ASK about Fiction
Friendship – what does it mean to you? When was the last time you made a date with your friend? Have you ever quaralled with your friends? If you like to read stories about friends, check out some of these friendship stories below. Each is set in a different context, some in historical times, some containing a dash of fantasy, others set in more depressing scenarios.
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants by Ann Brashares
Call No.: Y English BAR
A story of four lifelong girl friends who share a pair of jeans that fits them all. Through their own experiences with love and family, they build stronger bonds by being one another’s support. Followed by ‘The second summer of the sisterhood’ and ‘Girls in pants: the third summer of the Sisterhood’, ‘Forever in blue: the fourth summer of the Sisterhood’. The story has also been adapted into a movie available under the call number
The Lottery by Beth Goobie.
Call No.: Y English GOO
15-year-old Sally is intimidated into carrying out threats against other students. However, she is unable to put her heart to it. Through friendship and spirit, she stands up for herself, refusing to yield under peer pressure.
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi Wortis.
Call No.: J English AVI / Y English AVI
Set in 1832, 13-year-old Charlotte returns home after 8 years of school in England. She travels by sea aboard Seahawk and befriends the cook, Zazhariah. Charlotte is drawn into a web of suspicion, treachery and murder as the sea crew plot amongst themselves. Through the experience, she grows up from a protected young girl to a responsible,self-reliant woman.
Rabble Starkey by Lois Lowry.
Call No.: J English LOW
Rabble stays in a small apartment in the Bigelow’s place where her mother is the family’s house keeper. She is friends with the Bigelow daughter, Veronica. Both grow up together through experiences, pain and adventure they share in the town. The story concludes on a heart-warming note when Rabble and her mother are granted a better life.
The Machine Gunners by Robert Westall
Call No.: Y Enlgish WES
Sometimes, human feelings transcend logic, and enemies can become friends. This is what Chas and his friends discover when an enemy sergeant who gives himself up to protect them.
House of Stairs by William Sleator.
Call No.: Y English SLE
This is a story that pits survival against love. 5 children are brought to a place where they have to ‘act’ for a red machine to get food. However, as days past, the machine demands that they perform cruel acts against one another to feed off their hunger. Two children, Peter and Lola stand by their principles and refuse to continue cajoling the machine, even if it meant that they were to go hungry.
Say Goonight Gracie by Julie Reece Deaver
Call No.: Y English DEA
Jimmy and Morgan and great friends who support one another and encourage the other when he falls. A tragic accident leads to the Jimmy’s demise and Morgan grieves over him. A poignant tale similar to the movie My Girl (1991) starring Macaulay Culkin.
Friends, Enemies by Rosie Rushton.
Call No.: Y English RUS
Four friends include a new girl into their confidence but are betrayed when she spreads rumours about them. However, when they realise her troubled background, their initial anger wavers. A thought-provoking novel about friendship, sympathy, and honesty.
Between Friends by Sandra Kitt
Call No.: English KIT
Two friends fall for the same man and their friendship is put to test.
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
Call No.: Y English COR
A contemporary about power struggles, gangs, abuse and growing up incidents that take place in a boy’s school. Followed by the sequel ‘Beyond the Chocolate War’.
Please check online catalogue for location & book availability.
Answered by Ms Ang Mei Jun, Librarian, Adult and Young People’s Services
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