Best Friends (Real Friends #2)

Gr 4-7--Hale follows up her poignant graphic memoir Real Friends, which depicted the twists and turns of elementary school relationships. This time the author looks back on sixth grade. In 1985, Shannon and her friends were the oldest students and anticipated being queens of the school. They belonged to "The Group," a crew of new and old friends who were cute and popular but whose rules of behavior were capricious and confusing, often leaving Shannon anxious and struggling to make sense of it all and fit in. With each page turn, every character becomes ever more believable and complex, and the situations they experience ring true. The artwork is appealing and animated, with backgrounds that darken and become shadowy when Shannon is feeling isolated and sad. Panels move the action along with crisp lines, fun 1980s references, and well-placed, expressive speech balloons. The frequent fantasy sequences are beautifully color saturated, with lovely, hazy shapes that let readers' imaginations soar right along with Shannon's. An author's note speaks honestly and compassionately about anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. VERDICT A terrific look at middle school culture, and a compelling sequel to a fabulous middle grade graphic memoir. This authentic, important book will mean a great deal to many kids and empower those who are happier following their own inclinations than in going along with the group.--Kelley Gile, Cheshire Public Library, CT

"Somehow, Hale and Pham have made the "normal girl" into the ultimate cool girl." —The New York Times Book Review

Praise for Real Friends

"Fresh and funny." —New York Times Book Review

"The book's truth is as vibrant as its art." —Washington Post

"I have two boys, they love these books. They love to talk about the friendships, I love that I am discussing all of these issues through the lives of these girls. There is something about it that's so wonderful." —NPR

"Wistful, affecting, and utterly charming." —Booklist, starred review

"A heart-stabbing tale of the everyday social agonies of girlhood." —Wall Street Journal

"Shows us the incredible kindness and solidarity that girls can and do display." —The Mary Sue

"Bound to resonate with most readers, especially fans of Raina Telgemeier." —School Library Journal, starred review

"A wonderfully observed portrait of finding one's place in your world." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Nails what it's like to navigate elementary-school friendships." —Parents Magazine

"Sure to be loved by anyone who has ever felt like an outsider." —Victoria Jamieson, New York Times-bestselling and Newbery Honor author of Roller Girl

"Fresh, fun, and achingly real. Bravo!" —Jennifer L. Holm, New York Times-bestselling and Newbery Honor author and co-creator of Sunny Side Up and the Babymouse series

"This book is SO GOOD. SO MANY FEELS." —Gene Luen Yang, American Born Chinese