Books Like Friends and Rivals
Families who loved Friends and Rivals by Antonia Barber often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Friends and Rivals by Antonia Barber 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 struggling with the complicated mix of pride and guilt that comes when they succeed at the expense of a best friend. It is an ideal choice for the child who is beginning to feel the sharp edge of peer comparison in extracurricular activities. The story follows young friends navigating a competitive dance environment where only one can win a coveted spot, forcing them to balance their personal ambitions with their loyalty to one another. Antonia Barber masterfully captures the internal monologue of a child who wants to be a good friend but also wants to be the best. Recommended for ages 7 to 10, this chapter book provides a gentle, realistic roadmap for discussing jealousy and sportsmanship. Parents will appreciate how it validates that these feelings are normal, while offering a healthy model for reconciliation and mutual support.
