Books › Best Friends
Best Friends
256 pages
A deeply relatable, visually expressive journey through the emotional rollercoaster of middle school social politics.
What it feels like
Reading this graphic memoir feels like opening a time capsule from sixth grade, complete with all the stomach-churning anxiety and hard-won triumphs of early adolescence. The pacing is brisk and engaging, driven by expressive, colorful artwork that perfectly mirrors the narrator's internal emotional turbulence. It immerses the reader in a mood that is simultaneously nostalgic and deeply anxious, capturing the suffocating pressure of unwritten social rules and the desperate desire to fit in. The narrative voice is incredibly vulnerable and earnest, offering a compassionate lens on the messy reality of shifting friendships. It will deeply resonate with middle-grade readers currently navigating the treacherous waters of middle school cliques, as well as anyone who remembers the quiet courage it takes to finally stop pretending and just be yourself.
- Mood
- nostalgic
- anxious
- tender
- hopeful
- Tone
- earnest
- vulnerable
- wry
- compassionate
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- shifting social dynamics · middle school anxiety · the pressure to conform · finding personal authenticity · navigating toxic friendships
- The writing
- Candid, conversational text pairs seamlessly with expressive, emotionally resonant illustrations that perfectly capture the internal landscape of adolescence.
- The arc
- Moves from the suffocating anxiety of trying to please everyone to the liberating realization that true belonging does not require changing who you are.
- Who it's for
- Middle-grade readers navigating their own messy social circles, as well as adults looking back at the tender, terrifying landscape of sixth grade.
Content notes
- anxiety
- OCD symptoms
- relational bullying
About the book
Sixth grade is supposed to be perfect. Shannon’s got a sure spot in the in-crowd called The Group, and her best friend is their leader, Jen, the most popular girl in school.
But the rules are always changing, and Shannon has to scramble to keep up. She never knows which TV shows are cool, what songs to listen to, and who she’s allowed to talk to. Who makes these rules, anyway? And does Shannon have to follow them?
Description from Open Library.
Books like Best Friends
See why they match
Real FriendsShannon HaleA deeply validating, emotionally honest exploration of the roller coaster of childhood friendships and the quest to find where you truly belong.
Becoming BriannaTerri LibensonAn earnest, briskly paced graphic novel that captures the anxiety of a looming milestone and the messy, rewarding process of finding your true friends.
Nat EnoughMaria ScrivanAn earnest and encouraging graphic novel about surviving a friendship breakup and discovering that you are already exactly who you need to be.
Making friendsKristen GudsnukA chaotic, colorful, and deeply relatable magical romp through the awkward transitions of middle school.
The Princess in BlackShannon Hale and Dean HaleA delightful collision of pink ruffles and ninja kicks that proves you never have to choose between being fancy and being fierce.
SistersRaina TelgemeierA funny, deeply relatable ride through the claustrophobic chaos of family road trips and the complicated bonds of sisterhood.