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Making Friends
by Gudsnuk, Kristen
Dany is feeling the crushing weight of middle school loneliness until she discovers a magical sketchbook that brings her drawings to life. Her solution to social anxiety is impulsive and predictably chaotic: she draws a best friend. What follows is a vibrant, messy exploration of what happens when you try to engineer the perfect relationship instead of doing the hard work of connecting with real people. The art style feels like a doodle come to life, matching the frantic, funny, and occasionally poignant tone of the story. It captures that specific ache of wanting to fit in while feeling like an outsider in your own hallways. This is for anyone who remembers the desperate, awkward scramble of middle school and enjoys stories where magic is used as a short-term fix for very long-term human problems.
10 Books similar to 'Making Friends'
Since you enjoyed the blend of supernatural mischief and genuine heart in Making Friends, we have gathered stories that explore similar emotional landscapes. Whether you are looking for the chaotic friendship dynamics found in Nimona, the grounded middle school social navigation of Awkward, or the whimsical, magic-infused growth seen in The Prince and the Dressmaker, these picks lean into the same themes of identity and connection. These authors masterfully balance the absurdity of their fantastical worlds with the relatable, often messy, reality of growing up and figuring out who you are meant to be.
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Like 'Making Friends,' this graphic novel series blends magical elements with the struggles of growing up and finding one's place. It features a strong protagonist navigating a fantastical world while dealing with personal loss and the importance of companionship.
by Ben Hatke
Fans of Gudsnuk's quirky, imaginative storytelling will adore this space-faring adventure that emphasizes bravery and the power of friendship. It captures that same feeling of a young protagonist thrust into a strange world where their choices define their destiny.
by Shannon Hale
This memoir captures the raw, relatable anxiety of navigating middle school social hierarchies, much like the interpersonal drama in 'Making Friends.' It is an essential read for anyone who appreciates honest portrayals of the complexities of childhood friendships.
by Jen Wang
This graphic novel shares a similar whimsical tone and focus on self-expression and identity. Readers who enjoyed the creative, slightly magical, and character-driven nature of Gudsnuk's work will find this story equally delightful and poignant.
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Combining supernatural elements with the mundane struggles of a young girl's life, 'Sheets' mirrors the atmospheric and slightly quirky vibe of 'Making Friends.' It deals with themes of grief and friendship in a visually stunning and heartfelt way.
by ND Stevenson
For readers who enjoyed the chaotic energy and unconventional friendships in 'Making Friends,' 'Nimona' offers a perfect blend of humor, action, and deep character development. It subverts traditional tropes while keeping the focus on the bond between its leads.
by Luke Pearson
This series captures the sense of wonder and the 'magical realism' found in Gudsnuk's work. Hilda's curious nature and her encounters with strange creatures provide a similar feeling of discovery that fans of 'Making Friends' will appreciate.
This book perfectly captures the social dynamics of middle school, echoing the school-based drama found in 'Making Friends.' It is a fantastic exploration of how friendships are formed and tested in a realistic, yet engaging, school environment.
by Alex Alice
While more epic in scale, this graphic novel shares a sense of creative, inventive world-building that fans of 'Making Friends' will find captivating. It centers on young characters taking charge of their own destiny in a fantastical setting.
by Gigi D.G.
This series is a masterclass in blending humor with a high-fantasy adventure, much like the creative, sketchbook-fueled world of 'Making Friends.' It features a diverse cast of characters and a lighthearted tone that remains deeply engaging.
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