away.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2022)

71 pages· 6,505 words· Est. 1 hour read

3.9 Goodreads · 996 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Jo Jo Makoons, a lively seven-year-old on her Ojibwe reservation, faces a dilemma: her school friend Fern might not want to be friends anymore. While Jo Jo adores her cat Mimi, she must learn the art of making new friends. As she navigates these challenges, her unique perspective teaches her family and teacher about friendship and understanding. Will Jo Jo find a way to keep her friendships intact? This heartwarming tale explores the joys and trials of growing up with humor and pride, celebrating the vibrant spirit of a young Native girl.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2016

A Mysterious Egg

By Stacy McAnulty, Mike Boldt (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Dino Files series

A boy discovers a living dinosaur hatched from a fossilized egg and must protect it from those who want to take it away.

128 pages· 11,303 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 178 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Frank and Samantha's world turns upside down when a dinosaur egg hatches in their backyard. As they navigate the chaos of raising a baby dinosaur, they must figure out how to keep their prehistoric secret safe. With lettuce as its favorite snack and a knack for making messes, this dino is no ordinary pet. Can they manage the mayhem and protect their incredible discovery from the world? Dive into a hilarious adventure filled with laughter, science, and the ultimate challenge of keeping a dinosaur under wraps.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2005

We honestly CAN look after your dog

By Lauren Child · Charlie and Lola series

Two friends lose a dog they're watching. Can they find it before time runs out?

32 pages· 821 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.0 Goodreads · 430 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Lola and Lotta adore dogs, so when they get to dog-sit Sizzles, they're ecstatic. But disaster strikes when Sizzles escapes. With the clock ticking, can they track him down before his owner returns, or will their dog-sitting dreams be dashed forever? Join their frantic search and discover if friendship and determination can save the day.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2001

The School Play Mystery

By David A. Adler, Susanna Natti (Illustrator) · Book #21 in the Cam Jansen series

Can Cam solve the mystery of the missing school play money before it's too late?

54 pages· 4,967 words· Est. 56 min read

3.9 Goodreads · 504 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: During the school play about Abe Lincoln, the admission money vanishes. Cam, armed with her photographic memory, must unravel the mystery and catch the thief before they escape. Will she succeed?

Sale price

$1348

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

Strawberry Hill

By Mary Ann Hoberman

A new home on Strawberry Hill promises magic, but Allie must navigate friendship and change.

240 pages· 38,537 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

3.9 Goodreads · 545 ratings

$13.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Allie is moving to a house on the enchanting Strawberry Hill, but magic isn't all she finds. As she navigates the challenges of making new friends and adjusting to her new life, Allie embarks on a heartfelt journey to turn this unfamiliar place into a true home. Will she find the friendship she longs for, or will the changes prove too daunting? Join Allie as she discovers the true meaning of belonging in a neighborhood full of surprises.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Sunflower Sisters

By Monika Singh Gangotra, Michaela Dias-Hayes (Illustrator)

Two friends challenge outdated traditions, embracing their unique beauty.

32 pages· 1,008 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

3.8 Goodreads · 193 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Amrita and Kiki, best friends from different cultures, face a wedding filled with outdated advice. As relatives impose old beliefs, Amrita's mother steps in, teaching them to celebrate their diverse beauty. Can the sunflower sisters find strength in their skin and defy tradition?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2003

Who Is Stealing the 12 Days of Christmas?

By Martha Freeman · A Chickadee Court Mystery series

Can Alex catch the thief stealing Christmas decorations before it's too late?

200 pages· 31,617 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

3.8 Goodreads · 362 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Alex faces a festive mystery as cherished Christmas decorations vanish from his neighborhood. With each day, another piece of the beloved 'Twelve Days of Christmas' display disappears. Can Alex unravel the clues and catch the culprit before the holiday spirit is lost forever? The clock is ticking, and the stakes are high in this holiday whodunit.

Ages 7–10Junior Chapter Book Club