Best Friends

"I thought my middle school memories had faded to a blurry haze, but Shannon Hale’s Best Friends brings them into sharp relief. We first met sixth-grader Shannon in 2017’s Real Friends. Now she’s back, and so is The Group. Ah, The Group. Hale’s Best Friends is no less authentic, emotional or heart-wrenching than its predecessor, and young Shannon’s struggles with popularity, honesty, heartbreak and insecurity make me glad sixth grade (and my own false friends) is far behind me. Every painful grimace and false smile are brilliantly illustrated by LeUyen Pham. This a must-read for any kid as they grow up, and also a must-read for parents as they try to remember what it was like to be a kid. (For ages 8 to 11)"