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That’s What Friends Do
by Cathleen Barnhart
That’s What Friends Do brings you into the uncomfortable, often silent spaces of middle school friendships. It’s about Sammie and David, childhood friends whose easy dynamic shatters when a new kid, Luke, enters the picture. What starts as a shift in social circles quickly escalates into something more troubling, forcing Sammie to grapple with unwanted attention and David to confront his own actions and assumptions. The reading experience here is deeply introspective and poignant, unfolding with a realistic pace that mirrors the slow, often confusing process of personal growth. It’s for readers who appreciate stories that don't shy away from the awkwardness of coming of age, offering a reflective look at self-discovery, setting boundaries, and the true meaning of support.
10 Books similar to 'That’s What Friends Do'
If Cathleen Barnhart’s story of navigating tricky friendships and finding your voice resonated with you, then you'll appreciate these next reads. We’ve gathered books that also explore the emotional weight of self-discovery and the courage it takes to set boundaries, especially when relationships get complicated. Like Sammie’s journey, these stories tackle the nuanced challenges of unwanted attention, the importance of speaking up, and the path toward reclaiming your agency in the face of social pressure. They all share that reflective, introspective mood, offering characters who learn to stand firm in who they are.
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by Barbara Dee
Like Barnhart’s work, this novel directly addresses the nuances of unwanted attention and the importance of setting physical boundaries in middle school. It captures the confusion of social hierarchies and the courage needed to speak up when 'harmless' behavior feels wrong.
This story focuses on a group of girls fighting back against unfair school standards and harassment, echoing themes of female empowerment and social justice. It highlights how collective action can stem from individual experiences of discomfort and boundary-crossing.
While more intense, this book shares the core theme of reclaiming one's voice after boundaries are violated. The focus on the bond between sisters and the resilience required to speak the truth will resonate deeply with readers of Sammie’s journey.
by Lisa Fipps
This novel deals with body boundaries and the emotional toll of being judged by others, much like the social scrutiny the protagonist faces in Barnhart's book. It is a powerful story about learning to occupy space and demanding respect from peers and family alike.
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This book explores internal and external pressures on identity and self-worth. It mirrors the emotional complexity of navigating family and peer relationships while trying to find one's voice in an environment that often feels restrictive.
This narrative examines how labels and public perception affect young women in a school setting. Fans will appreciate the exploration of how social 'traditions' can be deeply damaging to friendships and individual self-esteem.
A seminal text about the silence following a traumatic event and the difficult path toward speaking one's truth. Its introspective tone and focus on reclaiming agency match the emotional weight and thematic depth of Barnhart's narrative.
This book follows a protagonist who prefers to follow the rules but must learn when to break them for what is right. It shares the theme of navigating changing friendship dynamics while standing up for personal and social beliefs.
Focusing on the vulnerability of middle school secrets and the fear of being misunderstood, this book captures the same 'vibe' of emotional discovery and the importance of finding friends who truly respect your boundaries.
This story emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself despite social pressure. Like Sammie, the protagonist Malú has to navigate school expectations and find a community that supports her authentic self.
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