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That’s What Friends Do

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( 401 ratings, 101 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In That’s What Friends Do by Cathleen Barnhart, the story explores the complex dynamics of friendship between two middle schoolers, Sammy and James. As they navigate the challenges of friendship, the book delves into themes of loyalty, peer pressure, and personal boundaries, offering an insightful look at the importance of honest communication and respect.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3400

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This title is in-stock with overseas suppliers. While it is not available locally, we fly books in weekly from the US and UK to our Auckland warehouse for immediate dispatch.

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this children's book if you appreciate stories about friendship and the challenges that come with growing up. It delves into themes of loyalty, communication, and understanding from the perspectives of its two main characters, offering an insightful and sensitive take on how relationships evolve. Perfect for young readers experiencing similar situations or for anyone who values tales about the complexities of friendship.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

That’s What Friends Do by Cathleen Barnhart receives high praise for its heartfelt exploration of friendship and middle school dynamics. Critics commend its dual perspectives and the honest portrayal of sensitive topics such as consent, gender stereotypes, and body autonomy. The book is acknowledged as a valuable introduction to complex themes of personal boundaries and relationships for a younger audience, making it both a timely and essential read.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780062888945

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 August 2021

Country: United States

Imprint: Quill Tree Books

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 194.0mm

Weight: 227g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Cathleen Barnhart wrote her first book when she was seven. It was called Aunt Ant, and received rave reviews from her teacher, Mrs. Mills. She's been writing ever since, with detours into waitressing, working on Wall Street (epic fail), getting married, raising three children, and teaching middle school English and Social Studies. She holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from Carnegie-Mellon University and an M.F.A. in Fiction Writing from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. That's What Friends Do is her first published novel.

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