Books About Childhood Friendship

The Best Childhood Friendship Books for Kids

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.

Who Is Stealing the 12 Days of Christmas?

Graphic Nov.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Childhood Friendship

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

4.2/5 Goodreads · 11,716 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

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

4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,679 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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.

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

3.9/5 Goodreads · 986 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

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

4.0/5 Goodreads · 179 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

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

4.0/5 Goodreads · 425 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

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

3.9/5 Goodreads · 499 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

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

$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

3.8/5 Goodreads · 191 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

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

3.8/5 Goodreads · 363 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

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.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2184

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

City of Secrets

By Victoria Ying · Book #1 in the City of Secrets series

A shy orphan guards a city's secret, pursued by rogues in a mysterious building.

256 pages· 6,162 words· Est. 1 hour read-aloud

3.8/5 Goodreads · 2,051 ratings

$22.99Save 5%

Summary: Ever Barnes, a shy orphan, guards a secret in a puzzle-like building that powers his city. When Hannah, the owner's daughter, discovers him, their unlikely friendship sparks a thrilling chase. As rogues close in, Ever must protect the secret that could save or doom them all. Can they unravel the mystery before it's too late?

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1995

The Headless Ghost

By R.L. Stine · Book #37 in the Goosebumps series

Two kids hunt for a headless ghost in a haunted house. Will they find more than they bargained for?

113 pages· 18,057 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 7,139 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Duane and Stephanie are drawn to the eerie allure of Hill House, a famed haunted site. Rumored to be home to a headless boy's ghost, the duo embarks on a spine-chilling quest to find his missing head. As they delve deeper into the shadows, they must confront their fears and the terrifying truth lurking within. Will their curiosity lead to a discovery or a fright beyond their wildest nightmares?

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