That’s What Friends Do
By Cathleen Barnhart
Price: $7.99
About the Book
A heartfelt and powerful debut novel for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and John David Anderson, That’s What Friends Do is a book for anyone learning how to have the hard conversations about feelings, boundaries, and what it means to be a true friend.
Samantha Goldstein and David Fisher have been friends ever since they met on their town’s Little League baseball team. But when a new kid named Luke starts hanging out with them, what was a comfortable pair becomes an awkward trio.
Luke’s comments make Sammie feel uncomfortable—but all David sees is how easily Luke flirts with Sammie, and so David decides to finally make a move on the friend he’s always had a crush on.
Soon things go all wrong and too far, and Sammie and David are both left feeling hurt, confused, and unsure of themselves, without anyone to talk to about what happened.
As rumors start flying around the school, David must try to make things right (if he can) and Sammie must learn to speak up about what’s been done to her.
A Bank Street Children’s Best Book of the Year
An Indie Next List Pick
How do you stay friends when everything goes wrong?
- Best Friends to… Something Complicated: Sammie and David have been inseparable since Little League. But a new kid and an old crush put their friendship to the ultimate test.
- Realistic Middle School Drama: When Luke joins their group, a comfortable pair becomes an awkward trio. As rumors fly, Sammie and David must figure out who their real friends are—and what that truly means.
- A Story About Boundaries: After a moment on the bus goes too far, Sammie has to find the courage to speak up about what happened, while David must face the consequences of his actions.
- Navigating Tough Topics: Perfect for young readers, parents, and teachers, this heartfelt novel is a powerful tool for starting conversations about respect, personal space, and healthy relationships.
Product Details
Reviews
“A dazzling debut, That’s What Friends Do is a gorgeous, heartbreaking, and deeply felt tribute to the power of friendship.” — Paul Griffin, author of When Friendship Followed Me Home
“Barnhart artfully weaves two viewpoints together, offering a frank portrayal of middle school struggles and the ever-changing nature of friendship.” — Dee Romito, author of The BFF Bucket List
“The book opens the doors to honest and truthful experiences of damage as a result of gender stereotypes that painfully impact both girls and boys.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
“A careful introduction to consent and sexual harassment for a middle-grade audience… A worthy, timely, ambitious debut.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Readers who are beginning to navigate more complicated emotions and personal boundaries will appreciate this story which deftly handles sensitive topics like inappropriate touching and body autonomy.” — School Library Journal
“Fans of Barbara Dee, Ali Benjamin, and Lynda Mullaly Hunt will find this discussion of shattered friendships, toxic masculinity and bullying to be a riveting read.” — Young Adult Books Central
“Told in dual perspectives, this important book will generate conversations about rape culture, consent, and positive relationships.” — A Mighty Girl
About the Book
A heartfelt and powerful debut novel for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and John David Anderson, That’s What Friends Do is a book for anyone learning how to have the hard conversations about feelings, boundaries, and what it means to be a true friend.
Samantha Goldstein and David Fisher have been friends ever since they met on their town’s Little League baseball team. But when a new kid named Luke starts hanging out with them, what was a comfortable pair becomes an awkward trio.
Luke’s comments make Sammie feel uncomfortable—but all David sees is how easily Luke flirts with Sammie, and so David decides to finally make a move on the friend he’s always had a crush on.
Soon things go all wrong and too far, and Sammie and David are both left feeling hurt, confused, and unsure of themselves, without anyone to talk to about what happened.
As rumors start flying around the school, David must try to make things right (if he can) and Sammie must learn to speak up about what’s been done to her.
A Bank Street Children’s Best Book of the Year
An Indie Next List Pick
How do you stay friends when everything goes wrong?
- Best Friends to… Something Complicated: Sammie and David have been inseparable since Little League. But a new kid and an old crush put their friendship to the ultimate test.
- Realistic Middle School Drama: When Luke joins their group, a comfortable pair becomes an awkward trio. As rumors fly, Sammie and David must figure out who their real friends are—and what that truly means.
- A Story About Boundaries: After a moment on the bus goes too far, Sammie has to find the courage to speak up about what happened, while David must face the consequences of his actions.
- Navigating Tough Topics: Perfect for young readers, parents, and teachers, this heartfelt novel is a powerful tool for starting conversations about respect, personal space, and healthy relationships.
Product Details
Reviews
“A dazzling debut, That’s What Friends Do is a gorgeous, heartbreaking, and deeply felt tribute to the power of friendship.” — Paul Griffin, author of When Friendship Followed Me Home
“Barnhart artfully weaves two viewpoints together, offering a frank portrayal of middle school struggles and the ever-changing nature of friendship.” — Dee Romito, author of The BFF Bucket List
“The book opens the doors to honest and truthful experiences of damage as a result of gender stereotypes that painfully impact both girls and boys.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
“A careful introduction to consent and sexual harassment for a middle-grade audience… A worthy, timely, ambitious debut.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Readers who are beginning to navigate more complicated emotions and personal boundaries will appreciate this story which deftly handles sensitive topics like inappropriate touching and body autonomy.” — School Library Journal
“Fans of Barbara Dee, Ali Benjamin, and Lynda Mullaly Hunt will find this discussion of shattered friendships, toxic masculinity and bullying to be a riveting read.” — Young Adult Books Central
“Told in dual perspectives, this important book will generate conversations about rape culture, consent, and positive relationships.” — A Mighty Girl
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