As the new school year gets underway, it’s a great time to read and learn about making friends and being a good friend. Check out one of these books to share with a child in your life. And have the best school year ever!
Blocks by Irene Dickson. Ruby has red blocks. Benji has blue blocks. But what happens when they won’t share?
The Buddy Bench by Patty Brozo, illustrated by Mike Deas. Having seen children being left out of joining the fun on the school playground, Miss Mellon’s students convince her to let them build a buddy bench where their classmates can wait for a friend or a buddy to meet.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael Lopez. Other students laugh when Rigoberto, an immigrant from Venezuela, introduces himself but later, he meets Angelina and discovers that he is not the only one who feels like an outsider.
Extra Ezra Makes an Extra Special Friend by Kara LaReau, illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch. When Ezra meets Jane, the new girl at school, he’s ready to do whatever it takes–and more–to be her friend. He offers her a sparkly cupcake and colorful balloons, and he even writes a flashy song. But Jane doesn’t seem to notice. Ezra is confused–everyone usually loves his gifts! After his failed attempts, Ezra realizes he must ask himself what it truly means to be a good friend.
A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song. Henry would like to find a friend at school, but for a boy on the autism spectrum, making friends can be difficult, as his efforts are sometimes misinterpreted, or things just go wrong–but Henry keeps trying, and in the end he finds a friend he can play with.
Friendshape by Amy Kraus Rosenthal. Friends shape who we are. They make us laugh. They fill us with fun. They stand by us during life’s up and downs. And even when we disagree with our friends, if they’re tried-and-true, they don’t stay bent out of shape for long. That’s the beauty of a good buddy.
How Do Dinosaurs Stay Friends? by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague. A young dinosaur shows how to stay friends even after having a terrible fight with his very best friend.
How Do You Say? = Como se dice? by Angela Dominguez. Hello! ¡Hola! Some people speak Spanish. Some people speak English. Although we may not speak the same language, some things, like friendship, are universal!
How to Apologize by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone knew how to apologize? Luckily, this humorous guidebook is full of practical tips about when, why, and how to say you’re sorry.
Julian at the Wedding by Jessica Love. Weddings have flowers and kissing and dancing and cake. And this wedding also has a new friend named Marisol. It’s not long before Julián and Marisol set off for some magic and mischief of their own, and when things take an unexpected turn, the pair learns that everything is easier with a good friend by your side.
The Kindest Red by Ibtihaj Muhammad. When it’s time for sibling pictures, Faizah realizes that she and her older sister, Asiya, don’t match like her classmates do with their siblings. With help from her classmates inspired by Asiya’s hijab, Faizah finds that acts of kindness can come back to you in unexpected ways.
Lissy’s Friends by Grace Lin. Lissy is the new girl at school and very shy, so she makes origami friends to keep her company.
My New Friend is So Fun! by Mo Willems. Piggie has found a new friend! But is Gerald ready to share?
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld. When Taylor’s block castle is destroyed, all the animals think they know just what to do, but only the rabbit quietly listens to how Taylor is feeling.
Sam’s Super Seats by Keah Brown, illustrated by Sharee Miller. Sam, who has cerebral palsy, goes back-to-school shopping with her best friends.
