MMGM: The Friendship Awards: Finding Kindred Spirits in Middle Grade Fiction

With Valentine’s Day just behind us, I’ve been thinking a lot about the beauty of friendship in middle-grade novels. For many of us, those middle school years were the most eventful of our lives—full of the joy of finding a friend and the sting of being left out. 

In our home, we always used books to explore big feelings and new experiences. Whether you are a fellow homeschooler, a teacher looking for a heart-filled read-aloud, or a parent seeking a meaningful bedtime story, these books help our children find their way with friends. They show them how to handle the hurt of being left out, how to be a steady support, and how to spot a true kindred spirit.

Since the Olympics are currently underway, I thought it would be fun to host a "Friendship Awards" for some of my favorite middle-grade characters. 

The Award for Unconditional Grace

 

 

The Winner: Howard and Charlie in Wish by Barbara O’Connor. We all need a friend like Howard, someone who looks past our prickly defenses and loves us "in spite of ourselves." Howard’s steady, quiet kindness is a beautiful reminder of what it means to be a safe place to land for someone else. 

Reading Guide: Best for ages 8-12. This story touches on the "winter seasons" of family life, including foster care and parents who are absent or struggling. While the background includes some difficult realities, the focus remains on Charlie finding a "heart-home" and a quiet place to land with her aunt and uncle.

The "Instant Kindred Spirit" Ribbon

 

Three Way Tie: Anne and Diana (Anne of Green Gables), the cousins in The Story Girl (by L.M. Montgomery), and Betsy and Tacy (Betsy-Tacy).While modern stories often focus on the hard work of friendship, there is still a place for the instant connection. As someone who still keeps in touch (by letters, of course!) with my own childhood best friend, I love seeing life-long bonds celebrated. They remind us that sometimes, you instantly recognize a kindred spirit.

Note on Reading Levels: The first two books (Betsy-Tacy and Betsy-Tacy and Tib) are perfect for our younger readers (ages 5-8) and make lovely first chapter books. As the girls grow up, so do the stories; later books like Over the Big Hill and Downtown are best suited for ages 8-12.

The Award for the Unexpected Path

 

 

The Winner: Abigail and Gabby in Always Abigail. Abigail begins her year with a tidy plan, only to find herself paired with Gabby, the girl she least expected to like. This story resonated with me, perhaps because I remember being the outcast and the surprise of finding that the person I overlooked was the friend I needed most. It’s a wonderful reminder to keep our hearts open to the people we might otherwise miss. 

Reading Guide: Best for ages 8-12. This story is a wonderful mirror for children navigating the "middle school shift" in friendships. It gently explores the ache of being left out and the quiet courage it takes to be kind to someone who isn't part of the "popular" circle. A perfect choice for discussing how to spot a true kindred spirit. 

The "Strength in Vulnerability" Medal

 

 

The Winner: Peony in Peony Watercolor's Wish for Sun and Moon. It is a hard lesson to learn that real friends let people in during the "winter seasons" of life. Peony’s journey from hiding her father’s unemployment to letting her friends support her is such an important lesson. It reminds kids that they don't have to be "fine" to be loved and not to shut out those who want to help. 

Reading Guide: Best for ages 8-12. Peony struggles with the shadow of her father’s unemployment, leading her to make some poor choices about honesty with her friends. It’s a wonderful conversation starter about why we don't have to hide our hard times. It also includes a sweet, age-appropriate middle school dance.

The "Better Together" Award

 

The Winner: Mavis and Rose in Wonderland. Mavis is the spark that pushes Rose out of her comfort zone. And Henry, the runaway dog, is the project they take on together. A great reminder that good friends can be complete opposites, but they are better together than alone. 

Reading Guide: Best for ages 8-12. This story gently explores the "tangled" roles that can happen when a parent struggles to find their footing. While Mavis sometimes carries more responsibility than a child should, her journey is handled with great care and remains very kid-appropriate.

Max’s Bone-Rated Review

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴!

Well, hands down, Wonderland and Wish are my favorites because they have excellent dog representation! And we get Henry's point of view in Wonderland. Barbara O’Connor clearly understands that a dog is often a kid's first 'kindred spirit'! She knows what makes a good friend—someone loyal, a good listener, and always ready for a walk. Just like me!

A Note for the Front Porch:

Do you have a favorite fictional friendship that felt like a "heart-home" to you as a child? Which characters would you give an award to today? I’d love to hear about the stories that are currently gracing your living room or bookshelf.

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

 

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