Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Likable tale of friendship addresses consent, body autonomy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS DO, Sammie and David have been friends since they started playing little league together. They became closer when they got to middle school, but David's realizing his feelings might be more complicated. Sammie's wondering where her old buddy has gone once he starts hanging out with a new kid named Luke, who treats Sammie like she's a prize to win. Things get worse when Luke tries to show David how easy it is to get girls to do what he wants. Can Sammie stay out of Luke's way? Or is the only way out of the problem to get through it?
Is It Any Good?
The engaging voices of two friends telling the same story from different perspectives drives this novel to an interesting finish. That's What Friends Do grapples with issues of personal safety, consent, body autonomy, sexual harassment, identity and truth, but keeps the pages turning with doses of humor and a sense of urgency.
A character whose behavior turns everyone's world upside down isn't really developed or explored -- the reader is left to decide what his issues are all about. But tweens will likely appreciate getting fresh takes from both the male and female sides of middle school friendships in this unique book. And adults will appreciate the opportunity this book gives to begin important conversations about boundaries, consent, repairing friendships, and healthy relationships.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about empathy in That's What Friends Do. How can putting yourself in someone else's shoes help to create stronger bonds?
Communication plays a crucial role to the characters in this story. What happens when wires get crossed? Can repairs be made?
Characters tell the truth about their experiences and their feelings of safety in this book. How does truth inspire integrity?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Activism , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Empathy , Integrity
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Quill Tree Books
- Publication date : January 28, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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