That’s What Friends Do

A heartfelt and powerful debut novel for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and John David Anderson, 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. 

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.

A Bank Street Children's Best Book of the Year

An Indie Next List Pick

How do you stay best friends when one of you crosses a line?

• Boys and Girls Friendship: Sammie and David have been best friends forever. But when David’s long-hidden crush and a new kid’s arrival collide, their easy relationship is put to the test.
• Setting Healthy Boundaries: After a confusing and unwanted encounter on the school bus, Sammie must figure out how to speak up when a line has been crossed—even by her best friend.
• Dealing with Rumors: When gossip about the incident spreads through the school, both Sammie and David feel isolated and unsure how to make things right.
• Dual POV Storytelling: Told in alternating chapters from both Sammie's and David's perspectives, this heartfelt story explores both sides of a friendship in crisis.