That's What Friends Do
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•••••
Cathleen Barnhart
School/Library Visit Information
Option 1: Revision Presentation. I will share with students my revision toolbox. We will look at how I used this toolbox to revise a scene in That's What Friends Do. Using what they have learned, students will help me revise a scene from my current work-in-progress. The take-away for students is that even professional writers need to revise their writing.
Option 2: Inspiration. Where do stories come from? How do writers find inspiration and ideas? In this presentation, I will talk about my sources of inspiration for That's What Friends Do as well as where I find new ideas for writing. The message for students is that inspiration comes from being curious, paying attention, and asking questions.
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