Families who loved The Kind of Friends We Used to Be by Frances O'Roark Dowell 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 middle-schooler comes home feeling like they no longer fit in with their oldest friend. It is an essential read for the messy transition from childhood to adolescence, specifically focusing on the 'drifting apart' phase that occurs when interests diverge. The story follows Marylin and Kate, lifelong best friends who find themselves on opposite sides of the social spectrum: one pursuing cheerleading and student government, the other finding her voice through songwriting and indie fashion. This is a gentle, highly relatable exploration of identity and the social hierarchies of middle school. It validates the sadness of losing a shared history while celebrating the excitement of discovering one's authentic self. Parents will appreciate how it models healthy boundaries and shows that growing apart doesn't have to mean a dramatic fallout, but rather a necessary step in growing up. It is perfectly suited for children aged 9 to 13 who are navigating changing social circles.
