If you loved

Books like Best Friends

A deeply relatable, visually expressive journey through the emotional rollercoaster of middle school social politics. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with Best Friends.

nostalgic
anxious
tender
hopeful

01
Real Friends
Shannon Hale
A deeply validating, emotionally honest exploration of the roller coaster of childhood friendships and the quest to find where you truly belong.
Shares:
- nostalgic
- anxious
- hopeful
- earnest
02
Becoming Brianna
Terri Libenson
An earnest, briskly paced graphic novel that captures the anxiety of a looming milestone and the messy, rewarding process of finding your true friends.
Shares:
- anxious
- tender
- earnest
03
Nat Enough
Maria Scrivan
An earnest and encouraging graphic novel about surviving a friendship breakup and discovering that you are already exactly who you need to be.
Shares:
- hopeful
- earnest
04
Making friends
Kristen Gudsnuk
A chaotic, colorful, and deeply relatable magical romp through the awkward transitions of middle school.
Shares:
- earnest
05
The Princess in Black
Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
A delightful collision of pink ruffles and ninja kicks that proves you never have to choose between being fancy and being fierce.
Feels:
- cheerful
- energetic
- triumphant
06
Sisters
Raina Telgemeier
A funny, deeply relatable ride through the claustrophobic chaos of family road trips and the complicated bonds of sisterhood.
Shares:
- nostalgic
- tender
07
The Baby-Sitters Club Graphix #1-4 Box Set
Raina Telgemeier
A vibrant, cozy celebration of middle school friendship and the empowering thrill of tackling growing pains together.
Shares:
- nostalgic
- earnest
08
All's faire in middle school
Victoria Jamieson
A warm, visually engaging exploration of the awkward clash between a quirky, theatrical family life and the harsh realities of public middle school.
Shares:
- earnest
09
How to Be Popular
Meg Cabot
A bubbly, laugh-out-loud exploration of high school social climbing that proves the best version of yourself is usually the one you left behind.
Shares:
- nostalgic
10
Squad
Maggie Tokuda-Hall
A bloody, sharp-toothed exploration of teenage girlhood where the desire to belong collides with the intoxicating thrill of going feral.
Feels:
- feral
- neon-lit
- tense
11
Friends with boys
Faith Erin Hicks
A tender, slightly spooky slice-of-life graphic novel about the terrifying leap from the safety of family into the chaotic world of high school.
Shares:
- earnest
- wry
12
Maybe He Just Likes You
Barbara Dee
A deeply validating exploration of middle school boundaries that transforms quiet discomfort into loud, unapologetic empowerment.
Shares:
- anxious
- hopeful
- earnest

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