Friendship has a magical way of brightening our days and anchoring us through every high and low. That’s why we’re so excited to celebrate International Friendship Day on July 30! It’s a chance to honor those people who show up with snacks when we’ve had a rough day, cheer us on with inside jokes, and know exactly which book we need (even before we do). And what better way to celebrate than by diving into stories that spotlight the power of friendship? Whether you’re gifting a read to your bestie or planning a buddy read, these books remind us why friendships are life’s greatest plot twist.

Why We Love Stories About Friendship

Books about friendship tug at our hearts because they reflect something deeply familiar: connection. They show us how people grow together, support each other through storms, and sometimes fall apart—only to find their way back again. Whether it’s childhood pals or unexpected alliances, these stories capture what makes friendship so extraordinary. They also remind us to call our besties and say, “Hey, I appreciate you.”

Curated Book List: Heartwarming Reads About Friendship

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley (Adult)

This story celebrates enduring college friendships with a twist: the characters gather every few years to hold “living funerals” for each other—a promise made in their youth to celebrate life before it’s too late. But this time, one of them has a secret that threatens everything. It’s funny, nostalgic, and a beautiful tribute to how friendship sustains us through adulthood’s chaos and curveballs.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares (Young Adult)

There’s something so comforting about a pair of jeans that magically fits four best friends with completely different body types. Lena, Carmen, Bridget, and Tibby spend their summers apart but stay connected through the pants—and their deep bond. It’s a love letter to growing up, growing apart, and still finding your way back to each other.

The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (Young Adult)

Friendship isn’t always easy, especially when you’re a teen solving cold cases with a bunch of other genius misfits. Cassie and her fellow Naturals navigate danger, secrets, and identity crises in this gripping YA thriller. Their connection is tested, but also strengthened, in life-or-death situations. Perfect for fans of found-family friendships that form in the most unexpected places.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah (Adult)

If you’ve ever had a best friend you’ve known forever, this one’s for you. Tully and Kate’s friendship begins in 1974 and stretches across decades, weathering jealousy, ambition, betrayal, and deep love. It’s an emotional rollercoaster—bring tissues—but it beautifully captures the depth of lifelong friendship and the way it shapes our choices and identities.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (Adult)

Don’t be fooled by the grumpy face, Ove might just become your new favorite character. Behind the crankiness is a lonely man who finds unexpected friendship when new neighbors (and a very squished mailbox) show up. This one’s about a chosen family and how even the most unlikely connections can bring meaning, joy, and purpose to our lives.

Deep in Providence by Riss M. Neilson (Young Adult)

When Jasmine dies unexpectedly, her three best friends try to bring her back using magic they once only played with. The result is a story about grief, resilience, and the supernatural power of friendship. It’s eerie and enchanting, but grounded in love and loyalty. The bond between these girls is tested in heartbreaking and powerful ways.

Finn and the  Intergalactic Lunchbox by Michael Buckley (Tween)

Aliens, wormholes, and an intergalactic lunchbox might sound like the plot of a zany sci-fi tale (which it is), but at its heart, this story is about teamwork. When Finn accidentally becomes a hero, he needs the help of a not-so-perfect crew—including his bully and his unicorn-obsessed little sister—to save the world. It’s quirky, hilarious, and a fantastic reminder that friendship sometimes shows up in unexpected packaging.

Much Ado About Baseball by Rajani LaRocca (Tween)

Math and baseball might not seem like the usual friendship combo, but Trish and Ben prove otherwise. Their rocky start (she beat him in a math competition) turns into a reluctant alliance to help their struggling team. This sweet, funny middle-grade story celebrates what can happen when rivalry turns into camaraderie, and it just might make your tween love math a little more.

Make Friendship Day Extra Special

Why not make International Friendship Day a celebration to remember? Surprise your bestie with a book box! We love the idea of starting a buddy read together, and we have just the summer boxes to get you both into the swing of things! Check out our limited edition Summer Reading 2025 and Summer Thrills book boxes! Order two boxes and schedule weekend Zoom calls to open your gifts as you hit those special pages.

There’s a book box for everyone at Once Upon a Book Club! Choose a one-month gift for adults, young adults, or tweens, or pick a ready-to-ship box you know they’ll love.

For Bookish Besties Everywhere

Friendship stories remind us that we’re never truly alone, not when there’s someone out there who remembers our favorite snack, who knows all our embarrassing stories and loves us anyway, who would battle intergalactic bugs or help us solve murders just because we want to. 

This International Friendship Day, let’s celebrate those bonds with stories that reflect their beauty, strength, and humor. Whether it’s sharing a laugh over a book box or mailing a novel to your long-distance bestie, make the day magical! Happy Friendship Day to all of our fellow bookworms!

We think you will love our blog, Self-Discovery Through Literature: Books That Challenge and Inspire!