Friends: Making Them & Keeping Them

American Girl Library

by Patti Kelley Criswell, Stacy Peterson (Illustrator)

FRIENDS gives girls everything they need to know about making new friends and making the most of the friendships they already have. The interactive book is full of quizzes, crafts, and thoughtful advice, including tips and true friendship stories from girls. Five mini posters are bound at the back of the book for girls to tear out and share with friends!

Genres: Nonfiction, Friendship, Childrens, Self Help

80 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2006

Reviews

[Natalia]

I wish that these books weren’t so dependent on a school environment.

[Abbygayle Allred · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book kinda as a joke, because I’m much older than the target demographic, but I found it in my room and realized I never read it- so why not?
It’s an easy book to read, and has lots of good advice without being overwhelming- it’s perfect for the young readers it’s aimed at.
Though I knew most of the things this book talked about, I’m glad I read it anyways, and I actually wish I read it sooner. It’s hard to make friends, even when you’re an adult in college. And these simple reminders help keep friendships less of a mystery.
I’ll definitely be giving this book to my little sisters so they can be better prepared for their future friendships :)

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has good advice on making friends and keeping them. It is a nice book and tells you good ways to be a good friend.

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

lots of good advice about friends

[Erin Holt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is cute. My daughter liked it a lot and I think we can save it as a reference to come back to over the years.

[Melinda Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting book that teaches girls how to make friends and keep them. Simply written with wonderful examples all the way through, it's a perfect book for any girl who wants to make friends. It gives do's and dont's in the art of friendship, things friends can do together, and shows how friends can communicate with one another. An added plus is all the original illustrations.

"Friendship is a sheltering tree." --Samuel Taylor Coleridge

"The only way to have a friend is to be one." --Ralph Waldo Emerson

"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out." --Walter Winchell

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book genuinely changed my life back in 4th/5th grade. I’d absolutely recommend it to any young girl, any kid, really. I still think about it to this day (I’m currently a junior) and I honestly can’t believe how much this stupid little American girl doll book changed how I approached social situations, gave me so much confidence, and helped me navigate middle school. I’d have to reread it to accurately tell you what I think of it now, but I know back then it felt earth-shattering in the best way!

[Hayden Byler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is great! Has lot of tips on starting friendships, although I do wish it was a little longer. I started reading it, and when I was just getting into it, I was finished with the book. It has some really good stories that made me feel good.

[Lacey Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Precious little book about learning how to deal with disappointments in friendships and how to take on friendships. I’m benefiting from reading it, and I’ll save it for my daughters when they are a little older. I wish I had these American girl books when I were younger. 💕

[Mariah Fandakly · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

It taught my little girl about friends and how to keep them. I would recamemd it to you. read it

[Danielle Thurman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book Can I have American girl And she's actually really nice and I got this book from her

[Kara Kuehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of great conversation starters as well as advice!!

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent guide and resource.

[Charlie - disableddaydreamer | itsbarbieparis (looking for mutuals) · Rating 4 out of 5]

as a kid who very much struggled to make friends because i just didn’t get it, this probably would have saved me some embarrassment tbh

[Iris Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had lots of great advice! I even played the game with my new friend!

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fun book is filled with short tidbits, quizzes, posters and true stories about how girls make new friends and have fun with the friends they already have. It's full of bright colors, modern multicultural illustrations, and fun posters. Its messages are upbeat but honest and helpful. It is not a heavy-handed book, but a great place for starting conversations.

"Having friends who understand and appreciate you for who you are is what it's all about - finding friends who are really right for you." (p. 3)

What an excellent message, just the one I want to help my daughters learn and think about. And this is a format they'll enjoy - much better than hearing Mom ask questions or tell them what to do!

[Juliette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know how to make friends? Well, it's an easy problem to solve, if you don't. Go read this book, and you'll learn how! It follows you to having friends and keeping them forever. And if you like American Girl, you will like "Friends". I have a bitty twin. Her name is Alex and she thinks she knows everything about friends, but really she doesn't. She needs to read this book to learn more about friends. I hope you learn how to make friends!

Good luck!

[Epereira · Rating 3 out of 5]

this bbok is super ultra mega interesting!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little book for elementary aged girls (grades 2-5) about friends. Includes some tips that even Moms can benefit from (e.g., the different types of friends).

[Lindsey Fleck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book about friendship...

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for kids to learn to understand friendships.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT!

[Zoe Quijas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has fun things to do for sleepovers and with friends

[Villa Park Public Library]

If you are looking for a comprehensive, straightforward manual on how to make and keep friends, this is the book for you. The author expertly covers the skills needed to master the confusing ups and downs of friendship. While the skills described may seem daunting, the book conveys that the benefits of friendship can be well worth the effort. Some of the topics covered include conversation starters, listening tips, fighting fair, and trying too hard. The book includes quizzes and activities, as well as advice. I highly encourage the reader to take the time to experience all that this exceptional book can offer.

Check this book out at the Villa Park Public Library:
https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/client/en_US/vpd/search/detailnonmodal/ent:$002f$002fSD_ILS$002f0$002fSD_ILS:1298970/ada?qu=friends+making+them+and+keeping+them&lm=VPD