Growing Friendships: A Kids' Guide to Making and Keeping Friends (Growing Together)

The quick version is, if you're thinking about getting this book, then just do it. And then get any other book in this series that comes out. My daughter, 9yo w/ADHD, has been having some difficulty navigating some of the social aspects of friendships as she get older and the way kids related to each other changes. My spoken advice to her wasn't sinking in, so I bought this book and just left it on her bed (along with the 'Growing Feelings' book) and figured we'd talk about why I bought them for her that evening. Turns out there was no need, as she picked it right up and read it diligently in her free time over the next few days. It's put together really well for kids, with bite sized chapters in a digestible language, and relevant topics. She loves to read me the interactions between the dog and cat which she thinks are hilarious, and she will share with me things that she's learning as she goes. Now she's onto the feelings book and it's the same experience. My only regret is that there isn't one specifically for navigating blending families/sibling relationships, because that would be AMAZING! (hint hint to the authors ;) )

My son is an only child. He is friendly but struggles with interactions with others. My son's teacher mentioned that my son was having issues monopolizing time with his friends which was stressful for them. After reading the relative part of the book that addresses that, he was able to share his friends and make new friends. He even came home and said he used what he learned in the book. A couple of months later my son asked for advice on how to join a group. He felt that kids were looking at him like he was stupid and shutting him out. I broke out the book and read about joining a group. Again he came home the next day and said that he used a tool from the book with positive results. Not only does this book give tools that a child can use in real life, it also teaches them that making friends can be difficult at times for everyone and that is okay. I can't recommend this book enough.

Honestly, this book exceeded my expectations. I loved the way the authors explained the lessons and the cartoons made it lighthearted and fun to read. My boys (11 years and 9 years) both enjoyed reading it for a few minutes at a time. As a parent, I learned better ways to give advice on friendships to my kids too. One lesson was about how to join a group that is playing - and the best way isn't always "asking to join" like most grownups say! The method of "blending in" to join was great and honestly what I see the most confident kids doing. I didn't like the word blending in but there is much more to it than what you initially think. The ideas discussed in this book made a big impact. Social Confidence is key but some kids need a little more understanding to get there! Fabulous book!

This book covers the range of everything a 3rd or 4th grader needs to know to start forming good friendships. How to be a friend and how to make friends. I'm only giving it 4 stars because of the authors efforts to be funny, when they're not. Throughout the chapters, there is a cat and a dog duo who make supposedly funny comments about the topic, such as the cat saying, "He should sniff their butts. That's a good way to get to know people." And then the dog says, "That works well for animals, but I don't think humans do that." The cat asks "Why not?" And the dog answers, "They wear underpants." So, if you like that kind of humor, you'll love this book. I think adding a little humor along the way is great, and holds children's interest, but that type of humor just isn't that funny to us. I refer to it as kindergarten humor. Other than that, the book is great.

This is a FABULOUS book that clearly explains simple strategies kids can use to both initiate friendships and be more aware of their "friendship busting" behaviors. With clever cartoons and simple text, Kennedy-Moore and McLaughlin break down simple social tips kids can use to both make and retain friends. The text portions are short enough to read quickly in one sitting. This book could be helpful for families wanting to focus on social skills at home - perhaps read aloud one tip and discuss at family dinner? After reading the book, I checked back on Amazon for the age rating. It says ages 6-9, but I think this book is useful for all ages - even adults! I'm going to incorporate the lessons and ideas at my summer camp to help kids understanding some of the nuances about making and keeping friends. Counselors could read-aloud a tip then share the cartoon with campers and discuss. Teachers, too, could utilize the book in the classroom to promote social skills. I'm, so glad I found this book and Kennedy-Moore's fabulous website. Highly recommend that parents get this book for any child struggling with friendships.

This book changed our lives. Seriously! We’ve read 4 times and plan to continue reading every night. It has been incredibly valuable in helping our 9yr old Son learn how to make friends. He asks to read it. The book teaches little ones all the steps to successfully make friends, then how to keep them. It has great content on how to identify, address and handle bullying as well. Its at a young child’s level of vocabulary and understanding and is also humorous and fun to read. Seems like society expects them to just know how to act. Much more nurturing and effective to learn these concepts and practice together in a safe place. This is a must have and we’d like to personally thank Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore for writing this book!

i normally don't leave reviews but this book is just that good. the book is kid-friendly, easy-to-read, and applicable to kids' real lives. the scenarios and responses provide a great base to build off of to show the more friendship-friendly choices that can be made in emotionally/socially challenging moments.

I ordered this book after my 3rd grader was having a little bit of trouble making friends. Teachers had mentioned that she is trying to get attention in the wrong ways and it's turning off her classmates. I got this book and hoped that we could read a chapter every night before bed. I thought she might not want to read it, for one reason or another and it might be a tough sell. However, she was very willing to read this with me. We finished chapter one and she begged me to read chapter two. Now she's up in her room continuing to read ahead. I can tell she is going to learn a lot from this book. I love the way it has comics throughout it which help to keep it interesting, with a little comic relief. The pictures and scenarios in the book leave a little room for discussion and can prompt some self-reflection. It's honestly just what we need right now.

It has already helped my kid through some situations at Kindergarten. However I do think it is for older kids. A real pity it is not translated into Spanish, I think it would be nice if my kid could read it by himself in the future.

Very nicely explained

Wonderful book. Clear tips for kids to read about. Great from 8 years old.

Well written, children enjoy it and understand this. It’s friendly and not condescending, on a level for children.

Amazing book. Has short scenarios and reflective questions that tie easily into each chapter. Excellent talking points for kiddos who struggle socially. My daughter, 8 year old, loves this book.