About the book
A heartfelt and powerful debut novel for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and John David Anderson, That’s What Friends Do is a book for anyone learning how to have the hard conversations about feelings, boundaries, and what it means to be a true friend.
Samantha Goldstein and David Fisher have been friends ever since they met on their town’s Little League baseball team. But when a new kid named Luke starts hanging out with them, what was a comfortable pair becomes an awkward trio.
Luke’s comments make Sammie feel uncomfortable—but all David sees is how easily Luke flirts with Sammie, and so David decides to finally make a move on the friend he’s always had a crush on.
Soon things go all wrong and too far, and Sammie and David are both left feeling hurt, confused, and unsure of themselves, without anyone to talk to about what happened.
As rumors start flying around the school, David must try to make things right (if he can) and Sammie must learn to speak up about what’s been done to her.
A Bank Street Children's Best Book of the Year
An Indie Next List Pick
How do you stay best friends when one of you crosses a line?
- Boys and Girls Friendship: Sammie and David have been best friends forever. But when David’s long-hidden crush and a new kid’s arrival collide, their easy relationship is put to the test.
- Setting Healthy Boundaries: After a confusing and unwanted encounter on the school bus, Sammie must figure out how to speak up when a line has been crossed—even by her best friend.
- Dealing with Rumors: When gossip about the incident spreads through the school, both Sammie and David feel isolated and unsure how to make things right.
- Dual POV Storytelling: Told in alternating chapters from both Sammie's and David's perspectives, this heartfelt story explores both sides of a friendship in crisis.
Editions of That’s What Friends Do
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780062888945
- EBook
- ISBN 9780062888952
Read an Excerpt
A heartfelt and powerful debut novel for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and John David Anderson, That’s What Friends Do is a book for anyone learning how to have the hard conversations about feelings, boundaries, and what it means to be a true friend.
Samantha Goldstein and David Fisher have been friends ever since they met on their town’s Little League baseball team. But when a new kid named Luke starts hanging out with them, what was a comfortable pair becomes an awkward trio.
Luke’s comments make Sammie feel uncomfortable—but all David sees is how easily Luke flirts with Sammie, and so David decides to finally make a move on the friend he’s always had a crush on.
Soon things go all wrong and too far, and Sammie and David are both left feeling hurt, confused, and unsure of themselves, without anyone to talk to about what happened.
As rumors start flying around the school, David must try to make things right (if he can) and Sammie must learn to speak up about what’s been done to her.
A Bank Street Children's Best Book of the Year
An Indie Next List Pick
How do you stay best friends when one of you crosses a line?
- Boys and Girls Friendship: Sammie and David have been best friends forever. But when David’s long-hidden crush and a new kid’s arrival collide, their easy relationship is put to the test.
- Setting Healthy Boundaries: After a confusing and unwanted encounter on the school bus, Sammie must figure out how to speak up when a line has been crossed—even by her best friend.
- Dealing with Rumors: When gossip about the incident spreads through the school, both Sammie and David feel isolated and unsure how to make things right.
- Dual POV Storytelling: Told in alternating chapters from both Sammie's and David's perspectives, this heartfelt story explores both sides of a friendship in crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is That’s What Friends Do about?
A heartfelt and powerful debut novel for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and John David Anderson, That’s What Friends Do is a book for anyone learning how to have the hard conversations about feelings, boundaries, and what it means to be a true friend.
Samantha Goldstein and David Fisher have been friends ever since they met on their town’s Little League baseball team. But when a new kid named Luke starts hanging out with them, what was a comfortable pair becomes an awkward trio.
Luke’s comments make Sammie feel uncomfortable—but all David sees is how easily Luke flirts with Sammie, and so David decides to finally make a move on the friend he’s always had a crush on.
Soon things go all wrong and too far, and Sammie and David are both left feeling hurt, confused, and unsure of themselves, without anyone to talk to about what happened.
As rumors start flying around the school, David must try to make things right (if he can) and Sammie must learn to speak up about what’s been done to her.
A Bank Street Children's Best Book of the Year
An Indie Next List Pick
How do you stay best friends when one of you crosses a line?
- Boys and Girls Friendship: Sammie and David have been best friends forever. But when David’s long-hidden crush and a new kid’s arrival collide, their easy relationship is put to the test.
- Setting Healthy Boundaries: After a confusing and unwanted encounter on the school bus, Sammie must figure out how to speak up when a line has been crossed—even by her best friend.
- Dealing with Rumors: When gossip about the incident spreads through the school, both Sammie and David feel isolated and unsure how to make things right.
- Dual POV Storytelling: Told in alternating chapters from both Sammie's and David's perspectives, this heartfelt story explores both sides of a friendship in crisis.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in That’s What Friends Do?
Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage: General interest > Children’s / Teenage general interest: Sports and outdoor recreation > Children’s / Teenage general interest: Athletics and gymnastics
Where can I read a sample of That’s What Friends Do?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780062888945
Who is/are the Author/s of the book That’s What Friends Do?
Cathleen Barnhart
Who is the Publisher of the book That’s What Friends Do?
HarperCollins
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
That’s What Friends Do is available as paperback(ISBN 9780062888945) and ebook(ISBN 9780062888952)
Where can I buy That’s What Friends Do online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy That’s What Friends Do from below
Where can I buy That’s What Friends Do?