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
Libraries of Middlesex Automation ConsortiumScotch Plains Public Library
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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
Stand-alone player

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...
Harbor me
Woodson, Jacqueline
Paper Book
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! Jacqueline Woodson's first middle-grade novel since National Book Award winner Brown Girl Dreaming celebrates the healing that can occur when a group of students share their stories. It all starts when six kids...
Friends forever
Hale, Bruce
Paper Book
"A recommended story that helps young readers learn how to be a good friend." (School Library Journal) Featuring bold illustrations by Guy Francis and lively easy-to-read text by Bruce Hale, this Level Two I Can Read will have beginning readers ready to take a bite out of...

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...
Sal & Gabi break the universe
Hernandez, Carlos Alberto
Paper Book
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents a brilliant sci-fi romp with Cuban influence by Carlos Hernandez, winner of the 2020 Pura Belpré Award. "I love this book in every possible universe! With a surprise on every page and two of the most cosmically awesome, vividly unique...

Check the sequel: Sal & Gabi Fix the Universe

I walk with Vanessa : a story about a simple act of kindness
Kerascoe?t
Paper Book
This simple yet powerful picture book--from a New York Times bestselling husband-and-wife team--tells the story of one girl who inspires a community to stand up to bullying. The perfect back-to-school read for every kid, family and classroom! Don't miss the companion book,...
Houndsley and Catina
Howe, James
Paper Book
The subtle dance of friendship -- from holding your tongue to knowing what to say -- is played out in three sweetly humorous tales about an unlikely, likable pair. Catina wants to be a famous writer. Houndsley is an excellent cook. Catina thinks Houndsley is a wonder. Houndsley...
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
A special movie tie-in edition of R.J. Palacio's #1 New York Times bestseller.   Over 8 million people have fallen in love with Wonder and Auggie Pullman, the ordinary boy with the extraordinary face, who inspired a movement to...
Save me a seat
Weeks, Sarah
Paper Book
A new friend could be sitting right next to you.Joe and Ravi might be from very different places, but they're both stuck in the same place: SCHOOL.Joe's lived in the same town all his life, and was doing just fine until his best friends moved away and left him on his own. Ravi's family just...
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

The sandwich swap
Rania, Queen, consort of Abdullah II, King of Jordan
Paper Book
Lily and Salma are best friends. They like doing all the same things, and they always eat lunch together. Lily eats peanut butter and Salma eats hummus-but what's that between friends? It turns out, a lot. Before they know it, a food fight breaks out. Can Lily and Salma put aside their...
Accidental trouble magnet
Mian, Zanib
Paper Book
An exciting middle-grade debut starring a Muslim boy with a huge imagination. An NPR Best Book of the Year. 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 is too...

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 Wendy Mass and Lisa Greenwald 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 thinks she's got it covered, especially with Audrey and Jenna...
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
A darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment Stanley Yelnat's family has a history of bad luck, so he isn't too surprised when a miscarriage of justice sends him to a boys' juvenile detention center, Camp Green Lake. There is no lake - it has been dry for over a hundred years - and it...
Fuzzy mud
Sachar, Louis
Paper Book
From the author of the acclaimed bestseller Holes, winner of the Newbery Award and the National Book Award, comes a New York Times bestselling adventure about the impact we have--both good and bad--on the world we live in.    Be careful. Your next step may...
Doggo and Pupper
Applegate, Katherine
Paper Book
An old dog has to welcome a new puppy to the household, in this chapter book by #1 New York Times bestselling author Katherine Applegate with a brightly colored palette from Charlie Alder. Doggo is used to things being a certain way in his family. He likes routine. Cat...

Additional titles from this series are: Doggo and Pupper Save the World & Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy

Loki : a bad god's guide to being good
Stowell, Louie
Paper Book
Packed with doodles and cartoons, here is the diary of Loki as he's trapped on earth as a petulant eleven-year-old--and even worse, annoying thunder god Thor is there, too. After one prank too many, trickster god Loki has been banished to live as a kid on Earth. If he can show...
Liar & spy
Stead, Rebecca.
Paper Book
The instant New York Times bestseller from the author of the Newbery Medal winner When You Reach Me: a story about spies, games, and friendship.   The first day Georges (the S is silent) moves into a new Brooklyn apartment, he sees a sign taped to a door in...

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