Books Like Friends
Families who loved Friends by Elisabetta Gnone 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 by Elisabetta Gnone 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 is beginning to navigate the social complexities of new friend groups, cliques, or feelings of being left out. This guide features the Guardians of W.i.t.c.h., five relatable girls who use their magical backgrounds to offer practical advice on loyalty, self-confidence, and managing peer pressure. It effectively bridges the gap between fantasy and real-world social-emotional needs. While the characters have superpowers, the focus here is on the emotional sphere of being a pre-teen. The book normalizes the everyday 'flaws' of growing up, such as arguing with friends or feeling the need to hide parts of oneself. It is an excellent tool for opening conversations about what makes a healthy friendship and how to stay true to yourself while being part of a team.
