Why tween friendships matter, and the books that help celebrate them

Why tween friendships deserve the spotlight, on and off the page

We believe in the magic of a good friendship, and in the early to late middle grade stories that celebrate it. As kids grow out of early chapter books and into the often-wild, awkward, and wonderful years of ages 8–12, one thing becomes crystal clear: friendships are everything.

Why tween friendship deserves the spotlight

Middle grade readers are living through major shifts. They’re navigating independence, figuring out identity, and exploring where they belong. So the adults often fade into the background in these books (and rightfully so), and friends take center stage. Whether it's a pair of unlikely adventurers or a tight-knit group tackling big emotions, friendship stories help tweens see themselves, stretch their empathy, and find comfort in connection.

In a world that often glorifies drama, rivalry, or loneliness, we think it’s powerful to offer books that show kids how to be good friends. They show them how to argue and make up, support each other through hard things, and laugh until it hurts.

How friendship books support social-emotional growth

Reading books about friendship offers more than just relatable entertainment—it helps tweens develop empathy and emotional literacy. When readers follow characters through misunderstandings, reconciliations, and shared adventures, they’re learning how to navigate their own social world.

Books also give kids the chance to see how others experience friendship: the shy kid finding their voice, the confident leader learning to share space, the long-distance friendship that survives despite challenges. These nuanced portrayals can validate kids’ feelings, give language to tricky moments, and help build emotional resilience.

They model loyalty, communication, courage, and forgiveness. They reflect the growing pains of friendships that change, the ache of being left out, and the joy of finding “your people.” These stories don’t shy away from hard topics, but they always circle back to connection.

And for kids who are shy, isolated, or just figuring out who they are, these books can provide a window into friendships they haven’t yet experienced. Or a mirror that says, “you’re not alone.”

What makes a great tween BFF adventure story?

Not all friendship stories are created equal. The best ones for this age group feature characters who are complex, funny, and deeply loyal—even when things get messy. They center kids on the cusp of change, often navigating school, growing independence, and the delicate dance of keeping old friends while making room for new ones.

Great BFF books also show kids working together to solve problems, discover truths, or go on quests. Whether the setting is realistic or fantastical, the heart of the story is always the same: friendship is powerful, sometimes complicated, and absolutely worth it.

Encouraging independent reading with tween friendship

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This age group is at a crucial turning point—many tweens are transitioning from reading with guidance to reading independently. Books that tap into their real-world concerns and joys (like friendship) can help bridge that gap and keep kids reading for pleasure.

By offering a mix of humor, adventure, and emotional resonance, friendship books can hook even reluctant readers. And when kids see themselves and their social experiences reflected on the page, they’re more likely to keep turning those pages.

Our shelves are full of books that celebrate those bonds

From sleepover disasters to summer quests, goofy sidekicks to soul-level connections, we’ve pulled together a whole collection of stories where friendship is the heartbeat. And while the plots may range from silly to serious, every one of them captures that electric feeling of finding someone who just gets you. Just ask us for some recommendations when you stop by our next pop up event on Saturday, August 23 outside our future brick and mortar: 1219 Frankford Ave.

We've also curated a lit of BFF adventures on Bookshop.org. When you shop from our Bookshop store you help us get one step closer to opening a full brick and mortar:

At the end of the day, helping kids see what healthy, hilarious, messy, meaningful friendship looks like, that’s the kind of reading journey we want to be part of.

Have a favorite friendship story from your own childhood? Drop us a note or tag us on instagram @midsummer_books.