Books like Friendly Matches
Award winning
The Big Bully
Brian 'smitty' Smith, 2023
64 pages
Why to read
Highlights themes of empathy and friendship.
Teaches conflict resolution and understanding.
Encourages compassion through relatable storytelling.
Crafted for children’s emotional and social development.
The Big Bully
Brian 'smitty' Smith, 2023
Award winning
Stuntboy, In The Meantime
Jason Reynolds, 2021
272 pages
Why to read
Showcases resilience through engaging, relatable storytelling.
Highlights importance of friendship and teamwork.
Encourages understanding and managing personal fears.
Supports emotional and social development.
Stuntboy, In The Meantime
Jason Reynolds, 2021
The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom
Mac Barnett, 2024
272 pages
Why to read
Stimulates imagination with interstellar adventure.
Introduces resilience through quirky, relatable characters.
Encourages problem-solving in whimsical scenarios.
Provides a fun, engaging reading journey.
The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom
Mac Barnett, 2024
Award winning
Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #11): From the Creator of Captain Underpants
Dav Pilkey, 2023
240 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled storyline fosters creativity and imagination.
Introduces teamwork, responsibility, and friendship themes.
Engaging graphics captivate and maintain children's interest.
Encourages reading confidence in young independent readers.
Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #11): From the Creator of Captain Underpants
Dav Pilkey, 2023
Award winning
Monster and Boy: Monster's First Day of School
Hannah Barnaby, 2022
160 pages
Why to read
Showcases first school day experiences, relatable and comforting.
Enhances children's empathy and understanding of diverse friendships.
Encourages bravery and resilience in new environments.
Vivid illustrations captivate and hold children’s attention.
Monster and Boy: Monster's First Day of School
Hannah Barnaby, 2022
Award winning
The World Belonged to Us
Jacqueline Woodson, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Captures joyful essence of childhood adventures.
Encourages teamwork and community building.
Enhances empathy and understanding through diverse characters.
Stimulates imagination through vibrant storytelling.
The World Belonged to Us
Jacqueline Woodson, 2022
Award winning
A Very Mercy Christmas
Kate Dicamillo, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Heartwarming holiday story sparking festive spirit.
Encourages kindness and generous community values.
Engaging illustrations enhance visual literacy.
Ideal read for family bonding during holidays.
A Very Mercy Christmas
Kate Dicamillo, 2022
Award winning
The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found
Karina Yan Glaser, 2020
368 pages
Why to read
Heartwarming tale promotes empathy and community spirit.
Engages young readers with charming, relatable characters.
Encourages resilience and creativity in problem-solving.
Fosters family connections and shared reading moments.
