Dickens & Rumi
Cover of YOU CAN BE A GOOD FRIEND (NO MATTER WHAT!)

book

YOU CAN BE A GOOD FRIEND (NO MATTER WHAT!)

Taraji P. Henson

A spirited young girl attempts to make friends at her new school. (Ages 4 to 8)

Ages 4+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to preschool and early-elementary readers; its social-emotional themes are accessible, while some friendship conflicts may benefit from adult discussion. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age4+

Strongest cautions

  • Strong language1/5

Strongest positives

  • Kindness & empathy5/5
  • Positive messages5/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

The language is appropriate for young children.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Encourages the courage to stand up for others and do the right thing.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages imaginative ways to include and support friends.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The book reflects inclusive values and diverse representation.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Teaches practical social-emotional skills, including empathy, perspective-taking, and navigating friendship challenges.

Kindness & empathy5/5
Why this rating?

Kindness, acceptance, listening, and caring for friends are central purposes of the book.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

Strongly encourages empathy, inclusion, communication, self-awareness, and being a good friend despite differences.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Encourages children to act as positive, kind role models for their peers.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Where did a character show kindness or empathy, and what changed because of it?
  2. Why do you think the characters used the language they did? Did it change how you saw them?
  3. Which choice in YOU CAN BE A GOOD FRIEND (NO MATTER WHAT!) would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in YOU CAN BE A GOOD FRIEND (NO MATTER WHAT!), and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereYOU CAN BE A GOOD FRIEND (NO MATTER WHAT!)
UNLIMITED SQUIRRELS: I WANT TO SLEEP UNDER THE STARS!Mo WillemsAges 5+I LOST MY TOOTH!Mo WillemsAges 4+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating