Books in the series Real Friends

Real Friends is a poignant and relatable graphic memoir by New York Times bestselling author Shannon Hale. It captures the often-turbulent world of elementary school social circles, following young Shannon as she navigates the "Group"—a clique of girls led by the popular Adrienne. As the hierarchy shifts and rules change, Shannon finds herself struggling to fit in, dealing with the pain of exclusion and the search for a "best" friend who truly understands her. This book is perfect for children who love Raina Telgemeier's Smile or Sisters and is an ideal choice for readers interested in honest stories about growing up.

Through expressive illustrations by LeUyen Pham, the story brings to life the emotional highs and lows of childhood. It doesn't shy away from the complexities of bullying, the anxiety of social pressure, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Parents will appreciate how it opens up conversations about healthy friendships and emotional resilience, making it a great choice for middle-grade readers who are navigating their own social challenges at school.

Highlights:

• Authentic portrayal of elementary school social dynamics and cliques.
• Relatable exploration of the search for genuine friendship and belonging.
• Beautifully illustrated graphic novel format that appeals to visual learners.
• Encourages self-acceptance and emotional honesty in young readers.

Best Friends by Shannon Hale is a poignant and relatable graphic memoir that perfectly captures the whirlwind of emotions that come with navigating sixth grade. Following the success of Real Friends, Shannon finds herself in the "Group," the most popular circle of friends in school. However, staying on top is harder than it looks. Shannon must navigate the unspoken rules of popularity, the pressure to be funny and cool, and the constant anxiety of wondering if she truly belongs. It is a must-read for children who love Raina Telgemeier or Victoria Jamieson.

This graphic novel is ideal for readers interested in realistic stories about the ups and downs of middle school life. Shannon Hale’s honest portrayal of social anxiety and the quest for authentic connection makes this a great choice for parents looking to help their children understand complex social dynamics. The vibrant illustrations by LeUyen Pham bring Shannon’s internal world to life, making the story accessible and deeply engaging for middle-grade readers.

Highlights:

• Relatable exploration of middle school social hierarchies and popularity.
• Honest depiction of childhood anxiety and the pressure to fit in.
• Beautifully illustrated graphic novel format that appeals to visual learners.
• A powerful lesson on finding true friends and being yourself.

Shannon Hale returns with the third installment of her best-selling graphic memoir series, Friends Forever. Now in the eighth grade, Shannon finds that life is becoming more complicated than ever before. As her classmates begin dating and social circles shift in unpredictable ways, Shannon struggles to find her place. Despite her best efforts to be happy, she faces the weight of insecurities and undiagnosed depression, leading her to wonder if she can ever live up to the expectations of those around her.

This poignant graphic novel is a perfect choice for children who love relatable stories about the challenges of middle school. It is ideal for readers interested in honest portrayals of mental health and self-discovery. Shannon’s journey is a powerful reminder that everyone’s path is unique and that learning to love yourself is the most important achievement of all. Parents will find this a great choice for sparking meaningful discussions about emotional well-being and the pressures of growing up.

Highlights:

• Relatable and honest portrayal of eighth-grade social dynamics and dating.
• Sensitive exploration of mental health and undiagnosed depression in young teens.
• Stunning and expressive illustrations by LeUyen Pham that bring the story to life.
• A powerful message about self-acceptance and the importance of being yourself.