Families who loved Always and Forever Friends by C.S. Adler often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is mourning the loss of a best friend who moved away and is struggling with the lonely, often frustrating process of finding a new 'soulmate' in the school hallways. It captures the specific ache of feeling replaced or left behind while navigating the social hierarchies of middle school. Wendy's journey is a realistic look at how we often try to force new friendships to look exactly like old ones, only to realize that true connection takes time and openness. It is an excellent choice for 9 to 12 year olds who are experiencing their first major social transition and need to know that their feelings of jealousy and sadness are completely normal. Parents will appreciate the book's grounded approach to the messiness of growing up and the shifting nature of loyalty.