Following right on the heels of her graphic memoir Real Friends (2017), Hale continues the story of her struggles to find friends in elementary school. Now in sixth grade and finally at the top of the social heap, Shannon starts out the year fully ensconced in the in-crowd. Queen Bee Jen is her locker mate; the girl who spread lies about her the year before is leaving her alone; and she finally feels like she has a group of real friends. At least, at first. Before long, Shannon starts noticing that the games and activities she likes most writing, playing make-believe aren't as fun for her friends, who are starting to go with boys and only talk about TV shows and pop music, none of which she can keep up with. Meanwhile, Shannon's issues with anxiety, which began appearing in Real Friends, become even harder to ignore, and Pham's depiction of her intrusive thoughts a black, fuzzy cloud with jittery, scratchy white writing, in sharp contrast to her warm, full-color figures elsewhere really drives home how jarring those thoughts can be. In addition to thoughtfully depicting the rocky, ephemeral nature of childhood friendships, Hale doesn't shy away from her own childhood complicity in bullying and the ways her desires to fit in made her doubt her judgment about herself and others. This uncommonly honest portrayal of the lures and pitfalls of popularity will likely ring true to many elementary and middle-school readers.--Sarah Hunter Copyright 2010 Booklist

In this follow-up to her graphic memoir Real Friends (rev. 5/17), Hale straps in to the roller coaster rides, both real and metaphorical, of her sixth-grade year in 1980s Salt Lake City: maintaining her place in "The Group" of popular girls, navigating how much she should "like" or "like like" a boy, figuring out what she's suddenly become too old to do-at least according to her so-called friends. Young Shannon also begins to explore her burgeoning hope of becoming a writer, challenging the societal message that "the most important thing for a girl is to grow up and get married." Hale offers a frank look at the callous and cliquish tendencies of her social circle as well as her struggles with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Pham's panel illustrations deftly convey the intensity and depth of the characters' emotions and delineate between Shannon's lush, dreamy, imaginative world and the sometimes stark space of the real one. A natural suggestion for fans of Cece Bell and Raina Telgemeier, this book offers an honest, empathetic, and encouraging narrative for young readers braving the ups and downs of the tween years. Grace McKinney November/December 2019 p.111(c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

After traveling the rocky road of elementary school friendship in Real Friends (2017), Hale returns with another graphic memoir delving even deeper into preteen tribulations.Now in sixth grade, young Shannon is a member of "the Group," an assortment of popular and pretty girls that most notably includes best friend and group ringleader Jen and unrelenting mean-girl Jenny. However, infighting and treachery proliferate, leaving Shannon feeling frequently off balance as she strives to fit in and suppresses things she enjoys. She captures the dynamic brilliantly: "Sixth grade friendships were like a game / only as soon as I'd figure out the rules / they'd change again." In addition to laying bare the back-stabbing and cattiness, Hale also examines her struggles with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive tendencies with openness and honesty. Shannon's story is ultimately empowering, showing the satisfaction she feels following her own path. Hale and illustrator Pham (working with colorist Sycamore) capture the nuances of a typical middle school life, balancing Shannon's public woes with her inner conflicts and adding a fun dose of 1980s nostalgia. Pham's art is evocative in its simplicity; detailed facial expressions add emotional depth and accessibility for even the most reluctant readers. An author's note talks earnestly and age-appropriately about anxiety. Consider this a must-read for fans of Raina Telegmeier or Victoria Jamieson. Hale and her friends are predominately white, although students of color are present throughout. This glimpse into middle school is insightful, introspective, and important. (Graphic memoir. 7-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 4--8--Hale and Pham's splendid three-part "Friends" series--Real Friends (2017), Best Friends (2019), and Friends Forever (2021)--based on Hale's middle grade experiences have hit bestseller lists and earned plenty of lauds. Thus far, only Best Friends has an audio adaptation--and yes, a stellar full cast presents a wonderfully immersive production, augmented with 1980s music and background sound effects. The result is a sensational rollercoaster ride epitomizing the ups and downs of middle grade relationships (who's in, who's out, who's saying what to whom) and so much more. Although choosing aural means missing Pham's whimsically emotive art, the recording offers something the page can't: Hale warmly, reassuringly reads her "Hey you" author's note in which she's especially revealing about her own anxiety. And then listeners get to hear Hale and her twin daughters--"real-life sixth graders from current day"--in rollicking conversation about school, books, and, of course, friends. Hubby Dean even has a cameo! VERDICT Hale and Pham have already proven evergreen popularity with their printed series; libraries should expect the same demand for audio.