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Growing Friendships: A Kids' Guide to Making and Keeping Friends
From psychologist and children’s friendships expert Eileen Kennedy-Moore and parenting and health writer Christine McLaughlin comes a social development guide that gives kids the answers they need to make and keep friends.
Friendship is complicated for kids. Almost every child struggles socially at some time, in some way. Having an argument with a friend, getting teased, or even trying to find a buddy in a new classroom…although these are typical problems, they can be very painful.
With research-based practical solutions and plenty of true-to-life examples—presented in more than 200 lighthearted cartoons—Growing Friendships is a toolkit for both girls and boys as they make sense of the social world around them.
Children everywhere want to fit in with a group, resist peer pressure, and be good sports—but even the most socially adept children struggle at times. But after reading this highly illustrated guide on their own or with a caring adult, kids everywhere will be well equipped to face any friendship challenges that come their way.
Book trailer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F_ct...
Funny, practical, and not at all preachy…This must-read book is the Google Maps to friendship that every kid needs.
-- Michele Borba, EdD, author of Unselfie
Growing Friendships is the secret playbook you’ll wish you’d had when you were growing up.
-- Diane Debrovner, Deputy Editor of Parents magazine
Growing Friendships offers kids real help—and enough giggles to make the messages fun and memorable.
-- Amy McCready, author of The ‘Me, Me, Me’ Epidemic
Friendship is complicated for kids. Almost every child struggles socially at some time, in some way. Having an argument with a friend, getting teased, or even trying to find a buddy in a new classroom…although these are typical problems, they can be very painful.
With research-based practical solutions and plenty of true-to-life examples—presented in more than 200 lighthearted cartoons—Growing Friendships is a toolkit for both girls and boys as they make sense of the social world around them.
Children everywhere want to fit in with a group, resist peer pressure, and be good sports—but even the most socially adept children struggle at times. But after reading this highly illustrated guide on their own or with a caring adult, kids everywhere will be well equipped to face any friendship challenges that come their way.
Book trailer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F_ct...
Funny, practical, and not at all preachy…This must-read book is the Google Maps to friendship that every kid needs.
-- Michele Borba, EdD, author of Unselfie
Growing Friendships is the secret playbook you’ll wish you’d had when you were growing up.
-- Diane Debrovner, Deputy Editor of Parents magazine
Growing Friendships offers kids real help—and enough giggles to make the messages fun and memorable.
-- Amy McCready, author of The ‘Me, Me, Me’ Epidemic
192 pages, Paperback
Published July 18, 2017
98 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Eileen Kennedy-Moore
16 books42 followersEileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, aka "Dr. Friendtastic," is an author, psychologist, and speaker, who specializes in parenting and children’s feelings and friendships. Her most recent books for children are
Moody Moody Cars
and
Growing Friendships: A Kids' Guide to Making and Keeping Friends
. She has also written or co-authored four books for parents:
Kid Confidence
,
Smart Parenting for Smart Kids
,
The Unwritten Rules of Friendship
, and
What’s My Child Thinking?
Dr. Kennedy-Moore's podcast, Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic, features 5-minute episodes answering children's questions about friendship. Her blog, Growing Friendships on Psychology Today has over 4.8 million views.
As a trusted expert on parenting and child development, Dr. Kennedy-Moore has been a featured guest on Live with Kelly and Ryan, The Today Show, Good Day Philadelphia, and dozens of radio shows and podcasts. She has been quoted many times in major newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune Parents, Real Simple, Working Mother, and, Woman's Day.
Dr. Kennedy-Moore has a private practice in Princeton, NJ (lic. #35SI00425400), where she works with adults, children, and families, and she often presents at schools, corporations, and conferences. She and her husband have four grown children.
Learn more at EileenKennedyMoore.com or DrFriendtastic.com (for kids).
Dr. Kennedy-Moore's podcast, Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic, features 5-minute episodes answering children's questions about friendship. Her blog, Growing Friendships on Psychology Today has over 4.8 million views.
As a trusted expert on parenting and child development, Dr. Kennedy-Moore has been a featured guest on Live with Kelly and Ryan, The Today Show, Good Day Philadelphia, and dozens of radio shows and podcasts. She has been quoted many times in major newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune Parents, Real Simple, Working Mother, and, Woman's Day.
Dr. Kennedy-Moore has a private practice in Princeton, NJ (lic. #35SI00425400), where she works with adults, children, and families, and she often presents at schools, corporations, and conferences. She and her husband have four grown children.
Learn more at EileenKennedyMoore.com or DrFriendtastic.com (for kids).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 17, 2018
Originally reviewed for YA Books Central: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsnon...
Utilizing plain language and a kid-friendly presentation, Growing Friendships examines and addresses a wide range of socially detrimental issues such as: isolation, bragging, oversharing, negativity, clinginess, stubbornness, possessiveness, mind-reading, overreacting, passivity, grudge-holding, and bossiness.
The book is made up of 15 chapters, and the text is regularly broken up via single-panel black-and-white comics featuring human (child) figures serving as examples of different behaviors, scenarios, and possible approaches. There are also the recurring characters of a sarcastic, self-centric cat and his affable dog friend—who act as commentators and attempted comedy relief. The artwork is simple but effective. And as it is a topical guide, there’s plenty of potential for readers to experience the different chapters and sections out of order.
This guide holds the potential to be a particularly important tool for children who may be dealing with social anxiety, transitioning to a new school, or who place somewhere on the autism spectrum. (It could also aid the parents of said children, who are looking for effective ways to impart social strategies.) The section of chapters called ‘Blending In To Join Friends’ has many tips and examples for children who struggle with social cues, or who don’t have an innate tendency to harmonize with group dynamics.
One of the most valuable aspects, to this reviewer’s mind, was the careful explanations on what does and does not constitute bullying. (Something my own children and their elementary school peers seem consistently confused over.) It is pointed out that, in order for a social situation to meet the definition of bullying—not simply a disagreement, misunderstanding, or teasing—there needs to be a power differential between the participants. Once readers are given the tools to identify true bullying, the author also offers an array of methods for constructively dealing with it.
I read this (at the rate of 1-2 chapters per night) to my somewhat socially challenged 7 and 9-year-olds—hoping they might come away with improved awareness and perhaps some better techniques for interacting with their peers. While they both listened well and responded to the chapter review questions, my 7-year-old seemed to have more trouble with grasping and retaining the concepts. So, I would have to suggest this book in its entirety be used for an 8+ audience.
Utilizing plain language and a kid-friendly presentation, Growing Friendships examines and addresses a wide range of socially detrimental issues such as: isolation, bragging, oversharing, negativity, clinginess, stubbornness, possessiveness, mind-reading, overreacting, passivity, grudge-holding, and bossiness.
The book is made up of 15 chapters, and the text is regularly broken up via single-panel black-and-white comics featuring human (child) figures serving as examples of different behaviors, scenarios, and possible approaches. There are also the recurring characters of a sarcastic, self-centric cat and his affable dog friend—who act as commentators and attempted comedy relief. The artwork is simple but effective. And as it is a topical guide, there’s plenty of potential for readers to experience the different chapters and sections out of order.
This guide holds the potential to be a particularly important tool for children who may be dealing with social anxiety, transitioning to a new school, or who place somewhere on the autism spectrum. (It could also aid the parents of said children, who are looking for effective ways to impart social strategies.) The section of chapters called ‘Blending In To Join Friends’ has many tips and examples for children who struggle with social cues, or who don’t have an innate tendency to harmonize with group dynamics.
One of the most valuable aspects, to this reviewer’s mind, was the careful explanations on what does and does not constitute bullying. (Something my own children and their elementary school peers seem consistently confused over.) It is pointed out that, in order for a social situation to meet the definition of bullying—not simply a disagreement, misunderstanding, or teasing—there needs to be a power differential between the participants. Once readers are given the tools to identify true bullying, the author also offers an array of methods for constructively dealing with it.
I read this (at the rate of 1-2 chapters per night) to my somewhat socially challenged 7 and 9-year-olds—hoping they might come away with improved awareness and perhaps some better techniques for interacting with their peers. While they both listened well and responded to the chapter review questions, my 7-year-old seemed to have more trouble with grasping and retaining the concepts. So, I would have to suggest this book in its entirety be used for an 8+ audience.
January 6, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
As a mother of two boys, I was interested to read this - I know only too well how complex, confusing and occasionally upsetting childhood friendship can be!
The book is informative, easy-to-access and an engaging read. The language is simple enough for a child (perhaps 8+) to read it comfortably, but contains enough information for a parent to benefit too. It's divided into sections, covering different aspects of childhood friendship - and explains how to cope with difficult situations and emotions.
Certain sections were excellent, for example, how to read signals given from other people, and how not to be an 'octopus' friend! One section about kids crying was a little strange (can a child help it if they cry?) but mostly, it was on point.
I really liked the quizzes and questions throughout, it's a great way to get kids reviewing the information they've read - which is an effective route to meaningful learning. It's clear the author not only has an excellent grasp on child psychology, but also knows how to resonate with younger people, which is very important.
Overall, a good book, and one that's of use to kids and parents everywhere.
As a mother of two boys, I was interested to read this - I know only too well how complex, confusing and occasionally upsetting childhood friendship can be!
The book is informative, easy-to-access and an engaging read. The language is simple enough for a child (perhaps 8+) to read it comfortably, but contains enough information for a parent to benefit too. It's divided into sections, covering different aspects of childhood friendship - and explains how to cope with difficult situations and emotions.
Certain sections were excellent, for example, how to read signals given from other people, and how not to be an 'octopus' friend! One section about kids crying was a little strange (can a child help it if they cry?) but mostly, it was on point.
I really liked the quizzes and questions throughout, it's a great way to get kids reviewing the information they've read - which is an effective route to meaningful learning. It's clear the author not only has an excellent grasp on child psychology, but also knows how to resonate with younger people, which is very important.
Overall, a good book, and one that's of use to kids and parents everywhere.
September 11, 2017
Very helpful!
June 26, 2024
This is a great book to read with your child in order to talk about friendship issues without always talking about THEIR friendship issues. Like all of the best parenting books, there are cartoons. 8yo and I each read different characters' dialogue bubbles. The result was that she asked me in the morning before school if we could role-play how she might respond to her friends next time.
March 24, 2017
Growing Friendships: A Kids' Guide to Making and Keeping Friends is not just for kids: parents, teachers, tutors, therapists, playground assistants, and anyone who works with children will benefit from Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Christine McLaughlin's book on children's friendships. They cover topics such as how to make friends, stepping back to keep friends, managing friendship rough spots, and more. With direct text and humorous asides from a scheming cat and a thoughtful dog, this book offers clear examples and opportunities to help children manage the rough seas of gaining and losing friends or to distinguish between, say, bullying and simple disagreements. As a tutor, I will pair this with fictional works that involve friendships such as The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin, Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo, and Ms. Bixby's Last Day by John David Anderson. Friendships throughout life can be challenging, and Growing Friendships is here to help all of us.
May 5, 2017
Growing Friendships needs a place on your shelf! Every kid could use a boost to their emotional intelligence and some added friend skills, and Growing Friendships is the perfect tool to engage and inform. Practical solutions to everyday issues kids face such as how to speak up without hurting someone's feelings, and how to join a conversation or group without disrupting or annoying people. Important terms are highlighted and explained, as well as being defined in the Glossary at the end. While the book is aimed at 7-10 year-olds, Growing Friendships won't put off older kids, and even adults could find useful skills.
I will definitely be adding this to my middle school library shelves!
I will definitely be adding this to my middle school library shelves!
July 17, 2017
My daughter picked up the book the second it arrived in the mail and I couldn't find it anywhere. She said "I don't have trouble making friends or keeping them. Yet I should read this just incase."
Like: Mom this book has a great story using Cartoons. Who knew I could learn so much about friendships. I hated it when a friend would one day say you are not my friend anymore and than the next week we are finds again. This book is teaching me how to deal with that instead of getting hurt and crying."
I have learned so much from this book mom thank you.
I will post my review as soon as i can get it from my son hands.
Like: Mom this book has a great story using Cartoons. Who knew I could learn so much about friendships. I hated it when a friend would one day say you are not my friend anymore and than the next week we are finds again. This book is teaching me how to deal with that instead of getting hurt and crying."
I have learned so much from this book mom thank you.
I will post my review as soon as i can get it from my son hands.
January 17, 2025
encourages masking & people-pleasing
Not healthy and outdated. Do not recommend for neurodivergent children or their parents, and I am a special education teacher and parent of a neurodivergent child.
Not healthy and outdated. Do not recommend for neurodivergent children or their parents, and I am a special education teacher and parent of a neurodivergent child.
July 23, 2025
A good read aloud for kids anywhere in elementary school, giving examples on different types of conflicts or situations that can come up in friendships. The comic illustrations as well as the little animated dog/ cat duo interspersed in the book made it feel like it was made for kids, while tackling important topics. Kids really enjoyed it and looked forward to what situation was going to be covered in the next comic.
November 2, 2018
This book is a guide with a dog and a cat who are very funny it's a really good guide to making freinds
July 12, 2017
This is a great book to help children with either social anxiety or autism learn appropriate social skills for making and keeping friends. Find my full review here: http://embracingthespectrum.com/growi...
August 25, 2019
I read this book with my 6 year old daughter and she loved it. Good layout and easy to understand. Even my 3 year old boy loves the cute dog and cat characters, which pops up a few times each chapter. Very informative and useful.
September 5, 2017
If your child is having problems making friends, Growing Friendships: A Kids’ Guide to Making and Keeping Friends by Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Christine McLaughlin just might help.
It is a guide for helping kids learn some ways that just might help them make friends, when they are dealing with that awkward situation of being the odd man out.
The concept of the book is very creative. The authors present different scenarios and guide the reader towards what they feel are the appropriate ways to handle the situation. The book uses regular text along with cartoons to help hold the reader's interest as well as to underscore their points.
There is a cartoon dog and cat who make light-hearted commentaries throughout the book to make the book more interesting to kids.
We give Growing Friendships all five stars. Whereas it might not work in every situation, the approach presented is probably the best way to attempt to make and keep friendships for older children and young teens.
We think this book would make an excellent gift for any older child/young teen. Parents will find it helpful, too. The book could be used to open a dialogue.
Although Growing Friendships does not have any scripture references, it may still be a good tool for churches to use in small group classes for their youth group.
This may very well be the best way for church youth groups to empower their kids out on the mission field, also known as school.
Purchase a copy for your youth pastor and one for your church library as well.
We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.
We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
It is a guide for helping kids learn some ways that just might help them make friends, when they are dealing with that awkward situation of being the odd man out.
The concept of the book is very creative. The authors present different scenarios and guide the reader towards what they feel are the appropriate ways to handle the situation. The book uses regular text along with cartoons to help hold the reader's interest as well as to underscore their points.
There is a cartoon dog and cat who make light-hearted commentaries throughout the book to make the book more interesting to kids.
We give Growing Friendships all five stars. Whereas it might not work in every situation, the approach presented is probably the best way to attempt to make and keep friendships for older children and young teens.
We think this book would make an excellent gift for any older child/young teen. Parents will find it helpful, too. The book could be used to open a dialogue.
Although Growing Friendships does not have any scripture references, it may still be a good tool for churches to use in small group classes for their youth group.
This may very well be the best way for church youth groups to empower their kids out on the mission field, also known as school.
Purchase a copy for your youth pastor and one for your church library as well.
We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.
We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
August 6, 2023
This is an extraordinary book, and I don't know why it's not better known! I found it for my 7yo when they were going through some tricky friendship situations, but as we read it together, I kept asking myself in astonishment, "Wait, you can just EXPLAIN these things? I had to learn this stuff the hard way, through trial and error!" It has been an excellent starter for me to bring up topics I want to talk about, and also provided an opening for my kid to talk about kids/friendships in their life. The illustrations and the goofy cat and dog characters also helped serve as an entry point for my child, as I think otherwise it might come across as being too old for them. I can see the book serving as a wonderful resource for at least several more years.
I do definitely recommend reading it *with* your kid, partly because of the discussion potential, and also because I found myself offering caveats or clarifications at many points. Similarly, you can interpret the text as needed for your kid's comprehension; they might need help with vocab, or with something that isn't phrased literally.
A nitpick from our family is that basically every kid depicted in the book is binary gendered, even when they don't have to be ("these other girls don't want to play with her" when it could have been "these other kids").
Overall, fabulous resource and I've recommended it to almost every parent I've talked to since we started reading it!
I do definitely recommend reading it *with* your kid, partly because of the discussion potential, and also because I found myself offering caveats or clarifications at many points. Similarly, you can interpret the text as needed for your kid's comprehension; they might need help with vocab, or with something that isn't phrased literally.
A nitpick from our family is that basically every kid depicted in the book is binary gendered, even when they don't have to be ("these other girls don't want to play with her" when it could have been "these other kids").
Overall, fabulous resource and I've recommended it to almost every parent I've talked to since we started reading it!
March 19, 2018
This is a FABULOUS book that clearly explains simple strategies kids can use to both initiate friendships and be more aware of their "friendship busting" behaviors. With clever cartoons and simple text, Kennedy-Moore and McLaughlin break down simple social tips kids can use to both make and retain friends. The text portions are short enough to read quickly in one sitting.
This book could be helpful for families wanting to focus on social skills at home - perhaps read aloud one tip and discuss at family dinner? After reading the book, I checked back on Amazon for the age rating. It says ages 6-9, but I think this book is useful for all ages - even adults! I'm going to incorporate the lessons and ideas at my summer camp to help kids understanding some of the nuances about making and keeping friends. Counselors could read-aloud a tip then share the cartoon with campers and discuss. Teachers, too, could utilize the book in the classroom to promote social skills. I'm, so glad I found this book and Kennedy-Moore's fabulous website. Highly recommend that parents get this book for any child struggling with friendships.
This book could be helpful for families wanting to focus on social skills at home - perhaps read aloud one tip and discuss at family dinner? After reading the book, I checked back on Amazon for the age rating. It says ages 6-9, but I think this book is useful for all ages - even adults! I'm going to incorporate the lessons and ideas at my summer camp to help kids understanding some of the nuances about making and keeping friends. Counselors could read-aloud a tip then share the cartoon with campers and discuss. Teachers, too, could utilize the book in the classroom to promote social skills. I'm, so glad I found this book and Kennedy-Moore's fabulous website. Highly recommend that parents get this book for any child struggling with friendships.
February 24, 2018
Nicely done book for youngsters, parents and school personnel. What I particularly like is the number and variety of examples, most of which are supported by good cartoon illustrations. This blend works well for almost any youngster's learning style...In essence a classic example of the 'take what you need and leave the rest' approach. It's an excellent choice for school and public libraries as well as for families, guidance offices and any other entity where supporting healthy social choices for youngsters is important.
July 18, 2021
Firstly a couple of warnings this book is very Amrican so if reading it with a child you may need to change a couple of things, and it may sound simplistic but rhat is nit going to be the case fir all.
The premise of this book is great proving children with the instructions for making friends. For children who find this difficult this book will certainly help. It will help children with social anxiety gain some hints and tips. However when all is said and done it can’t guarantee that it will solve all friendship difficulties. Ultimately a book that may help.
The premise of this book is great proving children with the instructions for making friends. For children who find this difficult this book will certainly help. It will help children with social anxiety gain some hints and tips. However when all is said and done it can’t guarantee that it will solve all friendship difficulties. Ultimately a book that may help.
November 24, 2017
This was such a great read aloud book for my kids. I have three elementary age kids and each chapter dealt with a problem that at least one of them has faced with friends. They were eager to hear about ways they could deal with their own struggles and how to deal with difficult situations. The best part was that we could have non-confrontational discussions about the things they needed to work on. Every elementary age kid could benefit from reading this book or having it read to them.
April 5, 2018
This book was loaded with great advice on friendship. I think many children and their parents will benefit from reading it. It offers advice for making friends, understanding how friendships change, losing friends and dealing with the aftermath of no longer being friends. There are sections parents can read to help their children. This book could be useful to parents, or teachers, of children with autism, as well.
I received a Kindle ARC in exchange for a fair review from Netgalley.
I received a Kindle ARC in exchange for a fair review from Netgalley.
August 2, 2019
I bought this for my niece and wasn't really sure that it would be suitable, but I think it was a good choice! Some of the examples are a bit young for her age (11) and others perhaps a bit old, but the principles are good for anybody, even adults. The cartoons keep the tone light hearted. A range of topics and scenarios are discussed, broken up into small, manageable sections, and each major section end with questions to get readers thinking about their own experiences.
August 3, 2017
Fantastic for elementary age kids. Both my 6 yo daughter & 8 yo son read it and got a lot out of it; I also read it and got a lot of good approaches and conversation starters to use with them later. Can't recommend too highly, no matter where your child is starting from in terms of social skills, there will be helpful tools in this book for them.
February 24, 2019
This should be required reading for all kids. Although it’s written in a way that seems to be aimed at elementary school kids (complete with cute cartoon pictures throughout the whole book), most of the information can also apply to teenagers and adults as well. I know many adults who could use the advice in this book! Anyway, great book. Buy it and read it with your kids of all ages.
February 29, 2024
Read this with my children. My daughter (8) begged me to read it nightly. It has some good tips especially for those kids who may have a hard time navigating socially. There are some hard truths about how to deal with things which at first took me aback but then realized the methods taught are really how social life operates.
October 23, 2017
I can't say enough good things about this book. It presents simple, clear ideas about how to read people, how to make friends, and how to be a good friend. I got as much out of this as my 6-year-old son did.
October 23, 2017
Caleb (age 6): "A very interesting book that helps you learn how to grow and make friendships. And it also does it through fun cartoons. Follow along with the puppy and the kitty on your way to have so many friendships."
December 28, 2017
I read this book to decide if it would be a good gift for a little girl who wants more friends. I think it has some really helpful tips, and I'm definitely going to buy it. Having scenarios and questions to answer helps reinforce what the book is trying to teach.
January 8, 2018
Full with practical advice
Although my son aged 9 didnt want to read it, he listened to the advices when i read back to him at the right time. Wi5 this book i have good advices to give when children ask :)
Although my son aged 9 didnt want to read it, he listened to the advices when i read back to him at the right time. Wi5 this book i have good advices to give when children ask :)
May 31, 2020
I read this with my neurotypical pre-teen and my ASD daughter. It had good information but used a lot of idioms, which I’d have to rephrase for my ASD daughter. In general it had a good setup but wish the phrasing was more concrete for literal thinkers who may be using this book.
November 26, 2022
Fabulous nonfiction! Any school-age kid can read independently or with an adult. I learned a lot as well. Validates emotions but directs actions towards strengthening friendships. The comics kept my younger son engaged.
July 10, 2018
Wonderful book to help kids understand the feelings of others and how their actions may be interpreted by others. Fun illustrations; helpful and practical for kids, as well as adults!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews