Friendship is one of the most important aspects of life. Throughout your life, having an amazing best friend to share your experiences, dreams, and secrets with is something special. Whether you and your bestie are in the same city or living a thousand miles away, why not take the time to bond over some books about friendship? There’s no better way to strengthen your close bond than by reading together and discussing some inspiring stories about the power of friendship.
Here are 10 books about friendship to share with your bestie, ranging from picture books for young children to young adult novels that will bring out all the feels.
- The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo is a heartwarming story of a, well mannered china rabbit, and his life-altering journey to discover what true friendship is. Edward Tulane is forced outside his comfort zone to accompany a young girl on a quest and embrace the adventures of friendship and love.
- The Rainbow Fish
For young children, you can’t go wrong with The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister. In this timeless story, Rainbow Fish discovers the joys of sharing and friendship when he realizes that by giving away his most prized possessions makes him even richer.
- The One and Only Ivan
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is another delightful story about the power of friendship. Ivan, an endearing gorilla, and his friends use ingenuity and determination to escape their captors and find freedom. Through their remarkable friendship, Ivan learns the joys and sorrows of loyalty, friendship and the importance of family.
- Charlotte’s Web
Nothing speaks of friendship more than Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. This classic children’s story centers around unlikely pairings of unlikely friends, Wilbur and Charlotte, who resort to a plan of friendship and loyalty to save Wilbur’s life.
- Hatchet
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is an emotional story about survival and the power of friendship. Thirteen-year-old, Brian Robeson is stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane accident and remains determined, thanks to his enduring friendship with a wise old hatchet.
- The Giving Tree
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is another ever-popular story about how the giving of love and friendship is priceless. In the story, an apple tree makes the ultimate sacrifice for a boy and their everlasting friendship.
- Boys of Blur
Boys of Blur by N.D. Wilson is a coming-of-age story about two best friends and their adventures during summer break of their sixteenth year. In the small town of Blur, Noah, a bookworm, is forced away from his comfort zone and straight into an adrenaline-charged quest by Carlos, his best friend with an appetite for excitement. Get ready for an endearing tale of friendship, adventure, and learning to survive life’s curveballs.
- Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien is an entertaining story about Mrs. Frisby, a field mouse whose family is at risk of eviction. In order to save her family, Mrs. Frisby must summon the courage to ask for help from a group of rats with whom she has a shaky ingoing friendship. In the end, a lesson about selflessness, trust and friendship is learned.
- Wonder
Wonder by R.J. Palacio is a young adult novel that celebrates friendship and the power of acceptance and kindness. The protagonist, Auggie Pullman, is born with facial deformities and faces daily struggles at school but is lucky enough to have loyal and supportive friends.
- Bridge to Terabithia
Finally, Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson is a novel about the friendship of Jess and Leslie. Jess and Leslie form an unlikely relationship when they are thrown together in art class. Their daily adventures to a secret, forbidden forest called Terabithia become the highlight of their already rich, though turbulent, friendship.
Sharing a special experience with your best friend is even more meaningful when it involves friendship-centric stories. Whether you’re looking for a read-aloud picture book, or an inspiring young adult novel, there’s something on this list of books about friendship that you and your bestie will adore. Share the joys of reading and remembering or discovering the beautiful power of friendship together.
