CCBC-Net Archives

Re: Friendship in Children's and Young Adult Literature

From: Doris Gebel <dorisgebel_at_gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 04 May 2012 11:13:20 -0400

It's time to start our discussion for the first part of May: BFF: Friend ship in Children’s and Young Adult Literature.

Friendship is an enduring theme in books for youth. From tales of kindred spirits (e.g., *Bridge to Terabithia*) to group dynamics (e.g., *Harry Potter*), the ins and outs, ups and downs of friendship have been richly explored. When it comes to realistic, memorable portrayals of friendship in books for children and teens, what titles stand out to you, and why?**

Megan **

A book that has stood the test of time is the Batchelder Award winner The Friends by Kazumi Yumoto. In this book, Kiyama and his friends Kawabe and Yamashita are effected by the death of Yamashita's grandmother and begin spying an old man in their neighborhood so that they can see "death " first hand. Once they are found out, they develop a meaningful relationsh ip with the old man. Published in 1996, this book still resonates with me, n ot just for the realistic and humorous portrayl of the boys antics and loyal ty to one another, but for the way their deeping relationship with the old m an is portrayed. The brief time they spend together not only rejuvenates him , but teaches the boys something of life.

Jake and Lily are twins hitting adolesence hard. Jake become friends with a group of boys headed by a bully who leads to group to torment "goobers." Lily feels abandoned by her brother and relies on her grandfather to help her find her way through the transition. This coming of age story about growing up, growing apart and coming together is told in alternating chapters and the theme of the true meaning of friendship is conveyed in Jerry Spinelli's incomparable style.

Doris Gebel

Head of Youth Services Northport-East Northport Public Library
Received on Fri 04 May 2012 11:13:20 AM CDT