Nonfiction Friendship

Connections made with other people affect the way we grow and thrive. But it can be hard to make new friends and maintain old relationships. Learn how to connect with people, be a good friend, and get the most out of friendships.

In Made for People—by bestselling author of The Habits of the Household—Justin Whitmel Earley explains why God made us to experience deep friendship and how we can cultivate them despite a culture of busyness, disconnection, and fear of vulnerability. Through personal stories, research, and biblical wisdom, Justin paints of a picture of God's design for "covenant friendships."

What does it take to be a great friend? Find out with the help of a bucket list. Learn how meet new friends, maintain relationships with old ones, be a good listener, and more in this easy-to-follow guide.

In his last year of university, Will thought he knew everyone he cared to know. Openly gay and volunteering at an AIDS helpline at the start of the crisis, he had found community at a frightening time amongst the theatre students, writers, and visual artists. He also knew who he wanted to avoid: the jocks. Until one day Will was invited into a secret Yale society that brought opposites together. On his first day, he was faced with Chris Maxey - a physically imposing, loud, star wrestler who seemed to be uncomfortable around Will and embody everything he reviled and feared.

Sharing can be tough. Sometimes we’d rather keep things, including our thoughts or feelings, to ourselves. But a good friend is generous with others. You can share your toys, your time, and so much more.

Everyone’s view counts. We all want our thoughts and feelings to be acknowledged by others. A good friend listens to what we have to say. This means being open and encouraging while not interrupting or judging.

Being honest isn’t always easy. Sometimes the truth is embarrassing or upsetting. But a good friend tells the truth. This means admitting mistakes, speaking honestly about how you feel, and more.

We all have problems that need solving. We also have triumphs that need celebrating! A good friend sticks with us through good and bad. They cheer us up when we’re down and cheer us on when we’re doing well. Learn how to be a good friend by supporting others!

Everyone is different. We all have our own personalities, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. A good friend accepts us for who we are. This means making sure we feel included, being respectful during disagreements, and more. Learn how be a good friend by accepting others!

Taking turns can be hard. Sometimes we’re so eager that we forget to let others go first. But a good friend makes sure everyone gets a turn. This means being patient, taking the lead to include others, and more. Learn how to be a good friend by taking turns!

In the number one New York Times best seller, The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be, Joanna Gaines celebrates how creativity and acceptance can come together to make for a bright and beautiful adventure. The book, illustrated by Julianna Swaney, follows a group of children as they each build their very own hot-air balloons. As the kids work together, leaning into their own skills and processes, we discover that the same is true for life — it's more beautiful and vibrant when our differences are celebrated.

To have good friends, you need to be a good friend. Listen. Be kind. Be reliable. Put others first. Being a good friend takes work, but the end result is worth it!

A simple tale of love and friendship to warm your heart. Award-winning author and designer Shaila Abdullah teams up with her 10-year-old daughter Aanyah to bring you this heartwarming tale of a little girl who forms a close bond with a child with cerebral palsy. The girl finds that through her art, she can reach her special friend Suhana.

In spite of the hyper-connected culture we live in today, women still feel shamed for oversharing and being publicly vulnerable. And no matter how many friends we seem to have, many of us are still desperately lonely. Laura Tremaine, blogger and podcaster behind 10 Things to Tell You, says it's time for something better. Openness and vulnerability are the foundation for human growth and healthy relationships, and it all starts when we share our stuff, the nitty-gritty daily details about ourselves with others.

Jay reads Braille. Sam uses a wheelchair. Ben has Down syndrome. In this series, young listeners can learn more about how to be a good friend to friends with different capabilities and conditions.

Does the idea of meeting new people make you nervous? Do you worry you won’t know what to say to someone you’ve just met? You’re not alone. In this Pebble Emerge book, explore the reasons why making new friends can be scary and discover simple tips for facing this fear. Reassuring facts provide the knowledge young listeners need to face their fear of making new friends.

What should you say to the bus driver? Find out how good manners make bus rides pleasant for everyone.

Unlock the FUNdamentals of friendship for your tween girl! Help her navigate relationships, peer pressure, and social media with confidence—even if she’s struggling now. Do you wish she had a simple guide to help with friendships, social media, and self-confidence?

Transform your child’s social awkwardness into confidence and connection at each stage of their development.... It’s a no-brainer that you want the best for your kid, right? Love, care, and all those essential ingredients that create a fulfilling childhood? Check, check, and check! And yet, there seems to be a missing piece...a gap that needs to be filled. Your child is having a tough time connecting with others or struggling to make friends. They seem a tad uncomfortable in social situations and find it hard to express themselves or understand others.

Friendship is a very special thing. It’s great to have a friend, and being a friend to someone else is a good feeling too. Sometimes getting along with your friends is easy, and other times it can be a little trickier, but there are lots of ways to keep your friendships balanced and fun for everyone.