Books About Making Friends · 303 titles considered

The Best Making Friends Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about making friends? 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.

Graphic Nov.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Making Friends

Sale price

$2849

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1997

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

By J.K. Rowling, Mary GrandPré (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Harry Potter series

A boy discovers his magical destiny at a mysterious school, facing friends and foes alike.

Nestlé Smarties Book Prize (1997)FCBG Children’s Book Award (1997)Birmingham Cable Children’s Book Award (1998)Young Telegraph Paperback of the Year (1998)Carnegie Medal Finalist (1998)British Book Awards Children’s Book of the Year (1997)Sheffield Children’s Book Award (1998)Whitaker’s Platinum Book Award (2001)BookTrust's 100 Best Books for Children (2013)ALA Notable Children's Books Finalist (1999)Publishers Weekly Best Books (1998)Parenting magazine Book of the Year Award (1998)ALA/YALSA Best Books for Young Adults Finalist (1999)School Library Journal Best Books of the Year Finalist (1998)

320 pages· 78,436 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 11,707,778 ratings

$29.99Save 5%

Summary: Living under the neglectful care of his aunt and uncle, Harry Potter's life changes when he receives an invitation to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he uncovers a world of magic, makes loyal friends, and encounters dangerous enemies. As he navigates this extraordinary new life, Harry learns of a destiny that could alter the fate of the wizarding world. Will he rise to the challenge, or will dark forces thwart his path? Dive into a tale of magic, friendship, and the battle between good and evil.

Sale price

$1699

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12

The Secret Garden

A lonely girl discovers a hidden garden with a mysterious key.

352 pages· 80,729 words· Est. 11 hour read

6.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,194,235 ratings

Summary: Mary Lennox, orphaned and alone in her uncle's dreary mansion, discovers a key to a forbidden garden. As she unlocks its secrets, she steps into a magical world that changes everything. What mysteries lie within, and how will they alter her life forever?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2003

The Tale of Despereaux

By Kate DiCamillo, Timothy Basil Ering (Illustrator)

A mouse, a rat, and a girl embark on a journey of light and destiny.

Newbery Medal (2004)

272 pages· 32,226 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.9/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 217,928 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Despereaux, a mouse enchanted by music and a princess, Roscuro, a rat yearning for light, and Miggery Sow, a girl with an impossible wish, are drawn together. Their paths lead from a dark dungeon to a shining castle, intertwining their fates. What destiny awaits them in this tale of courage and longing?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2016

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea!

By Ben Clanton · Book #1 in the Narwhal and Jelly series

A narwhal befriends a jellyfish and they go on adventures together.

64 pages· 825 words· Est. 13 min read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 14,077 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Meet Narwhal, a carefree narwhal, and Jelly, a practical jellyfish, as they dive into oceanic escapades. Despite their differences, they bond over waffles and wild adventures. From forming a unique pod to reading a wordless book, their journey celebrates friendship and creativity. Will their unlikely partnership navigate the vast sea of possibilities?

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Sale price

$2279

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

New Kid

By Jerry Craft · Book #1 in the New Kid series

A young artist navigates two worlds, struggling to fit in at a new school.

Newbery Medal (2020)Coretta Scott King Award (2020)

249 pages· 14,169 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 62,474 ratings

$23.99Save 5%

Summary: Seventh grader Jordan Banks dreams of art school, but his parents send him to a prestigious academy where he's one of the few kids of color. Torn between his diverse neighborhood and the elite school, Jordan must find a way to fit in without losing himself. Can he balance these worlds and stay true to his passion for drawing? Discover the challenges and triumphs of a young artist caught between two cultures in this compelling graphic novel.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1977

Bridge to Terabithia

By Katherine Paterson, Donna Diamond (Illustrator)

A friendship forged in imagination faces a tragic test, altering two worlds forever.

Newbery Medal (1978)

128 pages· 32,911 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 600,665 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Jess Aarons dreams of being the fastest runner, but new girl Leslie Burke changes everything. Their friendship blossoms in the magical land of Terabithia, a refuge from reality. When tragedy strikes, Jess must navigate loss and find strength in the memories they created. Can he honor Leslie's spirit and embrace the courage she inspired? This poignant tale explores the depths of friendship and the resilience needed to overcome life's unexpected challenges.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

The Terrible Two

By Mac Barnett, Jory John, Kevin Cornell (Illustrator) · The Terrible Two series

Two pranksters clash in a sleepy town, igniting a hilarious prank war. Who will outwit whom?

240 pages· 28,544 words· Est. 4 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 12,560 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Miles Murphy, the ultimate prankster, moves to cow-filled Yawnee Valley, only to find a rival prankster, Niles. As they engage in a hilarious prank war, will they become friends or foes? Together, can they pull off the biggest prank ever? Dive into a world of mischief and laughter in this epic tale of trickery and unexpected alliances.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Caleb and Kit

By Beth Vrabel

A boy with cystic fibrosis befriends a mysterious girl, challenging his sheltered life.

Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year (2018)VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers (2017)Cybil Award Finalist (2017)Diverse Books Club (2018)

272 pages· 57,771 words· Est. 8 hour read

5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 553 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: Caleb, a twelve-year-old with cystic fibrosis, lives a sheltered life under his mom's watchful eye. When he meets Kit, a spirited girl who turns every day into an adventure, his world shifts. Kit's magic and daring spirit make Caleb question the rules he's always followed. But as their friendship deepens, Caleb faces a choice: embrace the thrill and risk of Kit's world or protect himself from potential harm. Can their bond survive the challenges they face, or will it lead to unforeseen consequences?

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2015

Just a Teacher's Pet

By Mercer Mayer

A new student challenges Little Critter's patience, but friendship awaits.

32 pages· 855 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 512 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Little Critter feels uneasy when a new student receives special attention. As tensions rise, the class learns that teamwork can forge unexpected friendships. Will Little Critter embrace this new ally, or let jealousy win? Discover the heartwarming journey of acceptance and camaraderie in this delightful tale.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Darius the Great Is Not Okay

By Adib Khorram · Book #1 in the Darius the Great series

A trip to Iran transforms Darius, challenging his identity and friendships.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2019)

316 pages· 66,781 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 37,811 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Darius Kellner, a self-proclaimed 'Fractional Persian,' embarks on his first journey to Iran, grappling with cultural identity and depression. Struggling to fit in, he meets Sohrab, the boy next door, who calls him Darioush, awakening a sense of belonging. As they bond over soccer and secret rooftop talks, Darius discovers a new version of himself. Will this friendship help him reconcile his dual heritage and find where he truly belongs? Dive into a heartfelt tale of identity, friendship, and self-discovery.

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