Books which celebrate male friendship

Vinay and his ​“Council of Friends” are disrupted by the arrival of his cousin. Together, they learn to set aside their differences and empathise with each other’s feelings. 

Arun hates tests, so when his teacher sets a timed maths test, he does everything he can to get out of it. This light-hearted chapter book explores the importance of resilience and is ideal for reluctant readers.

Greg Heffley is a normal American kid, albeit one with a habit of getting into (and out of) trouble.

This insightful, haunting, coming-of-age story is a celebration of friendship, diversity and inclusion that gives readers a glimpse into the mind of someone living with OCD.  

Recently orphaned Will is sent to stay with an uncle he doesn’t know in a remote, mountainous valley. By caring for an injured osprey, he slowly comes to terms with his grief and learns to trust again. 

Hercules’ plan to play it cool when he starts secondary school goes awry when he becomes a target for the school bully. With the arrival of his estranged Greek father, Hercules’ popularity surges, but at what cost? With a generous smattering of Greek mythology, this laugh-out-loud tale explores the nature of friendship, love and loyalty with a perfect mix of warmth and humour.

A touching, light-hearted book about finding confidence and friendship.

An interactive book about choice, honesty and control in which the reader helps Fred Timple make decisions that terrify him in order to try and get his own happy ending. 

A verse novel telling the story of Nate’s first year at secondary school. The sequel to The Final Year. 

Arian’s new foster sister is from another planet… literally! He and his mate Pete find themselves caught up with her on an interdimensional adventure filled with magick, danger and plenty of laughs! 

An exciting horror story inspired by Celtic mythology, that also explores friendship dynamics between boys. 

When war comes to London in 1939, Ronnie Smith is more worried about the battle to convince his younger brother that the swaggering Johnny, their mum’s new boyfriend, is a bad ​’un. Compelling and moving, with peril galore. 

Kyle bonds with his eccentric grandad over ashared passion for protecting wildlife in a local stream.This powerful book includes themes of illness and bullying but maintains an optimistic, humorous tone. 

Anton is the King of Year 9, but he’s forced to hang out with the school’s biggest loser. A hilarious coming-of-age story that will