If you loved

Books like Making friends

A chaotic, colorful, and deeply relatable magical romp through the awkward transitions of middle school. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with Making friends.

energetic
whimsical
angsty-but-warm

01
All's faire in middle school
Victoria Jamieson
A warm, visually engaging exploration of the awkward clash between a quirky, theatrical family life and the harsh realities of public middle school.
Shares:
- quirky
- earnest
- humorous
- relatable
02
Friends with boys
Faith Erin Hicks
A tender, slightly spooky slice-of-life graphic novel about the terrifying leap from the safety of family into the chaotic world of high school.
Shares:
- earnest
03
Real Friends
Shannon Hale
A deeply validating, emotionally honest exploration of the roller coaster of childhood friendships and the quest to find where you truly belong.
Shares:
- earnest
- relatable
- self-acceptance
04
Crush
Svetlana Chmakova
A sweet, funny, and deeply relatable exploration of the butterflies and blunders that come with a first middle-school crush.
Shares:
- earnest
- humorous
05
Best Friends
Shannon Hale
A deeply relatable, visually expressive journey through the emotional rollercoaster of middle school social politics.
Shares:
- earnest
06
Awkward
Svetlana Chmakova
A warm, deeply relatable dive into the chaotic, anxiety-inducing, and ultimately rewarding world of middle school friendships.
Shares:
- earnest
- humorous
- relatable
07
How To Dork Your Diary
Rachel Renée Russell
A frantic, doodle-filled scramble through middle school drama that doubles as a creative playground for the reader.
Shares:
- energetic
- earnest
- humorous
- chaotic
08
All summer long
Hope Larson
A sun-warmed, gentle graphic novel about navigating the quiet stretches of summer when your best friend is away.
Shares:
- earnest
- relatable
09
Fake blood
Whitney Gardner
A hilarious, big-hearted romp through the supernatural awkwardness of middle school crushes and trying way too hard to be cool.
Shares:
- energetic
- earnest
- humorous
- middle school awkwardness
10
Goodbye stranger
Rebecca Stead
A tender, deeply observant exploration of the exact moment when childhood friendships begin to stretch, fray, and reshape themselves.
Shares:
- earnest
11
Courage
Raina Telgemeier
A warm, deeply validating hug of a graphic memoir that makes the terrifying, isolating feelings of childhood anxiety feel manageable and shared.
Shares:
- earnest
- relatable
12
Mary Anne Saves the Day
Raina Telgemeier
A gentle, empowering journey through the growing pains of middle-school friendships and the quiet triumph of finding your own voice.
Shares:
- earnest
- relatable

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