"Reading this book is like getting a hug from a friend who knows exactly what you’re going through. An outstanding follow-up to the first two volumes, and a must for graphic novel collections." —School Library Journal, starred review
"Capturing the visceral embarrassments of middle school in 1987 Salt Lake City, Shannon’s emotions are vivid and often excruciating . . . [and] Pham’s artwork is vibrant and appealing." —Kirkus
"With the combination of Hale’s lucid writing and Pham’s masterful portrayal of body and language and facial expression, this books homes in squarely and affirmingly on teen angst and worries." —Booklist, starred review
Praise for Best Friends:
“Somehow, Hale and Pham have made the “normal girl” into the ultimate cool girl.” —The New York Times Book Review
“This uncommonly honest portrayal of the lures and pitfalls of popularity will likely ring true to many elementary and middle-school readers.” —Booklist, starred review
“A terrific look at middle school culture . . . This authentic, important book will mean a great deal to many kids.” —School Library Journal, starred review
“A must-read for fans of Raina Telgemeier or Victoria Jamieson . . . This glimpse into middle school is insightful, introspective, and important.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“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.” —Horn Book
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, award-winning author of American Born Chinese
★ 08/13/2021
Gr 6–9—In Hale's third graphic memoir, set in 1987, when the author was in eighth grade, things are looking up for Shannon—she has more friends, new interests, and even contact lenses—but she still struggles with self-doubt and intrusive thoughts of worthlessness. As Shannon matures, so do the problems she confronts. Friendships and family are complicated, and pressure mounts as she faces body image issues, relationships with boys, worries over her future career potential, and an unwanted sexual advance from a shopping mall Santa. Once again, Hale's storytelling and Pham's art get straight to the heart of adolescent pain and joy. Expressive use of color and line contrasts Shannon's sometimes stark realities with her idealized daydreams, and her journey toward self-actualization is cleverly framed through magazine cover illustrations featuring aspirational yet anxiety-inducing headlines. Like its predecessors, this volume offers an achingly authentic depiction of growing up with mental health struggles, and readers will cheer Shannon's eventual move toward self-acceptance as she is sustained by her creative storytelling abilities. The resolution is affirming and hopeful, indicating that although life has its ups and downs, Shannon is going to be OK— and an extensive author's note from Hale emphasizes that nobody should weather mental illness alone. VERDICT Reading this book is like getting a hug from a friend who knows exactly what you're going through. An outstanding follow-up to the first two volumes, and a must for graphic novel collections.—Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Lib., CA
2021-06-11
Shannon just wants to get through eighth grade in one piece—while feeling like her own worst enemy.
In this third entry in popular author for young people Hale’s graphic memoir series, the young, sensitive overachiever is crushed by expectations: to be cool but loyal to her tightknit and dramatic friend group, a top student but not a nerd, attractive to boys but true to her ideals. As events in Shannon’s life begin to overwhelm her, she works toward finding a way to love and understand herself, follow her passions for theater and writing, and ignore her cruel inner voice. Capturing the visceral embarrassments of middle school in 1987 Salt Lake City, Shannon’s emotions are vivid and often excruciating. In particular, the social norms of a church-oriented family are clearly addressed, and religion is shown as being both a comfort and a struggle for Shannon. While the text is sometimes in danger of spelling things out a little too neatly and obviously, the emotional honesty and sincerity drawn from Hale’s own life win out. Pham’s artwork is vibrant and appealing, with stylistic changes for Shannon’s imaginings and the leeching out of color and use of creative panel structures as her anxiety and depression worsen.
A likable journey that is sensitive to the triumphs and agonies of being a 13-year-old girl. (author's note, gallery) (Graphic memoir. 10-14)
