Dickens & Rumi
Cover of YOU CAN BE A FRIEND

book

YOU CAN BE A FRIEND

Tony Dungy and Lauren Dungy

Jade considers adapting to a new friend in a wheelchair. (Ages 4 to 8)

Ages 4+Source checked

Why this age? Simple, reassuring friendship lessons suit preschool and early elementary readers; the emotional themes are mild and accessible for shared reading. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age4+

Strongest cautions

  • Religious themes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Kindness & empathy5/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Implicit values are consistent with the authors' well-known faith, but the text remains universally focused on character building.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages the courage to reach out to others and stand up for those who are left out.

Creativity & curiosity1/5
Why this rating?

Encourages imaginative ways to include others in play.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The book promotes the inclusion of all children regardless of background or perceived differences.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on social-emotional skill building and empathy.

Kindness & empathy5/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is the central theme and is actively encouraged throughout the story.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong, positive messaging about kindness, inclusion, and the importance of making good choices in social interactions.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate positive, thoughtful behavior toward 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. What beliefs or religious ideas appear in the story? How do they influence the characters?
  3. Which choice in YOU CAN BE A FRIEND would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in YOU CAN BE A FRIEND, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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