Books for Kids: Friendship

Check out this list generated by our Youth Services Librarians for the Scotch Plains Public Library's annual summer reading challenge.

Updated April 28, 2023
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The wild robot
Brown, Peter
Paper Book
Now a DreamWorks movie! This #1 New York Times bestselling illustrated middle grade novel from a Caldecott Honor winner tells an extraordinary story full of action and thought-provoking questions as a robot learns to survive--and live--in the wilderness....

Don't forget to check out other titles from this series: The Wild Robot Escapes & The Wild Robot Protects (release date: 9/26/23)

The Marvellers
Clayton, Dhonielle
Audiobook

Already read it? The Memory Thieves will be released on 9/26/23.

Please don't eat me
Climo, Liz
Paper Book
When a carefree bunny is approached by a voracious bear in the woods, Bunny has just one request: "Please don't eat me." But the bear has a never-ending list of requests, and Bunny realises maybe Bear isn't as hungry as he'd let on...maybe he just wants his new friend's company for a...
Harbour me
Woodson, Jacqueline
Paper Book
An unforgettable New York Times bestseller from multi-award-winning Jacqueline Woodson, celebrating the friendships formed when a group of children create a safe harbour for each other. Six children from different backgrounds meet for a weekly chat...
Too many treats
Hale, Bruce
Paper Book
Clark the Shark's mom is making brownies for school. But when Clark decides to taste just one, the impulsive shark can't stop eating! Yum-yum-YUM. Will the class treat be ruined? With easy-to-read text and Clark's trademark rhymes, this chocolaty Level One tale will have beginning readers...

Read more about Clark the Shark's adventures by checking out other titles written in this series. View more more titles here.

Hello universe
Kelly, Erin Entrada
Paper Book
Winner of the Newbery Medal "A charming, intriguingly plotted novel."--Washington Post Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly's Hello, Universe is a funny and poignant neighborhood story about unexpected friendships. Told from four intertwining points of view--two boys and two...
Ghost
Reynolds, Jason
Paper Book
A National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature Nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read Ghost wants to be the fastest sprinter on his elite middle school track team, but his past is slowing him down in this...

Check out the other books in this series: Patina, Sunny, & Lu

Wonder
Palacio, R. J.
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * Millions of people have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face--who shows us that kindness brings us together no matter how far apart we are. Read the book that inspired the Choose Kind...
Rock star
Lyons, Kelly Starling
Paper Book
Fans of Princess Posey and Ivy and Bean will enjoy engaging with science-loving Jada Jones in this easy-to-read chapter book. When Jada Jones's best friend moves away, school feels like the last place she wants to be. She'd much rather wander outside looking for cool rocks to add...

Other books from the Jada Jones series are: Class Act, Sleepover Scientist, Dancing Queen, and Sky Watcher.

Cyberspies
Macx, Logan
Paper Book
"An addictive new spy series for Alex Rider fans who love breathless plot, cutting-edge tech and action-packed adventure. When their families mysteriously disappear, Swift and Hawk, teen experts in AI and robotics, are recruited by the secretive M©bius Programme to crack an unbreakable code. They...
The one and only Ivan
Applegate, Katherine
Paper Book
The #1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Award-winning novel The One and Only Ivan is now a major motion picture streaming on Disney+ This unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of...

Check out other books from this series: The One and Only Bob & The One and Only Ruby

Accidental trouble magnet
Mian, Zanib
Paper Book
The first book in the exciting middle-grade series starring a Muslim boy with a huge imagination--now in paperback! Welcome to the imaginative brain of Omar! Omar and his family have just moved, and he is NOT excited about starting at a new school. What if the work...

Check out other books in this series: Unexpected Super Spy, Incredible Rescue Mission, Epic Hero Flop, and Ultimate Rocket Blast (release date 6/13/23)

Keep it together, Keiko Carter
Florence, Debbi Michiko
Paper Book
  Fans of Judy Blume and Jenny Han are sure to fall head-over-heels for this sweet story about first crushes, friendship drama, and finding the courage to stand up for yourself. Seventh grade is supposed to be a game changer. And Keiko thinksshe's got it covered, especially...
I'm sticking with you
Prasadam-Halls, Smriti
Paper Book
Shortlisted for Oscar's Book Prize 2021 Shortlisted for Children's Illustrated Book of the Year at The British Book Awards 2021 'A wonderful, warm bear-hug of a story with sumptuous illustrations. A modern classic.' - Jim Field, illustrator of Oi Frog ...
The adventures of Beekle : the unimaginary friend
Santat, Dan
Paper Book
Winner of the Caldecott Medal #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning creator Dan Santat combines classic storytelling with breathtaking art in an unforgettable tale about friendship, imagination, and the courage to find one's place in...
Holes
Sachar, Louis
Paper Book
This groundbreaking classic is now available in a special anniversary edition with bonus content. Winner of the Newbery Medal as well as the National Book Award, HOLES is a New York Times bestseller and one of the strongest-selling middle-grade books to ever hit shelves!
Fuzzy mud
Sachar, Louis
Paper Book
From Louis Sachar, the multi-award-winning author of Holes, comes the New York Times bestseller that's been nominated for 13 state awards and counting!   They got lost. The world got scared. And the mud got fuzzy. ...
Loki : a bad god's guide to being good
Stowell, Louie
Paper Book

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