The following collection of thematically related readings is available in The Friends and Related Readings in McDougal Littell's Literature Connections series.

The Refusal to Be Wrecked by Lillian Morrison
(from Who Would Marry a Mineral?, © 1978)
Summary: Through its shape and figurative language, this poem reflects the speaker's unwavering commitment to a relationship.

Adjo Means Goodbye by Carrie A. Young
Summary: In this short story, the narrator remembers a childhood friendship that brought her a "first love" and a "first hurt."

Drifting Away by Diane Cole
Summary: In this essay, the writer recalls a misguided attempt to reconnect with an old friend from the past.

Girls Can We Educate We Dads? by James Berry
(from When I Dance, © 1991)
Summary: Berry's poem, written in Caribbean dialect, reflects the sentiments of a daughter whose viewpoint differs greatly from that of her father.

The Tropics in New York by Claude McKay
(from The Passion of Claude McKay, © 1973)
Summary: The speaker in this poem recalls memories of a beloved tropical island.

Excerpt from A Grief Observed by C. S. Lewis,
© 1961
Summary: In excerpts from his personal journal, a grieving husband explores feelings of extreme loss following the death of his wife.

The Long Way Around by Jean McCord
(from Deep Where the Octopi Lie, © 1968)
Summary: The young girl in this short story must decide if she is willing to reconnect with her family following her mother's death.