That's What Friends Do - Hardcover

by Cathleen Barnhart (Author)

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

Told in two voices, this essential story opens up important conversations about:

• Dual POV: David has always had a crush on Sammie. Sammie just wants her best friend back. In alternating chapters, they both tell their side of what went wrong.
• A Complicated Friendship: What happens when a new kid turns a comfortable pair into an awkward, tense trio, testing the limits of their bond?
• Healthy Boundaries: An age-appropriate story that explores what to do when someone makes you feel uncomfortable, even if they're a friend.
• Honest and Heartfelt: Perfect for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly, this book tackles big feelings with nuance and hope, showing what it really means to be a true friend.