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Asking for a Friend
Eden Jones has exactly three friends. And they're all fake. From a web of lies and social anxiety to true friendship and queer joy; this is the wonderful second book from the author of the Indie Next List pick Jude Saves the World. Why go through the stress of making friends when you can just pretend? It works for Eden and their social anxiety... until their mom announces she's throwing them a birthday party and all their friends are invited. Eden’s "friends," Duke, Ramona, and Tabitha, are all real kids from school... but Eden’s never actually spoken to them before. Now Eden will do whatever it takes to convince them to be their friends--at least until the party is over. When things start to go better than Eden expects, and the group starts to bond, Eden finds themselves trapped in a lie that gets worse the longer they keep it up. What happens if their now sort-of-real friends discover that Eden hasn't been honest with them from the very beginning? Author Ronnie Riley creates a world full of queer joy and all the ups and downs of true friendship.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2024
10 people are currently reading
736 people want to read
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May 2, 2024
Eden Jones is an ace, bi and non binary teen with social anxiety, who has told their mother they have many friends at their new school. The problem is... they don't. So when Eden's mom throws a party and invites what she thinks is Eden's friends, Eden has to try to befriend them for real.
Asking For A Friend is a middle grade story about queerness, friendship, finding the people who you finally feel free to be yourself with, and being honest with yourself and people around you.
It's queer joy at its best.
There are so many forms of queerness in this book, through Eden's identities and their new friends (trans, lesbian, genderqueer, mental health issues, foster care rep...). None of these kids are perfect and that feels so real and honest and true and even more important when they accept each other as they are and form the best friendgroup you could imagine.
I can imagine this book being so important in the hands (and in the hearts) of young readers, wether they're queer or questioning or simply wanting to learn more about queerness.
As an ace, bi, non binary person with social anxiety and who has struggled to develop new friendships, this book felt like a soothing hug for my inner child and my current adult mind who knows it took so long to accept all of this about me and who would have loved to have stories who represented me like this one does.
I talk about books here: Instagram / TikTok / Linktree
Asking For A Friend is a middle grade story about queerness, friendship, finding the people who you finally feel free to be yourself with, and being honest with yourself and people around you.
It's queer joy at its best.
There are so many forms of queerness in this book, through Eden's identities and their new friends (trans, lesbian, genderqueer, mental health issues, foster care rep...). None of these kids are perfect and that feels so real and honest and true and even more important when they accept each other as they are and form the best friendgroup you could imagine.
I can imagine this book being so important in the hands (and in the hearts) of young readers, wether they're queer or questioning or simply wanting to learn more about queerness.
As an ace, bi, non binary person with social anxiety and who has struggled to develop new friendships, this book felt like a soothing hug for my inner child and my current adult mind who knows it took so long to accept all of this about me and who would have loved to have stories who represented me like this one does.
I talk about books here: Instagram / TikTok / Linktree
June 29, 2024
✰ 3.25 stars ✰
“Life goes in waves, you see. There are the ups and downs, and we’re just along for the ride.”
“You really think so?”
“I know so,” he says, nodding. “Sometimes, things get worse before they get better. Sometimes, they get better before they get worse. But it always gets better again.”
Asking For a Friend is a celebration of friendship, queer identity, and loving yourself for who you are and surrounding yourself with those who love you for who you are. It's taking the undue anxiety and pressure of living up to expectations and turning it around with the support and strength given to you. It's a heartwarming middle grade read that reminds us to be accepting and respectful of each other's individuality and learn the value of being honest with not only yourself but those around you. 💛 💛
“How do I begin to tell Mom that while Ramona, Duke, and Tabitha are real people at my school … they’re not my friends?
That I’ve been lying about us hanging out for the past month?
That all my stories are made up?
That I don’t really have any friends at all?”
It is a challenge for Eden, a white nonbinary ace soon-to-be thirteen-year-old, and myself while I was reading it - knowing that the inevitable would happen when their one so well-meaning lie would eventually blow up in their face. As someone who is easily overwhelmed and has panic attacks, it's no easy feat to work up the nerve and courage to be socially amicable with others who seem more put together than they ever could be. 'I hate this. I’m so awkward, and awful, and bad at this. Why did I think this would work?' 😟 I don't deny that they had good reasons for misleading their mother into believing that they did have friends at their new school. It's bad enough being a victim of social anxiety, but they also don't want to burden their mother more than they have to; a simple way of expressing their gratitude for the sacrifices she's made in raising them. So a little harmless white lie that he's the heart of his friends group - what could it hurt, right? Until, of course, it's time for his thirteenth birthday and invitations have to be sent out, with their mother wanting to meet their close friends soon. And finding friends before then who not only like them, but also appreciate them for who they are, is the daunting task that lies in store for Eden as they learn what it means to be a friend. 🤗
“We don’t go through life alone. We’re constantly surrounded by people, and if we’re lucky enough, we call some of them friends. And those friends we make?
They’re who help us go through life. We rely on them to be there, and we’re there for them when they need us.”
I enjoyed reading this; despite the burdensome task inflicted upon Eden - the way in which they were able to draw others towards them felt believable for me. Each of them was a little reflection of the person that they are and I liked how it was touched upon - 'something special about finding queer people in the school'. Starting from the popular trans basketball player, Duke wanting to hang out with him, to the very queer-confident Jackie, to the lesbian Tabitha who lived with her foster family, to Ramona who has a traumatic history with Duke that threatens the balance of their friendship - everything was built up at a gradual and steady pace that allowed me to be enveloped in their found family. 🫂🫂 'But it feels like we already share a bond that only queer people understand.'
It made me see how eager Eden was to care for them, once they realized they had people to care for after all this time. Others who may not entirely be like them, but who know what it is like to see themselves differently as others and not be ridiculed for it, as they were in the past. There is a certain heartfelt and emotional charge to the story that resonates throughout where you want Eden to succeed in letting their mother not find out that they lied to her - that their new friends would not discover that they had ulterior motives for befriending them - even though it really was never like that. It all swells up in this frustrating crescendo of drama and shock, followed by this lingering sadness of remembering how lonesome it is when you're all alone and friendless. 😔
“Friends mess up, and friends work through it. Friends forgive, and they don’t just walk away from their friendships.”
People tend to forget that even though they are kids who are more aware of how they wish to be identified as queer - they are still kids - kids who have the same feelings as everyone else does - and that their personal challenges are relatable experiences for any tween to go through. It makes it feel that much more honest at expressing how vulnerable and open we are at that age at wanting to find a group of peers that we can share a meaningful relationship with. 'Whether you’re an Eden, a Duke, a Tabitha, a Jackie, or a Ramona' there is a little something of each of them that we could only empathize with ourselves. Eden grew on me, just as they grew as a person. 👏🏻 I liked how each of the friends they made held a special place of importance in their heart - how they helped them define a certain part of themselves that they chose to bury deep until each of them helped bring it out of them. Eden was able to gain more self-confidence and courage in approaching others to join their group and feel more assured in themselves - a feeling that had been taken from them before.
I know that it is odd that everyone was so openly queer - but this is a book that is for those who are; a time to revel in their happiness in just being who they are and not attack them for it. 🥺 '... Sometimes, people just need to know they aren’t alone in their confusing thoughts.' There is a deep sense of camaraderie and kinship amongst them that only they can appreciate and love with each other. Despite the challenges they faced keeping their friendship intact - an unlikely kaleidoscope of colors, but when they were together - they created a beautiful rainbow of trust and love and support that they all needed at this moment of their lives. Eden had their own fair share of anxiety-ridden troubles, but learning to care for someone else's well-being was perhaps the most rewarding feeling for them. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“She didn’t understand immediately, but she said all the right things: She loves me, she supports me, and she’ll always be here for me. I’m one of the lucky ones.”
What made Ronnie Riley's sophomore middle grade read more unique me was how it also showed that while one may choose to be seen this way, it still gently reassures that there is no need to feel that this is the only way that exists; that as they grow older, they are allowed to be flexible and fluid in how they wish to address themselves. Eden's found friends group was a unique and diverse mix in their representation and how they chose to be identified, and while it can be a bit overwhelming at times, it was still very respectful in how it was treated. 👍🏻👍🏻 'Hearing someone my age casually mention queer terms makes me delighted.' And I think that will resonate with young readers who may still be learning how others wish to be recognized - a stepping stone of building awareness.
The glossary included at the end was also written with an informative style to help young readers treat others correctly and to ask questions if they feel unsure about anything - one which I thought was very helpful and thoughtful. Written with a lot of care and consideration to ensure that even at a young age, we learn the importance of being kind and respectful of people's personal choices and identities. It was a read that in honor of Pride Month, I ended up appreciating a lot more than I initially thought I would. 🌈🌈
“Life goes in waves, you see. There are the ups and downs, and we’re just along for the ride.”
“You really think so?”
“I know so,” he says, nodding. “Sometimes, things get worse before they get better. Sometimes, they get better before they get worse. But it always gets better again.”
Asking For a Friend is a celebration of friendship, queer identity, and loving yourself for who you are and surrounding yourself with those who love you for who you are. It's taking the undue anxiety and pressure of living up to expectations and turning it around with the support and strength given to you. It's a heartwarming middle grade read that reminds us to be accepting and respectful of each other's individuality and learn the value of being honest with not only yourself but those around you. 💛 💛
“How do I begin to tell Mom that while Ramona, Duke, and Tabitha are real people at my school … they’re not my friends?
That I’ve been lying about us hanging out for the past month?
That all my stories are made up?
That I don’t really have any friends at all?”
It is a challenge for Eden, a white nonbinary ace soon-to-be thirteen-year-old, and myself while I was reading it - knowing that the inevitable would happen when their one so well-meaning lie would eventually blow up in their face. As someone who is easily overwhelmed and has panic attacks, it's no easy feat to work up the nerve and courage to be socially amicable with others who seem more put together than they ever could be. 'I hate this. I’m so awkward, and awful, and bad at this. Why did I think this would work?' 😟 I don't deny that they had good reasons for misleading their mother into believing that they did have friends at their new school. It's bad enough being a victim of social anxiety, but they also don't want to burden their mother more than they have to; a simple way of expressing their gratitude for the sacrifices she's made in raising them. So a little harmless white lie that he's the heart of his friends group - what could it hurt, right? Until, of course, it's time for his thirteenth birthday and invitations have to be sent out, with their mother wanting to meet their close friends soon. And finding friends before then who not only like them, but also appreciate them for who they are, is the daunting task that lies in store for Eden as they learn what it means to be a friend. 🤗
“We don’t go through life alone. We’re constantly surrounded by people, and if we’re lucky enough, we call some of them friends. And those friends we make?
They’re who help us go through life. We rely on them to be there, and we’re there for them when they need us.”
I enjoyed reading this; despite the burdensome task inflicted upon Eden - the way in which they were able to draw others towards them felt believable for me. Each of them was a little reflection of the person that they are and I liked how it was touched upon - 'something special about finding queer people in the school'. Starting from the popular trans basketball player, Duke wanting to hang out with him, to the very queer-confident Jackie, to the lesbian Tabitha who lived with her foster family, to Ramona who has a traumatic history with Duke that threatens the balance of their friendship - everything was built up at a gradual and steady pace that allowed me to be enveloped in their found family. 🫂🫂 'But it feels like we already share a bond that only queer people understand.'
It made me see how eager Eden was to care for them, once they realized they had people to care for after all this time. Others who may not entirely be like them, but who know what it is like to see themselves differently as others and not be ridiculed for it, as they were in the past. There is a certain heartfelt and emotional charge to the story that resonates throughout where you want Eden to succeed in letting their mother not find out that they lied to her - that their new friends would not discover that they had ulterior motives for befriending them - even though it really was never like that. It all swells up in this frustrating crescendo of drama and shock, followed by this lingering sadness of remembering how lonesome it is when you're all alone and friendless. 😔
“Friends mess up, and friends work through it. Friends forgive, and they don’t just walk away from their friendships.”
People tend to forget that even though they are kids who are more aware of how they wish to be identified as queer - they are still kids - kids who have the same feelings as everyone else does - and that their personal challenges are relatable experiences for any tween to go through. It makes it feel that much more honest at expressing how vulnerable and open we are at that age at wanting to find a group of peers that we can share a meaningful relationship with. 'Whether you’re an Eden, a Duke, a Tabitha, a Jackie, or a Ramona' there is a little something of each of them that we could only empathize with ourselves. Eden grew on me, just as they grew as a person. 👏🏻 I liked how each of the friends they made held a special place of importance in their heart - how they helped them define a certain part of themselves that they chose to bury deep until each of them helped bring it out of them. Eden was able to gain more self-confidence and courage in approaching others to join their group and feel more assured in themselves - a feeling that had been taken from them before.
I know that it is odd that everyone was so openly queer - but this is a book that is for those who are; a time to revel in their happiness in just being who they are and not attack them for it. 🥺 '... Sometimes, people just need to know they aren’t alone in their confusing thoughts.' There is a deep sense of camaraderie and kinship amongst them that only they can appreciate and love with each other. Despite the challenges they faced keeping their friendship intact - an unlikely kaleidoscope of colors, but when they were together - they created a beautiful rainbow of trust and love and support that they all needed at this moment of their lives. Eden had their own fair share of anxiety-ridden troubles, but learning to care for someone else's well-being was perhaps the most rewarding feeling for them. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“She didn’t understand immediately, but she said all the right things: She loves me, she supports me, and she’ll always be here for me. I’m one of the lucky ones.”
What made Ronnie Riley's sophomore middle grade read more unique me was how it also showed that while one may choose to be seen this way, it still gently reassures that there is no need to feel that this is the only way that exists; that as they grow older, they are allowed to be flexible and fluid in how they wish to address themselves. Eden's found friends group was a unique and diverse mix in their representation and how they chose to be identified, and while it can be a bit overwhelming at times, it was still very respectful in how it was treated. 👍🏻👍🏻 'Hearing someone my age casually mention queer terms makes me delighted.' And I think that will resonate with young readers who may still be learning how others wish to be recognized - a stepping stone of building awareness.
The glossary included at the end was also written with an informative style to help young readers treat others correctly and to ask questions if they feel unsure about anything - one which I thought was very helpful and thoughtful. Written with a lot of care and consideration to ensure that even at a young age, we learn the importance of being kind and respectful of people's personal choices and identities. It was a read that in honor of Pride Month, I ended up appreciating a lot more than I initially thought I would. 🌈🌈
October 29, 2023
My heart is so full 🥰
June 29, 2024
4.5, such a good read. I need more queer friendship groups in middle grade. Definitely recommend!
June 30, 2024
A beautiful story about friendship and feeling alone. I love how Eden spent so long making up the ideas of friendship only to have friends pick them over and over again
August 13, 2025
Love having middle reader non binary representation! My kids love this book. Edan was darling and I loved their friends and their distinct personalities. Didn't love all the lying though.
June 4, 2024
A LOT of really great and amazing representation! Each character was so different and so dynamic that I really appreciated the variety of characters we learn about!
The plot was interesting and I love a story that gets tangled in lies. You just know it’s all going to blow up but you just can’t wait!!
I didn’t really like how conveniently queer everyone was! Like of all of the students to randomly befriend from the beginning, they ALL happen to be queer?? Including one of the “antagonists”???
I also felt wishy washy about one of the coming out storylines in that the BFF was never told about her friend’s queerness. And not that she’s owed anything, but her feelings of being surprised and a little hurt that she found out when everyone else did I felt was totally dismissed and made a huge plot point. Because she didn’t get her feelings validated, everyone was mad at her. But I felt like she was owed something in terms of affirmation!! Not that it should be all about her but SOMETHING. I mean she’s in 8th grade c’mon people.
It was a good story with a lot of good stuff in it! But I wouldn’t put this on any platters or give it any awards or anything.
The plot was interesting and I love a story that gets tangled in lies. You just know it’s all going to blow up but you just can’t wait!!
I didn’t really like how conveniently queer everyone was! Like of all of the students to randomly befriend from the beginning, they ALL happen to be queer?? Including one of the “antagonists”???
I also felt wishy washy about one of the coming out storylines in that the BFF was never told about her friend’s queerness. And not that she’s owed anything, but her feelings of being surprised and a little hurt that she found out when everyone else did I felt was totally dismissed and made a huge plot point. Because she didn’t get her feelings validated, everyone was mad at her. But I felt like she was owed something in terms of affirmation!! Not that it should be all about her but SOMETHING. I mean she’s in 8th grade c’mon people.
It was a good story with a lot of good stuff in it! But I wouldn’t put this on any platters or give it any awards or anything.
August 12, 2024
Queer. Joy.
That's what this book is. It's well written, delightful, queer joy. I love how naturally this adorable queer friend-group starts; just queer folk being drawn together by forces outside their own control (like all queer friend-groups).
As joyful as it is, the gang deals with real problems: friends changing after coming out, the challenge of coming out to friends, the even bigger challenge of coming out to family, the struggles of doing what's easy versus what requires learning and growth, and the way social media changes and can influence how people see friendships.
Eden's use of social media to pretend to have friends is an extremely interesting take - a lot of older folks assume everyone people follow on social media is your friend. And this goes to show just how easy it is to fake it. At the same time, it also shows how different folks are outside the realms of social media. Eden getting to know their online friends IRL helps both them and their friends blossom.
This book is great. Period.
That's what this book is. It's well written, delightful, queer joy. I love how naturally this adorable queer friend-group starts; just queer folk being drawn together by forces outside their own control (like all queer friend-groups).
As joyful as it is, the gang deals with real problems: friends changing after coming out, the challenge of coming out to friends, the even bigger challenge of coming out to family, the struggles of doing what's easy versus what requires learning and growth, and the way social media changes and can influence how people see friendships.
Eden's use of social media to pretend to have friends is an extremely interesting take - a lot of older folks assume everyone people follow on social media is your friend. And this goes to show just how easy it is to fake it. At the same time, it also shows how different folks are outside the realms of social media. Eden getting to know their online friends IRL helps both them and their friends blossom.
This book is great. Period.
June 6, 2024
Another hit from Canadian middle grade author Ronnie Riley. This book sees nonbinary Eden getting caught up in a web of lies when they mislead their single mother into believing they've made a bunch of friends at their new school.
Full of a great cast of queer friends (a lesbian, a trans boy, a genderqueer kid and more) this book has amazing representation, found family, anxiety rep and is an excellent look at how important it is to be accepting and learn from our mistakes.
HIGHLY recommended, especially for fans of authors like Kyle Lukoff and Alex Gino. A must-read book and one I wish would be in every middle school library!
Full of a great cast of queer friends (a lesbian, a trans boy, a genderqueer kid and more) this book has amazing representation, found family, anxiety rep and is an excellent look at how important it is to be accepting and learn from our mistakes.
HIGHLY recommended, especially for fans of authors like Kyle Lukoff and Alex Gino. A must-read book and one I wish would be in every middle school library!
June 20, 2024
llorando en el bus de manera pública porque ls wea tierna 🥹
featured
January 29, 2025Eden Jones from Asking for a Friend is asexual!
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
February 11, 2024
E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus
Eden Jones is a white, nonbinary tween who has social anxiety, something their mother thought might be lessened with a move to a new school. Eden has been lying to their mother, telling her that they have plenty of friends, so when the mother makes plans for a 13th birthday party, Eden panicks, since their are no actual friends to invite. Duke Herrera, a Filipino trans boy with ADHD, does make some overtures and is nice to Eden, who is very wary of anyone, given experiences from the past. When Eden came out as nonbinary at their previous school, best friend Nikki scoffed and said that it wasn't a real thing. Eden, who identifies as asexual and biromantic, tries to make friends with Tabitha. Tabitha is in foster care, and no one knows that she is a lesbian, so she welcomes a queer friendship. The three spend a lot of time at a bookstore, and are always glad to see books that mirror their own experiences. Soon Jackie, a genderqueer boy, is joining their group, but when Eden becomes friendly with Ramona, who plays volleyball, Duke warns against her. There are some problems that the tweens face, such as Tabitha having to move to a new foster home, but even that turns out well, when Tabitha finds out that her new foster parents are also queer. Duke and Eden squabble over whether to include Ramona, who identifies as cisgendered and pansexual, in their group, since Ramona has exhibited some mean tendencies in the past. With their birthday party fast approaching, and their mother making financiial sacrifices to host it, will Eden be able to confindently invite true friends to the party?
Strengths: Even though Eden has a lot of anxiety, this is a book that centers queer joy, and Eden has a lot of support. Even Duke knows the techniques for dealing with panic attacks and helps navigate them in a really helpful way. All of the characters are sensitively and thoroughly identified, even while there is a strong message that these identifications can change as one grows. Pronouns are always shared, and even though the characters attend a "very white, very cisgender, heterosexual school", there are efforts to have a petition for a gender neutral bathroom, and there are not a lot of problems with bullying portrayed. Like th situations in this author's Jude Saves the World, the problems that Eden faces are eventually resolved in satisfactory ways.
Weaknesses: The characters spend a lot of time having philosophical conversations about their identities, which slows down the book in spots.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like books with a variety of queer characters, like Sass's Ellen Outside the Line or medina's The One Who Loves You Most.
Eden Jones is a white, nonbinary tween who has social anxiety, something their mother thought might be lessened with a move to a new school. Eden has been lying to their mother, telling her that they have plenty of friends, so when the mother makes plans for a 13th birthday party, Eden panicks, since their are no actual friends to invite. Duke Herrera, a Filipino trans boy with ADHD, does make some overtures and is nice to Eden, who is very wary of anyone, given experiences from the past. When Eden came out as nonbinary at their previous school, best friend Nikki scoffed and said that it wasn't a real thing. Eden, who identifies as asexual and biromantic, tries to make friends with Tabitha. Tabitha is in foster care, and no one knows that she is a lesbian, so she welcomes a queer friendship. The three spend a lot of time at a bookstore, and are always glad to see books that mirror their own experiences. Soon Jackie, a genderqueer boy, is joining their group, but when Eden becomes friendly with Ramona, who plays volleyball, Duke warns against her. There are some problems that the tweens face, such as Tabitha having to move to a new foster home, but even that turns out well, when Tabitha finds out that her new foster parents are also queer. Duke and Eden squabble over whether to include Ramona, who identifies as cisgendered and pansexual, in their group, since Ramona has exhibited some mean tendencies in the past. With their birthday party fast approaching, and their mother making financiial sacrifices to host it, will Eden be able to confindently invite true friends to the party?
Strengths: Even though Eden has a lot of anxiety, this is a book that centers queer joy, and Eden has a lot of support. Even Duke knows the techniques for dealing with panic attacks and helps navigate them in a really helpful way. All of the characters are sensitively and thoroughly identified, even while there is a strong message that these identifications can change as one grows. Pronouns are always shared, and even though the characters attend a "very white, very cisgender, heterosexual school", there are efforts to have a petition for a gender neutral bathroom, and there are not a lot of problems with bullying portrayed. Like th situations in this author's Jude Saves the World, the problems that Eden faces are eventually resolved in satisfactory ways.
Weaknesses: The characters spend a lot of time having philosophical conversations about their identities, which slows down the book in spots.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like books with a variety of queer characters, like Sass's Ellen Outside the Line or medina's The One Who Loves You Most.
June 17, 2024
Last year during Pride Month, I read Ronnie Riley's debut book, Jude Saves the World. This year, I'm celebrating Pride Month by reading their 2nd book, Asking for a Friend. It's another book featuring a Nonbinary child protagonist. Eden Jones is Nonbinary and Asexual. They also have Social Anxiety Disorder. Queer, Neurodivergent main characters seem to be a staple of Ronnie Riley's book. Remember that Jude from Jude saves the World was Nonbinary, Bisexual and had ADHD.
Like Jude, Eden has figured out their gender and sexuality when they were really young. And that's great. But their Social Anxiety Disorder majorly impacts their life. Eden doesn't really have any friends at their new school. This is because their former best friend at their old school reacted badly to Eden coming out as Nonbinary. However, Eden tells their mom that they do have friends, who are all real kids at their school. And Eden's mom wants to invite all these kids to Eden's 13th birthday.
Now, the fake romance trope is very popular, in both Queer and Straight, Cis fiction alike. I mean, in just 2024 alone I've read 2 different books with takes on the fake dating trope. (The Boyfriend Subscription, by Steven Salvatore and She Drives Me Crazy, by Kelly Quindlen.) But because Eden only 13, and Asexual at that, the plot of Asking for a Friend revolves around fake friendships. The kids Eden asks to be her pretend friends are named Duke, Jackie, Tabitha and Ramona, who are all also Queer. Duke is a Trans Filipino boy. Jackie is a Black, Genderqueer kid, who uses They/He pronouns. Tabitha and Ramona are White, just like Eden. Tabitha is a Lesbian, while Ramona just refers to herself as Queer. All these kids agree to come to Eden's birthday party. And in the intervening time, they all really do become true friends. When the depth of Eden's false pretenses is revealed, the group has a minor falling out. But they all reconcile in the end, with Duke, Tabitha, Ramona and Jackie actually showing up at Eden's birthday party.
Asking for a Friend was very sweet story about how even most unexpected of friendships can be fulfilling and life-changing. And it further cemented Ronnie Riley's status as one of my favorite authors. I absolutely loved this book!
Like Jude, Eden has figured out their gender and sexuality when they were really young. And that's great. But their Social Anxiety Disorder majorly impacts their life. Eden doesn't really have any friends at their new school. This is because their former best friend at their old school reacted badly to Eden coming out as Nonbinary. However, Eden tells their mom that they do have friends, who are all real kids at their school. And Eden's mom wants to invite all these kids to Eden's 13th birthday.
Now, the fake romance trope is very popular, in both Queer and Straight, Cis fiction alike. I mean, in just 2024 alone I've read 2 different books with takes on the fake dating trope. (The Boyfriend Subscription, by Steven Salvatore and She Drives Me Crazy, by Kelly Quindlen.) But because Eden only 13, and Asexual at that, the plot of Asking for a Friend revolves around fake friendships. The kids Eden asks to be her pretend friends are named Duke, Jackie, Tabitha and Ramona, who are all also Queer. Duke is a Trans Filipino boy. Jackie is a Black, Genderqueer kid, who uses They/He pronouns. Tabitha and Ramona are White, just like Eden. Tabitha is a Lesbian, while Ramona just refers to herself as Queer. All these kids agree to come to Eden's birthday party. And in the intervening time, they all really do become true friends. When the depth of Eden's false pretenses is revealed, the group has a minor falling out. But they all reconcile in the end, with Duke, Tabitha, Ramona and Jackie actually showing up at Eden's birthday party.
Asking for a Friend was very sweet story about how even most unexpected of friendships can be fulfilling and life-changing. And it further cemented Ronnie Riley's status as one of my favorite authors. I absolutely loved this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2025
Literally so cute. Bonus points from me because I read a physical copy in like 4 days which I haven't done with a book in basically forever. Audios are where my heart lies but this book doesn't have an audio and I was determined to read it anyway.
Eden is ace, bi romantic, and nonbinary and after an incident at they're old school they told their mom that they have new friends at their new school and so when their mom wants to throw them birthday party Eden either has to make friends or come clean.
Enter Duke. Duke befriends Eden on a bench one day after seeing their queer pins and thus begins the start of a true friendship or does it? Eden is really in their head about whether or not people like them for them and as their friend group slowly grows to a few more people they really struggle to grasp who's there for them and if they've been leading people on to be their friend.
I love middle grade queer books! It might be my favorite little sub category of reading honestly. There's something so healing for me to read about all these queer kids living and learning and finding joy that it makes me want to cry. This was an absolute delight.
Ace, bi, nonbinary MC with social anxiety, trans SC, aromantic SC, pan SC, genderqueer SC
Vaguely spoilery: proceed at your own risk.
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I also really enjoy books where people get to make mistakes and learn from them and that's kind of what the epitome of this book is. Learning that some people aren't meant to be in your life and some people can grow and change and be worthy of being in your space. I was a Ramona as a kid and seeing her get a kind of redemption arc really brought me a lot of joy. Sometimes you don't know what you don't know and you do things that hurt others and the best thing that you can do is apologize and learn and try and do better in the future.
Eden is ace, bi romantic, and nonbinary and after an incident at they're old school they told their mom that they have new friends at their new school and so when their mom wants to throw them birthday party Eden either has to make friends or come clean.
Enter Duke. Duke befriends Eden on a bench one day after seeing their queer pins and thus begins the start of a true friendship or does it? Eden is really in their head about whether or not people like them for them and as their friend group slowly grows to a few more people they really struggle to grasp who's there for them and if they've been leading people on to be their friend.
I love middle grade queer books! It might be my favorite little sub category of reading honestly. There's something so healing for me to read about all these queer kids living and learning and finding joy that it makes me want to cry. This was an absolute delight.
Ace, bi, nonbinary MC with social anxiety, trans SC, aromantic SC, pan SC, genderqueer SC
Vaguely spoilery: proceed at your own risk.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I also really enjoy books where people get to make mistakes and learn from them and that's kind of what the epitome of this book is. Learning that some people aren't meant to be in your life and some people can grow and change and be worthy of being in your space. I was a Ramona as a kid and seeing her get a kind of redemption arc really brought me a lot of joy. Sometimes you don't know what you don't know and you do things that hurt others and the best thing that you can do is apologize and learn and try and do better in the future.
February 11, 2025
As a cisgendered white middle-aged straight woman it is basically impossible for me to imagine or even begin to understand what it would have been like growing up nonbinary, gay or transgendered but this story is the closest I have come to gaining some genuine insight into what it would have been like. My heart both ached for and admired Eden so much! I ached for their pain and suffering but admired their courage to face their fears and speak their truth.
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨: Eden has started at a new school and suffers from crippling social anxiety, which is why they have trouble speaking up or making friends, but their mother doesn’t know that. Eden has been lying to her mom about her imaginary friends. That is, the friends are real, but the friendships are made up. Until one day Eden’s mom decides to throw a big birthday party for them, and now they are faced with the real challenge of befriending each one of their pretend friends turning that friendship into something real.
Middle grade can be messy, confusing, and filled with big emotions no matter who you are or how you identify, which is one thing I absolutely loved about this story. Despite any differences these characters may have with us, the reader, the feelings, struggles, challenges, and even joys they felt were relatable and understandable. I also appreciate the queer glossary at the back of the book, which is educating and incredibly helpful.
Simply put, this book shares a wonderful story that sparks the sincerest feelings of empathy, compassion, and joy for these beautiful characters.
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨: Eden has started at a new school and suffers from crippling social anxiety, which is why they have trouble speaking up or making friends, but their mother doesn’t know that. Eden has been lying to her mom about her imaginary friends. That is, the friends are real, but the friendships are made up. Until one day Eden’s mom decides to throw a big birthday party for them, and now they are faced with the real challenge of befriending each one of their pretend friends turning that friendship into something real.
Middle grade can be messy, confusing, and filled with big emotions no matter who you are or how you identify, which is one thing I absolutely loved about this story. Despite any differences these characters may have with us, the reader, the feelings, struggles, challenges, and even joys they felt were relatable and understandable. I also appreciate the queer glossary at the back of the book, which is educating and incredibly helpful.
Simply put, this book shares a wonderful story that sparks the sincerest feelings of empathy, compassion, and joy for these beautiful characters.
April 26, 2025
Title: Asking for a friend Author: Ronnie Riley
Eden's best friend (only friend) abandons him because he's nonbinary. Because his mom wants him to find new friends at his new school, Eden lies. Soon the lie grows and the talk about his birthday party starts. "What am I going to do?" Eden thinks. He comes up with a plan to make his imaginary friends into real ones.
My favorite character in the story would be Ramona, she has no idea what her friends think about and still hangs out with them, because she thinks they like her, but they want to get rid of her. IN the end Eden becomes friends with Ramona even though his best friend, Duke, tells him to stay away from Ramona.
This story almost made me cry. It's so sad to get rejected by a friend. This book tells you on how to just be yourself and be who you are.
I would recommend this book to people who have social anxiety disorder, because this can help you a lot. I would also give this book to people who are unsure about themselves. This book will definitely help you build confidence.
My solid rating would be 5 stars. The writing made me feel like I was there to see it happening. Th author explained all the parts so well. It contains all the emotions from happiness to sadness.
Reviewed by: Kashvi Singh
Eden's best friend (only friend) abandons him because he's nonbinary. Because his mom wants him to find new friends at his new school, Eden lies. Soon the lie grows and the talk about his birthday party starts. "What am I going to do?" Eden thinks. He comes up with a plan to make his imaginary friends into real ones.
My favorite character in the story would be Ramona, she has no idea what her friends think about and still hangs out with them, because she thinks they like her, but they want to get rid of her. IN the end Eden becomes friends with Ramona even though his best friend, Duke, tells him to stay away from Ramona.
This story almost made me cry. It's so sad to get rejected by a friend. This book tells you on how to just be yourself and be who you are.
I would recommend this book to people who have social anxiety disorder, because this can help you a lot. I would also give this book to people who are unsure about themselves. This book will definitely help you build confidence.
My solid rating would be 5 stars. The writing made me feel like I was there to see it happening. Th author explained all the parts so well. It contains all the emotions from happiness to sadness.
Reviewed by: Kashvi Singh
April 15, 2024
“Still, I recognize that look. I’ve seen it on my own face in reflections a million times, felt it a billion times. She looked lonely.”
A middle-grade book for the socially anxious and the quietly queer: Asking for a Friend centres Eden Jones, a nonbinary tween with Social Anxiety Disorder, wading through the waters of their new middle school after coming out to their best friend at the last one didn’t go well, trying desperately to stay afloat and make new friends to convince their mom that they’re doing better in the new environment.
Eden feels pressured to make up little lies that stack up on each other, but in the end, they find a group of communicative and supportive friends. The cast of this unlikely friend group are all queer of varying colours and they find solace in this common ground. It’s a great book to show readers true friendship during hard times as well as different approaches to coming out.
The book prefaces each character’s gender and sexual orientation ahead of time and includes a glossary of queer terms at the back of the book. It’s thoughtful, heartwarming, and yes, a little anxiety-inducing!
A middle-grade book for the socially anxious and the quietly queer: Asking for a Friend centres Eden Jones, a nonbinary tween with Social Anxiety Disorder, wading through the waters of their new middle school after coming out to their best friend at the last one didn’t go well, trying desperately to stay afloat and make new friends to convince their mom that they’re doing better in the new environment.
Eden feels pressured to make up little lies that stack up on each other, but in the end, they find a group of communicative and supportive friends. The cast of this unlikely friend group are all queer of varying colours and they find solace in this common ground. It’s a great book to show readers true friendship during hard times as well as different approaches to coming out.
The book prefaces each character’s gender and sexual orientation ahead of time and includes a glossary of queer terms at the back of the book. It’s thoughtful, heartwarming, and yes, a little anxiety-inducing!
June 13, 2024
Eden is nonbinary, ace, and biromantic. They also have anxiety and tend to have panic attacks. Bad experiences at their last school caused Eden and their mom to move in hopes of better experiences at the new school. Eden lies to their mom and says they have plenty of friends now. Unfortunately it is not true and is about to blow up as mom is planning a big birthday party for them and said friends. Eden is forced to reach out and does manage to make a small group of queer friends - but since much of it is based on lies, things are bound to implode at some point...
This is definitely a queer joy book with correct pronoun usage throughout and a happy ending. It makes sense that Eden makes friends with other queer kids at their new school but they are an especially amiable, communicative, deep thinking group. Every once in a while the story line gets bogged down by the "message" as the plot slows but that does not diminish it at all. I appreciate the responsiveness of Duke to Eden's panic and anxiety episodes. These feel very authentic.
Recommend.
This is definitely a queer joy book with correct pronoun usage throughout and a happy ending. It makes sense that Eden makes friends with other queer kids at their new school but they are an especially amiable, communicative, deep thinking group. Every once in a while the story line gets bogged down by the "message" as the plot slows but that does not diminish it at all. I appreciate the responsiveness of Duke to Eden's panic and anxiety episodes. These feel very authentic.
Recommend.
August 3, 2024
Great middle-grade read that hits a variety of important topics - social anxiety, gender identity, kids in foster care, conflict resolution - in ways that aren't too after school special.
Some of the resolutions may feel too easy for adults, although they likely won't for the intended age group. Anxious kids may feel a lot of the things that Eden does while reading the book, so that experience will vary in terms of how helpful/instructive it is vs how uncomfortable.
Representation is good throughout. LGBTQ youth will likely see someone like them within the pages. Racial/ethnic diversity are good too. It is difficult to find books with children who have incarcerated parents. This one handles that topic well, albeit briefly.
The book would also make a good introduction to queer identity for Gen Xers with low literacy skills (lo/hi). A glossary is provided at the end for unfamiliar terms having to do with identity. It teaches without getting bogged down in the details.
Overall, it's a unique book that covers areas that similar middle-grade books don't. Would recommend.
Some of the resolutions may feel too easy for adults, although they likely won't for the intended age group. Anxious kids may feel a lot of the things that Eden does while reading the book, so that experience will vary in terms of how helpful/instructive it is vs how uncomfortable.
Representation is good throughout. LGBTQ youth will likely see someone like them within the pages. Racial/ethnic diversity are good too. It is difficult to find books with children who have incarcerated parents. This one handles that topic well, albeit briefly.
The book would also make a good introduction to queer identity for Gen Xers with low literacy skills (lo/hi). A glossary is provided at the end for unfamiliar terms having to do with identity. It teaches without getting bogged down in the details.
Overall, it's a unique book that covers areas that similar middle-grade books don't. Would recommend.
September 1, 2024
Eden is such a fantastic character in this middle grade queer story. Not only are they nonbinary but they make trans/gay, lesbian, and genderqueer friends that a different race than them. Great diversity in this book! There is a lot of gender-affirming talk and discussions about friendships made and broken because of coming out. Eden also has extreme social anxiety disorder and hasn't been able to make or keep friends, aside from the one friend at her last school that ghosted her because they came out as nonbinary. I enjoyed the many different ways the author showed Eden having to deal with their anxiety and how it affected them as well as everyone around them. I developed generalized anxiety disorder in my mid-teens and still deal with it in my 40s so it was great to see a character get "better" while not unrealistically "curing" them of their anxiety. The middle school drama was on point and all the side characters were authentic with good back stories. A great read for kids looking for mental health or gender/sexual identities rep.
December 10, 2024
I found it difficult to get into this book as the main character was not relatable to me. The fallout with a former friend and the damage that did to Eden didn't resonate with me or perhaps I simply needed more details or backstory. I found the 3 page index at the back similar to a Thea Stilton novel whereby I'm forgetting the story line because I'm looking up definitions. Some of it seemed a bit mature for the age group it targets. It wasn't until the Author's note at the end that I was able to see my way through. Each character might resonate with all of us in a unique way and adds beauty to life with their differences. For me I loved the character Duke. They were supportive and a light to others. Duke helped Eden during panic attacks and showed great compassion. The coping mechanisms in this book not only for panic attacks but loneliness, feelings of isolation and finding belonging were excellent. For families with children who suffer from anxiety this book is an excellent tool to help manage and understand this disorder.
August 31, 2024
Asking for a Friend by Ronnie Riley is a heartwarming story that offers a refreshing perspective on friendship, identity, and belonging. Set in a charming small town, the book features Eden, a nonbinary character who becomes a confidant and safe space for others to come out to, fostering a sense of community and acceptance.
Riley’s portrayal of Eden and their journey is touching and relatable, especially for those who may feel different or misunderstood. The diverse and lovable cast of characters makes this book a delightful read, as it captures the complexities of navigating friendships and personal growth.
I wish I had this book to read in middle grade—it’s a story that many young readers could benefit from. Asking for a Friend is a must-read for anyone looking for a story filled with empathy, understanding, and the importance of finding your family. Highly recommended!
Riley’s portrayal of Eden and their journey is touching and relatable, especially for those who may feel different or misunderstood. The diverse and lovable cast of characters makes this book a delightful read, as it captures the complexities of navigating friendships and personal growth.
I wish I had this book to read in middle grade—it’s a story that many young readers could benefit from. Asking for a Friend is a must-read for anyone looking for a story filled with empathy, understanding, and the importance of finding your family. Highly recommended!
July 30, 2025
Asking for a Friend
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 6.00/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 6.5
Writing - 6
Plot - 6
Intrigue - 6.5
Logic - 5
Enjoyment - 6
Overall Thoughts:
I was underwhelmed by this book. As much as I wanted to like the characters and their dynamic, they just felt like characters to me. I can't put my finger on why but they had an unrealistic quality to me that just constantly reminded me that they were clearly characters and not real. The plot was alright, but not particularly stood out to me about it. I was generally intrigued enough to want to know how everything would play out but I felt like most of the conflicts seemed to disappear way too easily. Overall, I was just hoping for a bit more than this story provided. :/
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 6.00/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 6.5
Writing - 6
Plot - 6
Intrigue - 6.5
Logic - 5
Enjoyment - 6
Overall Thoughts:
I was underwhelmed by this book. As much as I wanted to like the characters and their dynamic, they just felt like characters to me. I can't put my finger on why but they had an unrealistic quality to me that just constantly reminded me that they were clearly characters and not real. The plot was alright, but not particularly stood out to me about it. I was generally intrigued enough to want to know how everything would play out but I felt like most of the conflicts seemed to disappear way too easily. Overall, I was just hoping for a bit more than this story provided. :/
dnf
June 26, 2024I thoroughly enjoyed Jude Saves the World, but I had to cut and run this time. I am a cishet gen x/er, so I know I am not the intended audience, nor do I deserve a say. But in the few chapters I read, it felt like representation for representation sake. We went from Eden talking about their “very white, very cisgender, very heterosexual” school in one breath to the next person they interact with being none of those things. Maybe I missed out on a great story, but I didn’t want to risk being annoyed the entire time (not to mention I think the print was pretty small for a middle grade book and I wasn’t sure my eyes could take it).
July 13, 2024
Asking For A Friend is a genuine coming-of-age novel. It was my first time reading a book with a non-binary protagonist and it was written with the utmost care and respect. Through the characters, we learn about various LGBTQ+ communities without overshadowing their individual traits.
I love that we can stand with Eden as they make mistakes and watch them grow. I’m also happy to see supportive adults in this book. It’s a great model for those of us “big kids” who want to support our next generation as they learn how to truly be themselves.
What really got me was the author’s note to the Dukes, Edens, Tabithas, Jackies and Ramonas. It was so tender and heartfelt. Such a sweet story!
I love that we can stand with Eden as they make mistakes and watch them grow. I’m also happy to see supportive adults in this book. It’s a great model for those of us “big kids” who want to support our next generation as they learn how to truly be themselves.
What really got me was the author’s note to the Dukes, Edens, Tabithas, Jackies and Ramonas. It was so tender and heartfelt. Such a sweet story!
August 24, 2024
This was some good ol middle grade queer joy. My favorite part is how the people she chose for the fake friends she told her mom about all ended up being the queer kids. Some might say this is convent, but from personal experience… game recognizes game. Even if we don’t realize it at the time.
But MY GOD does Eden lie like a rug. It’s to be expected to some extent, given the central conceit of the story, but they be lying when there was no “reason” to. It of course bites them in the butt, and apologizing and doing better is part of the lesson. But Eden was really out there doing too much and giving me secondary anxiety. lol
But MY GOD does Eden lie like a rug. It’s to be expected to some extent, given the central conceit of the story, but they be lying when there was no “reason” to. It of course bites them in the butt, and apologizing and doing better is part of the lesson. But Eden was really out there doing too much and giving me secondary anxiety. lol
October 5, 2024
3.5 stars
This is a really sweet, fairly quick read! Eden and their friends felt fully formed and realistic, able to open up to each other in a way that they're not able to open up to other people. I will say, it felt like there were too many conversations about queerness and identity, which are important! But they didn't necessarily add too much to the plot. They tended to slow down the ommentum of the book.
Not a bad middle grade read, though! Especially for kids who might feel alone like Eden does at the beginning of the book.
This is a really sweet, fairly quick read! Eden and their friends felt fully formed and realistic, able to open up to each other in a way that they're not able to open up to other people. I will say, it felt like there were too many conversations about queerness and identity, which are important! But they didn't necessarily add too much to the plot. They tended to slow down the ommentum of the book.
Not a bad middle grade read, though! Especially for kids who might feel alone like Eden does at the beginning of the book.
November 22, 2024
Eden is nonbinary, and is at a different school now. They have not made friends at the new school, but they see some people they are interested in getting to know. Eden does not want their mother to find out they do not have friends, so they tell their mom that they have made friends and invited them to their birthday party. In the meantime, Eden does actually start to get know the people but they don't know they are supposed to be at their birthday party. Eden finds out how to be true to themselves and how to be a good friend.
December 5, 2024
I loved this book, and found so much to relate to, with the character of Eden. How people form friendships seems like such a mystery to me, and I appreciated Eden's struggles with finding their place in a new school: especially when wrestling with social anxiety. I think a lot of students will be able to relate to Eden's journey toward friendship with Duke, Jackie, Ramona, and Tabitha. (And as a librarian, I especially related to Eden and her friends finding books that spoke to their experiences at "Uncle Moe's" community bookstore.)
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