Books Like That's What Friends Are For
Families who loved That's What Friends Are For by Ronald Kidd 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 That's What Friends Are For by Ronald Kidd often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their child is facing the terminal illness of a close friend or peer and needs a realistic, grounded space to process the unfairness of loss. It is a vital resource for navigating the transition from the carefree days of middle school friendship to the heavy reality of a life-altering diagnosis. The story follows thirteen-year-old Gary and his best friend Scott as their lives are upended by Scott's leukemia diagnosis. It moves beyond the clinical aspects of the disease to focus on the emotional loyalty and the difficult task of saying goodbye. Written with a straightforward, secular perspective, it is appropriate for children aged 10 to 14 who are ready for a mature and honest exploration of grief and terminal illness.
