Friendship

The solace and comfort of true friendship — and the pain of its loss — can rival any romantic or familial relationship. In this collection, we present texts that examine the unique qualities and costs of deep friendships.

Big Nate

by Lincoln Peirce

Publication year 2010

Genre Graphic Novel/Book, Fiction

Themes Friendship, Fate, Shame & Pride, Fame

Tags Humor, Realistic Fiction, Children`s Literature, Education, Education

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Big Red

by Jim Kjelgaard

Publication year 1945

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Coming of Age, Perseverance, Animals, Place, Friendship

Tags Children`s Literature, Historical Fiction, Classic Fiction, Animals, Action & Adventure

Jim Kjelgaard’s novel Big Red (1945) traces the adventures of protagonist Danny Pickett after he befriends a unique Irish setter named Red. Danny has lived at the edge of the Wintapi wilderness with his father, Ross Pickett, for as long as he can remember. Although he loves his father, their life together, and the surrounding woods, Danny longs for a friend. Danny is thrilled when Mr. Haggin, the Pickett’s property owner and boss, hires Danny... Read Big Red Summary

Blackouts

by Justin Torres

Publication year 2023

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Sexual Identity, Memory, Perseverance, Gender Identity, Masculinity, Mental Health, Race, Friendship, Community

Tags LGBTQ+, Modern Classic Fiction, World History, Historical Fiction

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Blood Bound

by Ellis Hunter

Publication year 2026

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Environment, Friendship, Power & Greed

Tags Fantasy, Action & Adventure

In a world divided between the witch queendom of Arturea and the dragon-ruled kingdom of Vatra, an ancient magical contract called the Covenant compels the firstborn heirs of both nations to duel to the death every generation. The victor's nation gains guardianship of the Heart, an infinite source of ambient magic and convertible energy known as Vitalas. This is the first book in a series.Astrid Nachstern, the witch princess and sole heir to the Arturean... Read Blood Bound Summary

Bloom

by Kenneth Oppel

Publication year 2020

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Safety & Danger, Friendship, Plants

Tags Science Fiction, Horror & Suspense, Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Children`s Literature

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Blubber

by Judy Blume

Publication year 1974

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Friendship

Tags Bullying, Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age, Children`s Literature, Trauma & Abuse, Modern Classic Fiction, Classic Fiction

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Bluefish

by Pat Schmatz

Publication year 2011

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Friendship, Apathy, Perseverance, Grief, Loneliness, Shame & Pride, Family, Grandparents, Mothers, Self Discovery, Education, Truth & Lies

Tags Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age, Grief & Death, Children`s Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Bluefish (2011) is a young adult novel by Pat Schmatz. This text is also sometimes classified as middle grade. The novel centers around Travis, an eighth grader who has lost his parents and dog and recently moved to a new school. Travis befriends Velveeta, a charismatic girl who is grieving the loss of her stand-in father figure, Calvin. As Travis and Velveeta’s friendship develops, they explore the challenges of coping with loss and family trauma... Read Bluefish Summary

Bob

by Wendy Mass, Rebecca Stead

Publication year 2018

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Friendship, Conflict, Perseverance, Loneliness, Fear, Guilt, Hope, Joy, Love, Memory, Gratitude, Childhood & Youth, The Past, Appearance & Reality, Climate, Environment, Food, Family, Grandparents, Mothers, Literature, Safety & Danger

Tags Fantasy, Magical Realism, Children`s Literature, Mystery & Crime Fiction

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Book Scavenger

by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman

Publication year 2014

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Childhood & Youth, Friendship

Tags Mystery & Crime Fiction, Action & Adventure, Arts & Culture, Relationships, Children`s Literature, Realistic Fiction

Book Scavenger (2015) is the debut novel by children’s author Jennifer Chambliss Bertman. Upon publication, it immediately became a New York Times bestseller and soon after the book was named an Amazon Book of the Year, Indie Top Ten Pick, and received more than 20 state awards and nominations. Book Scavenger has since been translated into 12 languages. Book Scavenger is the first volume in a Middle Grade Detective series of the same name. Other... Read Book Scavenger Summary

Born Behind Bars

by Padma Venkatraman

Publication year 2021

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Family, Nation, Social Class, Politics & Government, Community, Friendship, Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Love, Hope

Tags Realistic Fiction, Social Justice, Poverty, Indian Literature, Social Class, Politics & Government, Incarceration, Children`s Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

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Born on a Blue Day

by Daniel Tammet

Publication year 2006

Genre Autobiography / Memoir, Nonfiction

Themes Disability, Family, Friendship

Tags Disability, Psychology, LGBTQ+, Science & Nature, Psychology, Mental Illness, Biography

Born on a Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant is Daniel Tammet’s memoir and his first published book. In it, he recalls his childhood, adolescence, and adulthood leading up to the point in his life when he became independent with a partner and a career. Born on a Blue Day was a New York Times best seller following its publication in 2006.Tammet is, as identified in the subtitle, an autistic savant... Read Born on a Blue Day Summary

Born to Run

by Bruce Springsteen

Publication year 2016

Genre Biography, Nonfiction

Themes Perseverance, Hope, Joy, Memory, Love, Coming of Age, Midlife, Childhood & Youth, Family, Friendship, Self Discovery, Community, Politics & Government, Fate, Art, Fame, Justice, Music, Equality, Loyalty & Betrayal, Trust & Doubt, Religion & Spirituality, Truth & Lies

Tags Music, Arts & Culture, Mental Illness, Social Justice, US History, Biography

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