That's What Friends Do (Paperback or Softback)

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 friends when everything goes wrong?

• Best Friends to... Something Complicated: Sammie and David have been inseparable since Little League. But a new kid and an old crush put their friendship to the ultimate test.
• Realistic Middle School Drama: When Luke joins their group, a comfortable pair becomes an awkward trio. As rumors fly, Sammie and David must figure out who their real friends are—and what that truly means.
• A Story About Boundaries: After a moment on the bus goes too far, Sammie has to find the courage to speak up about what happened, while David must face the consequences of his actions.
• Navigating Tough Topics: Perfect for young readers, parents, and teachers, this heartfelt novel is a powerful tool for starting conversations about respect, personal space, and healthy relationships.

Cathleen Barnhart holds a BA in creative writing from Carnegie Mellon University and an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. That’s What Friends Do is her first published novel.