Some stories are good for a laugh. This story is overflowing with them. Ty's friends are out of control.
He over compensates for them, until he doesn't. The outcome is so funny, it brings the house down. The story reminded me of the misadventures of Groucho, Chico and Harpo Marx, in the best ways. Don't pass by this one, a truly funny coming of age story is hard to find.

This is a slapstick comedy for your middle school son or student who never seems to see himself in a story. It features three very different boys: Chance, who practically has an assigned seat in detention, Howie, with fierce interests and high, prickly walls, and deeply anxious, capable Ty, who has to be enough best friend for both of them.

In addition to insightful characters, What Are Friends For is full of comic mayhem that is true to middle school boys, in the spirit of Nickelodeon's Doug. While some reviewers may have forgotten how face-slappingly awful preteen decisions can be, Mr. Hughes recognizes the humor in the disaster that can be caused by clumsy changing bodies and panicky poor solutions.

Ultimately, this is a book about learning to value our differences and learning to set boundaries, even with your friends. For any sleepy homeroom morning, this slapstick comedy about what it means to be a friend will be a hit.