Must-Read YA Books About Friendship

If you’re missing your bestie right now, we’ve put together this list of must-read YA books about friendship.

It’s the perfect time to start a virtual book club with your friends! The only thing better than reading a great book about friendship is reading and discussing it with someone else. These novels explore the ups and downs that come with every friendship. You’ll laugh and cry your way through these heartbreaking and heartwarming YA novels about friendship.

When You Were Everything

By Ashley Woodfolk

As we grow up and change, our friendships often change, too. Friend breakups can be tremendously painful, which is exactly what Cleo and Layla discover. Jealousy, cruelty, and selfishness all play a part in the demise of a solid friendship. If you’ve ever gone through a friend breakup, you’ll appreciate this heartfelt book.

Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee

By Jeff Zentner

In the mood for a feel-good and goofy story about two besties who practically share a brain? Delia and Josie host a public access TV show where they screen terrible horror movies. With graduation looming, they know that their friendship is bound to experience some growing pains. Insightful, silly, and authentic, this novel is #friendshipgoals all the way!

We Were Liars Deluxe Edition

By E. Lockhart

Get ready for a friendship story unlike any you’ve ever read. Every year, four best friends spend a magical summer on their family’s private island. After a swimming accident that resulted in amnesia, Cadence misses a year. Now she’s headed back to the island—the place that holds the key to her lost memories and where she’ll discover family secrets that will shake her to the core.

Scars Like Wings

By Erin Stewart

Keep a box of tissues nearby because this novel packs an emotional punch. Sniffle your way through this incredible story about Ava, a burn victim who lost her parents and best friend in a terrible fire. Nearly crushed by grief and loneliness, Ava latches on to a vibrant and outgoing girl named Piper at her support group. This poignant YA novel about friendship will break your heart in the best possible way.

We Are the Perfect Girl

By Ariel Kaplan

Did you fall in love with the Netflix movie Sierra Burgess Is a Loser? Then you’ll want to grab this insightful and hilarious novel about two best friends teaming up to charm the perfect guy. Aphra is outgoing and Bethany is gorgeous. So Bethany goes on dates with heartthrob Greg, while Aphra coaches her on how to act and what to say. But when Aphra falls for Greg as well, her friendship with Bethany could be in jeopardy.

The Beauty That Remains

By Ashley Woodfolk

Prepare to feel all the feels! Three teens have each lost someone important to them. To cope with their overwhelming grief, they turn to their shared love of a local indie band and find solace in the music and each other. This novel will break your heart and put it back together as you follow the stories of three teenagers finding hope and beauty in the aftermath of tragedy.

No One Here Is Lonely

By Sarah Everett

Have you ever had a best friend you depended on too much? When her crush dies in a car accident and her best friend dumps her, Eden drowns her grief in a digital companion. But life goes on, and Eden must learn to open herself up to new (real-life) friends and a new crush. Eden discovers that nobody is perfect; best friends let you down, and almost nobody is who they really seem to be. Heart-wrenching but hopeful, this novel is about growing up, breaking up, and moving on.

A Short History of the Girl Next Door

By Jared Reck

Ever since she moved in across the street, Tabby has been Matt’s best friend. Now at fifteen, they’re still best friends, but Matt wants to change their relationship status. While Tabby dates other boys and makes new friends, Matt struggles with his feelings. But when something happens that changes Matt’s life forever, he must learn to let go of the past and accept the beautiful friendship he and Tabby shared.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

By Ann Brashares

No list of YA books about friendship would be complete without this must-read classic! Join besties Lena, Carmen, Bridget, and Tibby as they experience their first summer break apart. And let’s not forget about that pair of perfect, maybe magical pants the girls pass between themselves all summer long. This beloved novel is just the thing to read when you want vibes of friendship, new experiences, and growing up.

Just As Long As We're Together

By Judy Blume

Feeling nostalgic? Pick up a copy of Just as Long as We’re Together. No other author writes friendship quite like Judy Blume, and everyone needs at least one of her books on their shelf. Rachel and Stephanie have been best friends since forever, but when Alison moves in down the street, everything changes. Feelings get hurt and the girls’ friendship experiences some uncomfortable growing pains.

What to Say Next

By Julie Buxbaum

When you’re in the mood for a quirky story about an unlikely friendship with a little bit of romance thrown in, What to Say Next should be your next read. When Kit sits next to David at lunch, neither of them expect a friendship to blossom. But it turns out that they need each other. Prepare to have your heart stolen by this adorable tale that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

Must-Read YA Books About Friendship

When You Were Everything

By Ashley Woodfolk

Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee

By Jeff Zentner

We Were Liars Deluxe Edition

By E. Lockhart

Scars Like Wings

By Erin Stewart

We Are the Perfect Girl

By Ariel Kaplan

The Beauty That Remains

By Ashley Woodfolk

No One Here Is Lonely

By Sarah Everett

A Short History of the Girl Next Door

By Jared Reck

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

By Ann Brashares

Just As Long As We're Together

By Judy Blume

What to Say Next

By Julie Buxbaum

Related Articles

Thrillers You Need to Read by Holly Jackson

11 Struggles All Readers Can Relate To

5 Cold Weather Problems Any Booklover Can Relate To

Become a Book Nerd

Underlined