Bill Clegg returns with a deeply moving, emotionally resonant second novel about the complicated bonds and breaking points of friendship, the corrosive forces of secrets, the heartbeat of longing, and the redemption found in forgiveness. Middle grade fiction details the emotion and adventure children experience when navigating friendships. These stories capture the challenges and innocence tweens live through when meeting people. While their personal journeys are not as explicit as connections in the young adult category, they are equally valuable. Here’s a short list of middle grade books, as well as the friendships represented. These stories cover connections that everyone can relate to while growing up. Whether these friendships were born from moving or new beginnings, children grow from the life lessons learned.
Friendships Growing From Disagreements
Sometimes friendship grows from surprising encounters. In this event, they realize that they share a common connection. Although they share similarities, bonding is an uphill battle. It’s made more complicated when sworn enemies are involved!
Friendships as Support
Friendships in middle grade books often feature support during life events. A new start is challenging for anyone, but for young children, it’s even more difficult! New connections certainly guide the way towards fulfillment. Friendships always lead to new pathways. Many middle grade friendships face this dilemma! Oftentimes fights occur due to questionable companions. Rifts arise due to hidden biases. Middle grade stories walk us through such differences, showing us ways to handle them. Of course, we usually don’t encounter ghostly friends in day to day life! However, in City of Ghosts, Cassidy and Lara do learn to coexist. Despite Jacob’s presence, everyone navigates through their friendship circle.
Friendships Facing Conflict
Many friendships in middle grade books endure challenges. Childhood friends face disagreements, and fallout is inevitable. When children face conflict, the root of contention can last for years! This anger can take the form of hurtful words or careless actions. When conflicts are written in middle grade stories, the reader sees that disagreements happen to everyone. Equally important is that we learn how to solve problems in our own lives. Nightbird shows us that neighbors with storied histories can find ways to work together. Twig, Julia, and Agate shouldn’t be friends. Their families’ backstory is plagued with loss, love, and envy. However, these three friends work together for the sake of breaking a curse. By solving the mystery, they aid Twig’s brother James. Along with giving us a mystery, Nightbird shows us that friendships take place with patience and trust.
Friendships in Sisterhood
Friendships in middle grade books may feature a sense of community. For example, many stories describe a group of girls embarking on many adventures. Whether it features sisters or classmates, I enjoy the empowering spirit that rests within these stories!
Looking for more middle grade books about friendships?
