Books Like What Are Friends For?
Families who loved What Are Friends For? by Rachel Vail 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 What Are Friends For? by Rachel Vail 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 starting to feel the first shifts of social pressure as friends begin to outgrow old play patterns. This story follows Olivia, a young girl who feels increasingly alienated as her friend group pivots toward 'grown-up' interests like clothes and boys. It perfectly captures that awkward transitional phase where children are operating on different social timelines. Through Olivia's eyes, children learn that it is okay to feel confused by peer changes and that staying true to your own interests is a form of bravery. Rachel Vail handles these early middle-grade social dynamics with warmth and humor, making it an excellent choice for kids navigating the tricky 'tween-lite' years of elementary school. It provides a safe space to discuss peer pressure and the value of choosing friends based on shared kindness rather than social status.
