What do you think?
Rate this book
That's What Friends Do
Samantha Goldstein and David Fisher have been friends ever since they met on their town’s Little League baseball team. But when a new kid named Luke starts hanging out with them, what was a comfortable pair becomes an awkward trio.
Luke’s comments make Sammie feel uncomfortable—but all David sees is how easily Luke flirts with Sammie, and so David decides to finally make a move on the friend he’s always had a crush on.
Soon things go all wrong and too far, and Sammie and David are both left feeling hurt, confused, and unsure of themselves, without anyone to talk to about what happened.
As rumors start flying around the school, David must try to make things right (if he can) and Sammie must learn to speak up about what’s been done to her.
Luke’s comments make Sammie feel uncomfortable—but all David sees is how easily Luke flirts with Sammie, and so David decides to finally make a move on the friend he’s always had a crush on.
Soon things go all wrong and too far, and Sammie and David are both left feeling hurt, confused, and unsure of themselves, without anyone to talk to about what happened.
As rumors start flying around the school, David must try to make things right (if he can) and Sammie must learn to speak up about what’s been done to her.
Hardcover
First published January 28, 2020
21 people are currently reading
4117 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
September 12, 2019
Wow. This book is exactly what I needed when I was in 5th-6th grade. Cathleen Barnhart touches on much needed themes such as #metoo, consent, bullying, harmful gossiping, outgrowing friendships, female camaraderie, toxic masculinity—all laid out on the page with sensitivity and nuance. The story is told in alternating POVs, between Sammie and David—best friends torn apart by Luke, a new boy in school and an incident on the school bus. The alternating POVs really work in showing how one single action can lead to a string of actions—actions which can often have irreversible consequences. Something as simple as stealing a French fry from someone's plate without permission, invading one's personal space, can sour even the best of friendships. One of the plot points that I really appreciated, was how Sammie comes to realize that sometimes, girls/women can only really, truly feel safe with other women, and that there is nothing wrong with choosing to embrace that safety net. I would highly recommend THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS DO as a must-read for both girls and boys, and hope that it finds its way into many classrooms, and many, many discussions.
August 27, 2019
Literally could not put this one down! Teenage me would’ve loved this, and adult me did as well! There’s lots of exciting drama/misunderstandings, and the characters feel so real they jump right off the page.
The alternating point of view works great to show how both characters see the same situations in such different ways. No one is vilified, rather, we are able to see where things went wrong and what should have been done to fix it. Lots of complexity and depth. This is such a timely book, and a great conversation starter about boundaries and respect.
I especially loved that although the parents in the book are quite flawed, the relationships with their children begin to mend at the end in a very touching way. I laughed, I cried, I absolutely recommend this. As a former educator, it felt very authentic
The alternating point of view works great to show how both characters see the same situations in such different ways. No one is vilified, rather, we are able to see where things went wrong and what should have been done to fix it. Lots of complexity and depth. This is such a timely book, and a great conversation starter about boundaries and respect.
I especially loved that although the parents in the book are quite flawed, the relationships with their children begin to mend at the end in a very touching way. I laughed, I cried, I absolutely recommend this. As a former educator, it felt very authentic
August 7, 2019
I loved this book! As a middle school educator, I have been waiting for a book that will open a conversation about consent and boundaries. This book does this so well for younger teens, but also goes deeper in to the implications of our actions on our friends and loved ones. By offering alternating perspectives of two narrators, Sammie and David, it is also easy for the reader to see how misunderstandings between friends get started and perpetuated. A secondary story line focuses on the kids' struggles with finding their voices with their parents. Overall, this is a great read for students in Grades 6-8, their parents, and teachers.
March 17, 2020
This is a really good examination of how confusing friendship, attraction, teasing, and gender roles are - especially in middle school. There were many things to like here - including the alternating perspectives, the range of issues and how they subtly influence each other (i.e. no one thing stands on its own - it’s always part of the bigger picture), and how the parental attitudes carry on (or don’t) in the kids. There were a few moments that honestly really got to me. Very well done.
March 27, 2020
There were parts of this story I appreciated, such as Sammie's mom telling her that none of the touching that happened by Luke and David was her fault. However, I feel that Luke's mental health was used as an excuse for his behavior towards Sammie. His character's actions felt very unresolved for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2021
I loved everything about this wonderful wholesome story. That’s What Friends Do is a realistic portrayal of the tumultuous years between childhood and adolescence. It examines closely the need for young people to recognize and respect boundaries, especially where sexual harassment is concerned. Books like these are invaluable for helping young people understand toxic masculinity and consent. This is a book worth putting in as many young hands as possible.
Read my full review on my blog.
Read my full review on my blog.
February 13, 2020
This was SO good. Middle grade novels continue to rule and this is a must read. Sammie's and David's stories of being best friends and wanting to be more and knowing how to do that and developing their identities was just spot on. There are so many things that are so well done without being overwhelming or reaching. My only quibble is that I wish the author had labeled what was happening to Sammie as sexual harassment or even just harassment because that's absolutely what it was. The whole "boys will be boys" culture needs to die a fiery death and hopefully kids growing up now are realizing this more and more. Books like this certainly help.
January 16, 2021
I'm so glad to see a middle grade book about consent. I also like that both sides of the story are told from the boy and girl perspective, showing how misunderstanding and rumours can cause serious harm. This is a great conversation starter for any late elementary or middle school age kid to read alone or with parents.
January 2, 2023
Nogal traag en herhalend. Vond het lastig om ervan te genieten. Wel een mooie boodschap en een goed einde, maar over het algemeen nogal matig.
April 22, 2020
This account of Sammie is a powerful, yet cautious story about the issues of consent and sexual harassment written for for a middle-grade audience.
Sammie Goldstein and David Fischer have been best friends since forever, but as the two come of age, they begin to feel the stirrings of something more than childhood friendship.
David realizes he has a crush on Sammie, and is nervous about revealing his feelings to her. Enter new kid, Luke Sullivan, who is extremely cool and oh so handsome. He had moved to New Roque, which is a the New York City suburb. David sees him as immediate competition. Sammie, not up for changes wants to simply continue being friends with David and to keep her spot on the baseball team. There is a subplot here concerning Sammie and of her dad’s narrow minded view that softball is for girls and that anything for girls must be inferior. Sammie has played baseball with the boys for years and is quite a good baseball player who competes competently with the boys.
One day David accidentally touches Sammie’s chest, and their friendship begins to unravel fast. During this time of confusion for everyone, even Luke, Sammie discovers a newfound camaraderie with the girls she had always dismissed as being too girly.
This timely and necessary account is told in the alternating perspectives of the two white Jewish young people. I felt the the plot became a bit slow paced in the middle as the characters stumble painfully through constant failures to communicate. This was frustrating for this reader, as I wanted to help Sammie understand and deal with the complicated issues of middle school and home life.
This is a carefully written story for the middle grades that address both the ways that misogyny and the sexual violation culture surface at that age and how it’s hard but necessary to get the help you need.
Sammie Goldstein and David Fischer have been best friends since forever, but as the two come of age, they begin to feel the stirrings of something more than childhood friendship.
David realizes he has a crush on Sammie, and is nervous about revealing his feelings to her. Enter new kid, Luke Sullivan, who is extremely cool and oh so handsome. He had moved to New Roque, which is a the New York City suburb. David sees him as immediate competition. Sammie, not up for changes wants to simply continue being friends with David and to keep her spot on the baseball team. There is a subplot here concerning Sammie and of her dad’s narrow minded view that softball is for girls and that anything for girls must be inferior. Sammie has played baseball with the boys for years and is quite a good baseball player who competes competently with the boys.
One day David accidentally touches Sammie’s chest, and their friendship begins to unravel fast. During this time of confusion for everyone, even Luke, Sammie discovers a newfound camaraderie with the girls she had always dismissed as being too girly.
This timely and necessary account is told in the alternating perspectives of the two white Jewish young people. I felt the the plot became a bit slow paced in the middle as the characters stumble painfully through constant failures to communicate. This was frustrating for this reader, as I wanted to help Sammie understand and deal with the complicated issues of middle school and home life.
This is a carefully written story for the middle grades that address both the ways that misogyny and the sexual violation culture surface at that age and how it’s hard but necessary to get the help you need.
February 15, 2020
Richie’s Picks: THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS DO by Cathleen Barnhart, HarperCollins, January 2020, 352p., ISBN: 978-0-06-288893-8
SAMMIE:
“So, first because he’s funny. But also because he’s nice. Funny and nice.
Okay, scratch all of that. David Fischer is my best friend because five minutes after I walk into my dark, silent home on the first day of a very long winter vacation, he texts me and asks, Want to come over? You can tell me more about your goals for vacation and I can make fun of you.
I look at the clock on the microwave. Dad’s still at the office and won’t be home for hours. My mother’s probably showing houses, so who knows when she’ll appear. And Rachel and Becca, aka the Peas, are guaranteed to be MIA until after dinner because they’re in high school, and presidents of half the student clubs.
Sure, I text back.
When? David asks
Leaving in 15. Then I have a great idea: Meet me at the fort! I’ll bring snacks.”
DAVID:
“Meet me at the fort! Sammie says. With an exclamation point.
‘Ugh,’ I say out loud. The Fort is our special place, our secret, so I get why Sammie wants to meet there. But it’s not a real fort, just a giant cement drainage tunnel underneath the Greenway. In the summer, it is always cooler than outside. Which is nice. In the summer. Today, when the weather app says forty degrees, the Fort will be freezing, and probably dark, but we’ll be alone there. And maybe we’ll have to huddle together for warmth, and maybe--
I text back and say okay to Sammie’s crazy Fort idea.
Then I head to the bathroom, brush my teeth, and spritz some of Pop’s Binaca breath spray in my mouth just in case
I stare at myself in the mirror, focusing on my eyes, which are at least green and are the least embarrassing part of my face. ‘Sammie,’ I say, pretending the green eyes in the mirror are her brown ones. ‘There’s something I want to tell you, about my feelings for--blech!’
I shake my head no and try again, pretending I’m holding a cup of hot chocolate. ‘Mmm, this hot chocolate is sweet and creamy, just like you.’ No way. I try again, putting one hand on a hip to look cool and relaxed. ‘Hey, Sammie, there’s something I want to tell you--’
‘Who’re you talking to?’
I jump, startled, and bite my tongue.
Inez, my babysitter. is standing at the bathroom door, holding a bunch of folded towels. ‘Who’s in here with you?’ she asks.
‘Inezzz,’ I whine. ‘You made me bite my tongue.’
Inez makes a pfft sound. ‘I didn’t make you do anything. The door was open. I was heading to put away these clean towels, which I just washed and dried and folded, thank you very much, and I hear you in here, talking. Who’re you talking to?’
‘Not you,’ I say, my tongue throbbing.
Inez steps further into the bathroom and looks around. ‘Who then?’
‘No one,’ I say. I was just...practicing.’”
David and Sammie are seventh graders. They have been best friends since playing on the same Little League team in kindergarten. They both seem to be good students, but David enjoys needling his friend over her obsession to get her work done.
After a half a century-plus, I retain vivid recollections of how tough seventh grade was socially: A new school. Changing classes. Hundreds of unfamiliar kids, with a dozen elementary schools feeding into the junior high. Big kids slamming me into lockers for no reason or knocking my looseleaf and textbooks out from under my arm in the stairwell. And boys and girls walking around school holding hands. I was so not in that place in seventh grade. And neither is Sammie.
It’s sweet to overhear David working up the nerve to tell Sammie that he likes her in that way. But how will the pressures and urges of adolescence affect the relationship between these longtime bffs?
It’s tough to recall another coming-of-age tale that portrays the utter sense of loss encountered in THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS DO. One may argue that it’s simply natural and necessary for puberty to fuel transitions in boy-girl relationships. But whether one blames what ultimately happens between these friends on the media and popular culture, on a middle school bullying culture, or simply on hormones, I found this to be a heartbreaking story.
Their friendship becomes strained because of another boy. A family friend, Luke has been an occasional visitor to David’s house. But then he transfers to David and Sammie’s school and starts hanging out with them. He even plans to go out for the school baseball team, along with Sammie and David.
Plenty of the junior high girls think Luke’s hot.
Luke’s growing interest in Sammie, although unreciprocated, leads David to a greater sense of urgency to have his best friend also be his girlfriend. It climaxes with David’s part-deliberate, part-accidental, and incredibly awkward behavior on the school bus which causes a schism between him and Sammie. The damage to their friendship does scab over but never really heals. In the long run, David ends up becoming more friendly with Luke and a group of guys, and Sammie develops a new, female, best friend.
In large measure, the loss has to do with David’s shortcomings. He initially seems like a great friend to Sammie, but he does something he shouldn’t, and is thoroughly clueless about how badly he’s hurt her. David’s failure to gain her consent before acting, brings a powerful #MeToo aspect to the story.
Instead of ineptly coming on to Sammie, David could have talked to her about his feelings and asked whether she was also interested in him in that way. Having failed that, he could have apologized for his behavior, and shared his feelings. But he takes neither of these paths and comes off as a thoughtless creep.
THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS DO is not a neat and tidy tale, but it’s a compulsive read that has kept me thinking long after turning the last page. I’d like to get this story into the hands of fifth through seventh graders, and hear their reactions.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
SAMMIE:
“So, first because he’s funny. But also because he’s nice. Funny and nice.
Okay, scratch all of that. David Fischer is my best friend because five minutes after I walk into my dark, silent home on the first day of a very long winter vacation, he texts me and asks, Want to come over? You can tell me more about your goals for vacation and I can make fun of you.
I look at the clock on the microwave. Dad’s still at the office and won’t be home for hours. My mother’s probably showing houses, so who knows when she’ll appear. And Rachel and Becca, aka the Peas, are guaranteed to be MIA until after dinner because they’re in high school, and presidents of half the student clubs.
Sure, I text back.
When? David asks
Leaving in 15. Then I have a great idea: Meet me at the fort! I’ll bring snacks.”
DAVID:
“Meet me at the fort! Sammie says. With an exclamation point.
‘Ugh,’ I say out loud. The Fort is our special place, our secret, so I get why Sammie wants to meet there. But it’s not a real fort, just a giant cement drainage tunnel underneath the Greenway. In the summer, it is always cooler than outside. Which is nice. In the summer. Today, when the weather app says forty degrees, the Fort will be freezing, and probably dark, but we’ll be alone there. And maybe we’ll have to huddle together for warmth, and maybe--
I text back and say okay to Sammie’s crazy Fort idea.
Then I head to the bathroom, brush my teeth, and spritz some of Pop’s Binaca breath spray in my mouth just in case
I stare at myself in the mirror, focusing on my eyes, which are at least green and are the least embarrassing part of my face. ‘Sammie,’ I say, pretending the green eyes in the mirror are her brown ones. ‘There’s something I want to tell you, about my feelings for--blech!’
I shake my head no and try again, pretending I’m holding a cup of hot chocolate. ‘Mmm, this hot chocolate is sweet and creamy, just like you.’ No way. I try again, putting one hand on a hip to look cool and relaxed. ‘Hey, Sammie, there’s something I want to tell you--’
‘Who’re you talking to?’
I jump, startled, and bite my tongue.
Inez, my babysitter. is standing at the bathroom door, holding a bunch of folded towels. ‘Who’s in here with you?’ she asks.
‘Inezzz,’ I whine. ‘You made me bite my tongue.’
Inez makes a pfft sound. ‘I didn’t make you do anything. The door was open. I was heading to put away these clean towels, which I just washed and dried and folded, thank you very much, and I hear you in here, talking. Who’re you talking to?’
‘Not you,’ I say, my tongue throbbing.
Inez steps further into the bathroom and looks around. ‘Who then?’
‘No one,’ I say. I was just...practicing.’”
David and Sammie are seventh graders. They have been best friends since playing on the same Little League team in kindergarten. They both seem to be good students, but David enjoys needling his friend over her obsession to get her work done.
After a half a century-plus, I retain vivid recollections of how tough seventh grade was socially: A new school. Changing classes. Hundreds of unfamiliar kids, with a dozen elementary schools feeding into the junior high. Big kids slamming me into lockers for no reason or knocking my looseleaf and textbooks out from under my arm in the stairwell. And boys and girls walking around school holding hands. I was so not in that place in seventh grade. And neither is Sammie.
It’s sweet to overhear David working up the nerve to tell Sammie that he likes her in that way. But how will the pressures and urges of adolescence affect the relationship between these longtime bffs?
It’s tough to recall another coming-of-age tale that portrays the utter sense of loss encountered in THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS DO. One may argue that it’s simply natural and necessary for puberty to fuel transitions in boy-girl relationships. But whether one blames what ultimately happens between these friends on the media and popular culture, on a middle school bullying culture, or simply on hormones, I found this to be a heartbreaking story.
Their friendship becomes strained because of another boy. A family friend, Luke has been an occasional visitor to David’s house. But then he transfers to David and Sammie’s school and starts hanging out with them. He even plans to go out for the school baseball team, along with Sammie and David.
Plenty of the junior high girls think Luke’s hot.
Luke’s growing interest in Sammie, although unreciprocated, leads David to a greater sense of urgency to have his best friend also be his girlfriend. It climaxes with David’s part-deliberate, part-accidental, and incredibly awkward behavior on the school bus which causes a schism between him and Sammie. The damage to their friendship does scab over but never really heals. In the long run, David ends up becoming more friendly with Luke and a group of guys, and Sammie develops a new, female, best friend.
In large measure, the loss has to do with David’s shortcomings. He initially seems like a great friend to Sammie, but he does something he shouldn’t, and is thoroughly clueless about how badly he’s hurt her. David’s failure to gain her consent before acting, brings a powerful #MeToo aspect to the story.
Instead of ineptly coming on to Sammie, David could have talked to her about his feelings and asked whether she was also interested in him in that way. Having failed that, he could have apologized for his behavior, and shared his feelings. But he takes neither of these paths and comes off as a thoughtless creep.
THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS DO is not a neat and tidy tale, but it’s a compulsive read that has kept me thinking long after turning the last page. I’d like to get this story into the hands of fifth through seventh graders, and hear their reactions.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
October 20, 2019
An important story about friendship between boys and girls at the delicate start of teenage-hood.
I really enjoyed how this story was told. David and Sammie were great characters with interesting POVs that both me and my kids could relate to.
Barnhart does a great job of adding dabs of everyday life to make a hard subject (#metoo) more palatable.
I really enjoyed how this story was told. David and Sammie were great characters with interesting POVs that both me and my kids could relate to.
Barnhart does a great job of adding dabs of everyday life to make a hard subject (#metoo) more palatable.
April 6, 2022
Sammie and David are best friends. They do everything together. Sammie plays baseball with the boys and so she is apart of that pack. Luke moves to their school and starts to flirt with Sammie. She is uncomfortable and tries to stay away from him. David likes Sammie as more then a friend and watching Luke he tries to do what he does. When on the bus both Luke and David grab her and scared Sammie. She tries to stay away from them, she even tries to tell but no one will listen. Now the rumor is out and the boys try to do the same as Luke and David does. Sammie is scared but meeting new friends and getting strength from them she learns to fight back, but is it to late for David and Sammie and their friendship, can they work pass this or will David keep following Luke and his bad choices? This book is such an important book to read. Even though David comes from a good family he goes along with peer pressure like so many of the children do now a day. We need to teach them how to respect everyone and we as parents need to learn to listen to our children when they come to us. I highly recommend this book for your middle grader, such an important read or our world today!!
January 24, 2021
As a pre teen, this book would have been one of my favorites on my shelf. As an adult, I love it even more. As a victim of the harassment Sammie endured, this book spoke volumes to the child in me. I absolutely loved it from beginning to end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2020
I like this quote from the book:
"...Sometimes you can't go back to what was. Sometimes you can only go forward, with who you really are right out there for everyone to see."
"...Sometimes you can't go back to what was. Sometimes you can only go forward, with who you really are right out there for everyone to see."
June 13, 2021
Not a huge fan. I'm not that interested in some middle school dude having a crush on his friend.
Read
April 14, 2020This children's story simplifies complex lessons into a storyline that sheds light on right versus wrong. Perspective plays a role as Sammie and David hold very different views on Luke's words, even though neither one are aware of how the other is feeling. If David knew how Sammie was feeling, it seems as though he would've stood up for her sooner. We can trace David's obliviousness back to his own insecurities of wanting to be able to flirt with Sammie himself. Each character has a background that plays into their perspective. The conclusion seems to uncover all perspectives and reconcile the hurtful past.
Although sexual assault is a very sensitive topic, I think this story is worth sharing in the classroom setting. The reality of the situation is that this type of thing can and does happen between middle schoolers, and it's especially important to discuss with them because of their naivety and often misaligned truths about sex. Furthermore, it is a scary time for students to be involved in anyway like this with each other because they are also in a time where it is hard to put themselves in the perspective of one another and often times can only make decisions by what benefits themselves. This story gravely begs readers to think twice about their perspective and always fight to right wrongs that have been done in the past. These are good lessons for the times when bad things have already occurred and prevention before they occur.
Although sexual assault is a very sensitive topic, I think this story is worth sharing in the classroom setting. The reality of the situation is that this type of thing can and does happen between middle schoolers, and it's especially important to discuss with them because of their naivety and often misaligned truths about sex. Furthermore, it is a scary time for students to be involved in anyway like this with each other because they are also in a time where it is hard to put themselves in the perspective of one another and often times can only make decisions by what benefits themselves. This story gravely begs readers to think twice about their perspective and always fight to right wrongs that have been done in the past. These are good lessons for the times when bad things have already occurred and prevention before they occur.
June 21, 2020
I was not sure how to feel for about 80% of the book, but towards the end is what did for me. I did enjoy this book, and it was good, but I had some things I didn't quite like.
To me, all the characters felt too mature and too childish at the same time, and I kept flip-flopping between disliking them and tolerating them. I liked how the book was written in switching POV, but I didn't like how it was first person. Sammie and David's voices were just so similar and it was hard to remember who was talking. Also, I was not a huge fan of David and his entire story. I found myself to be really bored when reading from his perspective. Sammie and her growth through the story was just much more interesting and satisfying to read.
To me, all the characters felt too mature and too childish at the same time, and I kept flip-flopping between disliking them and tolerating them. I liked how the book was written in switching POV, but I didn't like how it was first person. Sammie and David's voices were just so similar and it was hard to remember who was talking. Also, I was not a huge fan of David and his entire story. I found myself to be really bored when reading from his perspective. Sammie and her growth through the story was just much more interesting and satisfying to read.
September 12, 2022
This book has so many 5 star reviews, and I appreciate why. I liked the book for its content. Raising questions of sexual harassment, bullying, the destruction of friendship; gender discrimination, there is a lot to think and talk about. The adults, totally unreliable and clueless for most of the book do kind of get their shit together in the end.
However, that there is no adult who can help or guide any of these kids throughout us unfortunate. Even if it’s realistic, it sets up readers to grow up to be more like the adults modeled for them and less like adults who would be useful.
There is no real resolution with boys who harass Sammie throughout the book, either for them or for Sammie. Even the boys who aren’t horrible aren’t great. And none of them seem to learn anything. Particularly not Luke, and barely David.
David essentially destroys the trust between him and Sammie, he betrays her, harasses her, bullies her, and then uses words to apologize only to her. His dad takes away his technology, but as he (David) points out, he didn’t even have technology with him when he did the wrong things he did.
Luke? Luke doesn’t even really seem to get that he isn’t the victim in this story. It’s unclear what his history is that makes it so impossible for him to be a decent human being, but no matter what his background, David’s readiness to continue to be friends with the kid who ASSAULTED his best friend without any real conversation about it is, frankly, a bunch of bs. David choosing to connect with LUKE at the end of the story and not Sammie leaves me ready to write him off entirely as a character/representational human. What kind of future is there for that guy?
And that Sammie ends up liking softball is fine. With a big BUT she likes it in large pet because of the sexist and misogynistic behavior of her dad, the coach, and the other boys on the team. None of whom realize that they have been indoctrinated into the assholes hall of fame.
While the book raises good conversations, it leaves us a world in which the way to be safe as a girl - if you are a girl - is to only spend time with other girls. Play sports with other girls. Be friends with girls. Which, you know, isn’t such a bad idea, the world as it is, but also doesn’t move society forward in any way.
And then, David and Sammie are Jewish.
Which, apparently, is expressed through their hatred of Hebrew school which exists only to be hated and skipped on David’s birthday. No mention of Lashon Hora. No rabbi. No Jewish teachers. No Jewish values.
Some Jewish food mentions and Chanukah comes up.
On the one hand, I’m sure that’s a realistic portrayal of many Jewish lives. On the other hand nothing in this book depressed me more. As much. But not more.
I guess it was mainstream Judaism in the way that other books mention Christmas. Of course, this book also mentions Christmas because David’s dad owns a store. Or the way there might be side mentions of church or something.
So maybe what bothers me is knowing there is Jewish education out there that is so irrelevant to kids lives that it doesn’t even occur to them that Judaism has stuff to say about sexual harassment, bullying, and so importantly: friendship.
I don’t know how to star-rate this book.
I don’t know if I should include it in the book club so we can talk about it.
I don’t know.
However, that there is no adult who can help or guide any of these kids throughout us unfortunate. Even if it’s realistic, it sets up readers to grow up to be more like the adults modeled for them and less like adults who would be useful.
There is no real resolution with boys who harass Sammie throughout the book, either for them or for Sammie. Even the boys who aren’t horrible aren’t great. And none of them seem to learn anything. Particularly not Luke, and barely David.
David essentially destroys the trust between him and Sammie, he betrays her, harasses her, bullies her, and then uses words to apologize only to her. His dad takes away his technology, but as he (David) points out, he didn’t even have technology with him when he did the wrong things he did.
Luke? Luke doesn’t even really seem to get that he isn’t the victim in this story. It’s unclear what his history is that makes it so impossible for him to be a decent human being, but no matter what his background, David’s readiness to continue to be friends with the kid who ASSAULTED his best friend without any real conversation about it is, frankly, a bunch of bs. David choosing to connect with LUKE at the end of the story and not Sammie leaves me ready to write him off entirely as a character/representational human. What kind of future is there for that guy?
And that Sammie ends up liking softball is fine. With a big BUT she likes it in large pet because of the sexist and misogynistic behavior of her dad, the coach, and the other boys on the team. None of whom realize that they have been indoctrinated into the assholes hall of fame.
While the book raises good conversations, it leaves us a world in which the way to be safe as a girl - if you are a girl - is to only spend time with other girls. Play sports with other girls. Be friends with girls. Which, you know, isn’t such a bad idea, the world as it is, but also doesn’t move society forward in any way.
And then, David and Sammie are Jewish.
Which, apparently, is expressed through their hatred of Hebrew school which exists only to be hated and skipped on David’s birthday. No mention of Lashon Hora. No rabbi. No Jewish teachers. No Jewish values.
Some Jewish food mentions and Chanukah comes up.
On the one hand, I’m sure that’s a realistic portrayal of many Jewish lives. On the other hand nothing in this book depressed me more. As much. But not more.
I guess it was mainstream Judaism in the way that other books mention Christmas. Of course, this book also mentions Christmas because David’s dad owns a store. Or the way there might be side mentions of church or something.
So maybe what bothers me is knowing there is Jewish education out there that is so irrelevant to kids lives that it doesn’t even occur to them that Judaism has stuff to say about sexual harassment, bullying, and so importantly: friendship.
I don’t know how to star-rate this book.
I don’t know if I should include it in the book club so we can talk about it.
I don’t know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2020
Before reading this book, which bravely broaches the topics of bullying and inappropriate treatment of girls, I thought I’d be left with a “total girl power” feeling. And there is an element of that in the book. Like it says here on Goodreads: “A heartfelt and powerful debut novel...That’s What Friends Do is a book for anyone learning how to have the hard conversations about feelings, boundaries, and what it means to be a true friend.”
.
It handles all of these topics well, showing how to communicate and have courage when things are tough at school and in relationships. But most importantly, this book left me thinking of the importance of intentional parenting and communication.
.
With so many little girls in our family, I tend to just assume my boys are ok. This book was a wake up call. Yes, girls are treated poorly in the world and in schools. Yes, they need to learn how to stand up for themselves, and to be strong and independent women. But the message I got was that our boys aren’t learning some essential life-lessons. How else are my boys going to know how to act with their friends, how to treat girls, or how to someday be the kinds of husbands and fathers they need to be unless my husband and I teach them and model it for them? We don’t need to empower women by putting down men and boys. We need to inspire both to elevate their behavior. You can still respect women while being a good, bold, strong man. Call me old-fashioned!
.
It handles all of these topics well, showing how to communicate and have courage when things are tough at school and in relationships. But most importantly, this book left me thinking of the importance of intentional parenting and communication.
.
With so many little girls in our family, I tend to just assume my boys are ok. This book was a wake up call. Yes, girls are treated poorly in the world and in schools. Yes, they need to learn how to stand up for themselves, and to be strong and independent women. But the message I got was that our boys aren’t learning some essential life-lessons. How else are my boys going to know how to act with their friends, how to treat girls, or how to someday be the kinds of husbands and fathers they need to be unless my husband and I teach them and model it for them? We don’t need to empower women by putting down men and boys. We need to inspire both to elevate their behavior. You can still respect women while being a good, bold, strong man. Call me old-fashioned!
September 28, 2019
I was lucky enough to read an Advance Edition of this book, and I wish it had been available when I was twelve. Cathleen Barnhart has written an important and tender story about friendship, boundaries, seeing things from another's perspective, and finding your voice even when it's difficult. For anyone who has had (a) #metoo experience(s), there is understanding and validation within these pages. Cathleen shows the truth of growing up and navigating challenges that arise within families and among friends and peers with an honest, but gentle, hand that lets the reader feel safe within the pages. This story shows the difficulties of being the new kid, changing friend dynamics, and loneliness. It addresses the harm of gossiping, lying, and crossing boundaries, but it is told in dual perspective and shows the sides that often go misunderstood. Many readers will feel heard and, perhaps, a little braver to speak the truth, do the right thing, and ask for help whenever they need it. I highly recommend this book to middle grade readers, teens, and adults, because my adult self needed it just as much as my twelve-year-old self did. Readers will come away from this story with a better understanding of what it truly means to be a friend.
January 12, 2022
A very important middle-grade read that addresses consent, friendship, toxic masculinity and a handful of other topics in an organic and readable way. There are so many avenues for a book like this to go wrong, Barnhart gets a lot of credit for addressing them in alternating POV's in a way that felt incredibly true to life.
I'm not sure if I've ever yelled at a middle-grade novel quite so much though. Red flags, bad ideas, and some hard situations all bounce into each other but never is it too heavy for the intended audience. In the right reader's hands, this is a book that will open eyes.
I'm not sure if I've ever yelled at a middle-grade novel quite so much though. Red flags, bad ideas, and some hard situations all bounce into each other but never is it too heavy for the intended audience. In the right reader's hands, this is a book that will open eyes.
February 17, 2021
Problematic
This story was problematic. There is pages upon pages of sexual harassment between teenagers that is basically “solved” in one chapter. While the story and characters were good I can’t get over the way Sammie was treated by boys around her. It’s not okay and it doesn’t send positive messages to the girls who read it. I would not let my daughter read this book because it terribly represents what to do if you’re being sexually harassed by friends or classmates. Do better than this.
This story was problematic. There is pages upon pages of sexual harassment between teenagers that is basically “solved” in one chapter. While the story and characters were good I can’t get over the way Sammie was treated by boys around her. It’s not okay and it doesn’t send positive messages to the girls who read it. I would not let my daughter read this book because it terribly represents what to do if you’re being sexually harassed by friends or classmates. Do better than this.
November 7, 2024
Good middle grade novel about consent, complicated early teen dramas, finding what you love and who you are and recognizing the value of same gender friendships
July 7, 2020
Sammie & David have been best friends for years. They just get each other. They have inside jokes, play on the same baseball team, and even have a secret meeting spot. But when David's mother forces him to spend time with Luke, the new kid in 7th grade, David finds his loyalties split. Anyone can see that Luke is one of the "cool kids" and David hopes that his proximity to Luke might have some perks. There are, however, some trade offs. From Luke's creepy comments about Sammie and the boys around the lunch table talking about girls in general in a way that doesn't sit right with David, he isn't sure what to do. Meanwhile, Sammie can't make heads or tails out of the change she sees in her best friend. She isn't sure where she fits anymore. It's not with the girly girls or, for that matter, with any girls. But it's also not with the boys on her team who have suddenly taken notice of her in a rather creepy way.
This will, inevitably, provoke comparisons to Barbara Dee's Maybe He Just Likes You. Both are good books. I found Dee's to be a little more didactic than That's What Friends Do. Dee's book commits more to the end process and working through wrongs done/what to do next. That's What Friends Do has an abrupt, somewhat unfinished ending. Luke never realizes that he was crossing boundaries and, frankly, behaving creepily. There is no sort of acknowledgement from the characters that his behavior was learned from his father (which we see in a powerful scene set at a diner).
While I would have liked to see more resolution and character growth from both Luke & David I felt like the ending was, at least, realistic. Sadly, most of the time, life doesn't end with a tidy bow. It's far more likely for things to end as they did in this book--Sammie makes a new best friend, realizes that girls can be supportive, continues her friendship with David but more at a distance. David realizes that what he did changed his friendship with Sammie forever and, while he has regrets, he accepts the change. Luke really doesn't experience any character growth. Sadly, that's often the case for people of all ages who engage in sexual harassment.
I do like that That's What Friends Do is a dual narrative versus solely from a female perspective. I also appreciated all the realistic friend drama & rumor mongering. Sadly, realistic for middle school! And it is refreshing to see Jewish characters in a middle grade book that is not set in the Holocaust! Other positives include a strong daughter/dad relationship, a strong son/dad relationship, a positive portrayal of a single mother, and a complicated daughter/mom relationship.
Overall, this was an upsetting book to read simply because it reminded me of my own experiences with this topic as an adult (which are minor compared to many women's). I wish this book had been around when I was in middle school.
Content Notes:
Sex? No, but there is definitely sexual harassment. Luke tries to touch Sammie and makes sexual comments about her to David. The other boys egg Luke on. David thinks that Luke is someone to look up to and tries to imitate his behavior with Sammie. Towards the end of the book, Sammie's mother tells Sammie about an incident that happened to her when she was teen where she was touched in a locker room.
Profanity? 3-4 craps and a couple instances of taking the Lord's name in vain
Teen drinking? No
Religious elements? Yes, Sammie & David are both Jewish. David attends Hebrew school. Jewish holidays are mentioned.
LGBTQ + rep? Not specified
Could a conservative Christian school add this book to their library?
Yes, absolutely! I think this is a very important book to have a library collection!
This will, inevitably, provoke comparisons to Barbara Dee's Maybe He Just Likes You. Both are good books. I found Dee's to be a little more didactic than That's What Friends Do. Dee's book commits more to the end process and working through wrongs done/what to do next. That's What Friends Do has an abrupt, somewhat unfinished ending. Luke never realizes that he was crossing boundaries and, frankly, behaving creepily. There is no sort of acknowledgement from the characters that his behavior was learned from his father (which we see in a powerful scene set at a diner).
While I would have liked to see more resolution and character growth from both Luke & David I felt like the ending was, at least, realistic. Sadly, most of the time, life doesn't end with a tidy bow. It's far more likely for things to end as they did in this book--Sammie makes a new best friend, realizes that girls can be supportive, continues her friendship with David but more at a distance. David realizes that what he did changed his friendship with Sammie forever and, while he has regrets, he accepts the change. Luke really doesn't experience any character growth. Sadly, that's often the case for people of all ages who engage in sexual harassment.
I do like that That's What Friends Do is a dual narrative versus solely from a female perspective. I also appreciated all the realistic friend drama & rumor mongering. Sadly, realistic for middle school! And it is refreshing to see Jewish characters in a middle grade book that is not set in the Holocaust! Other positives include a strong daughter/dad relationship, a strong son/dad relationship, a positive portrayal of a single mother, and a complicated daughter/mom relationship.
Overall, this was an upsetting book to read simply because it reminded me of my own experiences with this topic as an adult (which are minor compared to many women's). I wish this book had been around when I was in middle school.
Content Notes:
Sex? No, but there is definitely sexual harassment. Luke tries to touch Sammie and makes sexual comments about her to David. The other boys egg Luke on. David thinks that Luke is someone to look up to and tries to imitate his behavior with Sammie. Towards the end of the book, Sammie's mother tells Sammie about an incident that happened to her when she was teen where she was touched in a locker room.
Profanity? 3-4 craps and a couple instances of taking the Lord's name in vain
Teen drinking? No
Religious elements? Yes, Sammie & David are both Jewish. David attends Hebrew school. Jewish holidays are mentioned.
LGBTQ + rep? Not specified
Could a conservative Christian school add this book to their library?
Yes, absolutely! I think this is a very important book to have a library collection!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
September 9, 2023this was such a tenderly written story about friendship, parent-child relationships, and learning to tell the truth.
on the surface, david and sammie seem like the perfect friends, hanging out for each others company and complementing one another in their personalities. and yet, there are deeper meanings to the reason they even hang out at all, which slowly unravels in this story.
sammie is such a well-written character of a girl who was taught to love a boys sport, and her father's view of a girls sport as "less than" colouring her own. I think her biasness in thinking makeup and outfits are all girls talk about leads her to isolating other girls who might talk about more than that. (just a note that makeup and outfits are still very cool things to talk about!) she slowly unlearns this and I adored her blooming friendship with haley, who teaches her not only to be a good friend, but to be comfortable in her girlhood.
david fischer, sammie's friend-turned-person-who-hurt-her comes to a reckoning of his own as well throughout the story. while he might be viewed as a coward for his actions throughout, I think what lies underneath is his wish to please others: his father, luke, even sammie. when he eventually speaks his truth about what he truly loves, and the uglier truth of hurting the people whom he cares for, it is when he truly shines and comes into his own as a person. in a way, david reminds me a little of myself: and this story is just a reminder for me to stick to my truths, no matter how harsh.
lastly, luke is an interesting addition to this story as he is the main disrupter of sammie and davids friendship: in both their eyes their best friend/crush is being taken away from them by him. an important scene I want to highlight is the one where sammie sees luke and his dad walk in a diner restaurant, and luke's dad basically harasses a diner girl. children follow what they see in their household, so it's no wonder that luke acts so boldly towards sammie, and how he speaks and treats girls and women in general. and yet there's also a side of loneliness to him that is unexplained, maybe due to him not being as close to his parents, that leads him to his ego.
cathleen barnhart manages to get into the mind of a pre-teen so well, along with how they view the world and the people around them, be it friends, kids of the opposite sex, their parents. her writing is written in a matter-of-fact way with little metaphors and flowery language, which is exactly how middle graders probably write in their diaries (and probably how I did too lol). and yet there's still a beautiful kind of manner in the simple language, in the way they are able (or sometimes unable) to describe certains feelings or emotions that arises in them.
on the surface, david and sammie seem like the perfect friends, hanging out for each others company and complementing one another in their personalities. and yet, there are deeper meanings to the reason they even hang out at all, which slowly unravels in this story.
sammie is such a well-written character of a girl who was taught to love a boys sport, and her father's view of a girls sport as "less than" colouring her own. I think her biasness in thinking makeup and outfits are all girls talk about leads her to isolating other girls who might talk about more than that. (just a note that makeup and outfits are still very cool things to talk about!) she slowly unlearns this and I adored her blooming friendship with haley, who teaches her not only to be a good friend, but to be comfortable in her girlhood.
david fischer, sammie's friend-turned-person-who-hurt-her comes to a reckoning of his own as well throughout the story. while he might be viewed as a coward for his actions throughout, I think what lies underneath is his wish to please others: his father, luke, even sammie. when he eventually speaks his truth about what he truly loves, and the uglier truth of hurting the people whom he cares for, it is when he truly shines and comes into his own as a person. in a way, david reminds me a little of myself: and this story is just a reminder for me to stick to my truths, no matter how harsh.
lastly, luke is an interesting addition to this story as he is the main disrupter of sammie and davids friendship: in both their eyes their best friend/crush is being taken away from them by him. an important scene I want to highlight is the one where sammie sees luke and his dad walk in a diner restaurant, and luke's dad basically harasses a diner girl. children follow what they see in their household, so it's no wonder that luke acts so boldly towards sammie, and how he speaks and treats girls and women in general. and yet there's also a side of loneliness to him that is unexplained, maybe due to him not being as close to his parents, that leads him to his ego.
cathleen barnhart manages to get into the mind of a pre-teen so well, along with how they view the world and the people around them, be it friends, kids of the opposite sex, their parents. her writing is written in a matter-of-fact way with little metaphors and flowery language, which is exactly how middle graders probably write in their diaries (and probably how I did too lol). and yet there's still a beautiful kind of manner in the simple language, in the way they are able (or sometimes unable) to describe certains feelings or emotions that arises in them.
July 20, 2025
Sammie and David have been friends since they were five, when they ended up on the same little league baseball team. They've always shared everything. But then Luke comes along, and his behavior makes Sammie feel really uncomfortable. David sees his behavior as flirting, more realizing that it's hurting Sammie, and wants to learn to be as smooth as him... but pretty soon, things start to get out of hand, and it might be enough to end the close friendship that Sammie and David have spent years building.
Overall, I have mixed feelings about this book. I'm going to start with the things I liked. The way that the family dynamics are set up in this book feels realistic and really resonated with me. I like how we see the parents' flaws, but we also see how much they care about their kids, and same thing with the siblings here; they have their flaws but they also have a lot of love for their brother and sister. I also liked the storyline about Sammie wanting to try something different and David finding his passion for art. Those were great. I also like that we get to hear from both of them, so it's not a one-sided story.
But. I have a major issue and that is with the message. I like that Sammie is reassured that these things are not her fault and that she learns how to stand up for herself. But why didn't Luke receive any sort of consequences for his part in this? It feels like he just got off scot-free which really didn't sit right with me. I get that this is a hard concept to write about for an audience this young, but I just felt like he should have had to face some sort of repercussions for this instead of his behavior being overlooked because of his health scare. That just didn't feel like the [q~"]right way to handle it to me. Also, it bothered me that multiple adults saw him doing these things to Sammie and just ignored it. The most notable example I can think of is when Luke is practically in her face at the diner, leaning WAY too close, and her dad says nothing. And I also don't like that the coach in the baseball meeting didn't seem to care at all that she was being harassed by boys and instead told her to leave. I really feel like this could have been handled better, but I commend Cathleen Barnhart for writing a book on this topic in the first place because we really do need more of those.
Overall, I'd say I enjoyed it but it's not without its flaws. If you're looking for a book on this topic, I can't recommend this one as I don't like the way it handles it; I would instead choose Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee, which I read recently and found to be a good representation of what harassment looks like. I don't hate this book to be fair, but it's not on my favorites list either.
Overall, I have mixed feelings about this book. I'm going to start with the things I liked. The way that the family dynamics are set up in this book feels realistic and really resonated with me. I like how we see the parents' flaws, but we also see how much they care about their kids, and same thing with the siblings here; they have their flaws but they also have a lot of love for their brother and sister. I also liked the storyline about Sammie wanting to try something different and David finding his passion for art. Those were great. I also like that we get to hear from both of them, so it's not a one-sided story.
But. I have a major issue and that is with the message. I like that Sammie is reassured that these things are not her fault and that she learns how to stand up for herself. But why didn't Luke receive any sort of consequences for his part in this? It feels like he just got off scot-free which really didn't sit right with me. I get that this is a hard concept to write about for an audience this young, but I just felt like he should have had to face some sort of repercussions for this instead of his behavior being overlooked because of his health scare. That just didn't feel like the [q~"]right way to handle it to me. Also, it bothered me that multiple adults saw him doing these things to Sammie and just ignored it. The most notable example I can think of is when Luke is practically in her face at the diner, leaning WAY too close, and her dad says nothing. And I also don't like that the coach in the baseball meeting didn't seem to care at all that she was being harassed by boys and instead told her to leave. I really feel like this could have been handled better, but I commend Cathleen Barnhart for writing a book on this topic in the first place because we really do need more of those.
Overall, I'd say I enjoyed it but it's not without its flaws. If you're looking for a book on this topic, I can't recommend this one as I don't like the way it handles it; I would instead choose Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee, which I read recently and found to be a good representation of what harassment looks like. I don't hate this book to be fair, but it's not on my favorites list either.
August 22, 2021
This was a really good and important story that delves into friendship, consent, and the importance of not being fooled by appearances. David and Sammie have been best friends for years. Now they are in middle school and Sammie is the only girl who has stuck with their little league team, thinking baseball to be far superior to 'girlie' softball. Though she used to have girlfriends, she grew in a different direction and now most of her friends are boys. David, for his part, would rather draw than play baseball, but he feels trapped into it by his baseball crazy Dad, who owns a sporting goods store.
Things might have continued on this way with no change if Luke Sullivan hadn't moved to town. He quickly becomes a part of their little group, but both Sammie and David are leery of him, though for different reasons. Luke is very flirtatious with Sammie, though she does nothing to encourage him, and David, who has been nursing a crush on Sammie the last year, is jealous. It creates a very unhealthy 'love' triangle of sorts, with no one communicating what they are really thinking or feeling. Meanwhile, Sammie strikes up a friendship with new girl, Haley, who is on the softball team and begins to realize she has judged other girls rather harshly. David joins the art club and wins a prize for his first comic strip, and also makes new friends. David and Sammie are growing away from each other and away from the expectations their parents have placed on them.
Eventually the flirting from Luke turns into unwelcome teasing and other boys join in bullying Sammie, and things go too far. Worse, it seems that somehow David has been implicit in all the trouble. Will Sammie and David be able to save their friendship?
Things might have continued on this way with no change if Luke Sullivan hadn't moved to town. He quickly becomes a part of their little group, but both Sammie and David are leery of him, though for different reasons. Luke is very flirtatious with Sammie, though she does nothing to encourage him, and David, who has been nursing a crush on Sammie the last year, is jealous. It creates a very unhealthy 'love' triangle of sorts, with no one communicating what they are really thinking or feeling. Meanwhile, Sammie strikes up a friendship with new girl, Haley, who is on the softball team and begins to realize she has judged other girls rather harshly. David joins the art club and wins a prize for his first comic strip, and also makes new friends. David and Sammie are growing away from each other and away from the expectations their parents have placed on them.
Eventually the flirting from Luke turns into unwelcome teasing and other boys join in bullying Sammie, and things go too far. Worse, it seems that somehow David has been implicit in all the trouble. Will Sammie and David be able to save their friendship?
July 6, 2021
This novel is such a useful tool for discussing sexual assault with children of all genders. It follows three seventh-graders who are exploring romance and physical intimacy—and have no idea how to safely and respectfully do so. The characters—and the readers—learn about consent: what it looks like, how to give and ask for it, and how the lack of it effects everyone involved. This is such an important book, and I commend the author for dealing with such a difficult topic.
The only thing I did not appreciate about this novel is what it teaches girls about being in traditionally male spaces. Sammy, the female main character, happily defies gender roles at the start of the book but is pushed back into traditional femininity by the end of the novel. Her enjoyment of masculine activities are even shown as silly. While there is nothing at all wrong with girls wanting to be feminine, there is also nothing wrong with them wanting to play “boy” sports and having male friends. When most of society is pressuring girls to do “girly” things, it would have been nice to see Sammy break through that and show girls that they can exist in spaces created for boys if they want to do so.
All in all, this book is an important read for middle-schoolers, but I think it should be accompanied by a conversation about the societal expectations for girls which can be stepped out of if a girl would like to do so.
The only thing I did not appreciate about this novel is what it teaches girls about being in traditionally male spaces. Sammy, the female main character, happily defies gender roles at the start of the book but is pushed back into traditional femininity by the end of the novel. Her enjoyment of masculine activities are even shown as silly. While there is nothing at all wrong with girls wanting to be feminine, there is also nothing wrong with them wanting to play “boy” sports and having male friends. When most of society is pressuring girls to do “girly” things, it would have been nice to see Sammy break through that and show girls that they can exist in spaces created for boys if they want to do so.
All in all, this book is an important read for middle-schoolers, but I think it should be accompanied by a conversation about the societal expectations for girls which can be stepped out of if a girl would like to do so.
November 6, 2024
A good middle grade read that shows the different sides of a friendship between Sammie (female) and David (male). Once a new friend is added into the mix, things change for the worse (depending on who you ask). The story does a great job explaining middle school relationships and how they change. This book touches on consent, bullying, gossiping and how to stand up for yourself. Sammie has to learn how to be friends with girls and realize that they aren't all "silly" and that it's ok to like 'girl' sports. She's only know baseball her whole life because that is what she's played and what her dad has encouraged. David has been her best friend since they first met in Little League. They've always played baseball together. So when Luke enters the picture as a new friend and possible competition for baseball tryouts, a lot of jealousy ensues. And then there is an incident that happens, and like typical middle schoolers, gets blown way out of proportion. Through all this, Sammie learns that it's ok to speak up and to find her a good group of friends that are encouraging. David also learns to speak up about what he considers his true passion, and not what makes his dad happy. There are some good life lessons in That's What Friends Do, and Barnhart does a beautiful job of weaving in duel point a views, and you really feel the power of friendship. Even if that friendship may lead to different kinds of heartbreak.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews