(See Roller Girl and The Way to Bea for other selections.) However, that does not detract from its raw emotion. Readers are sure to feel for Shannon every step of the way as she experiences fear, loneliness, and rejection. Those who have experienced the same will be glad someone is telling their story and whispering, “You are not alone.” Those who have not are sure to be immersed in the story anyway. LeUyen Pham’s illustrations (she also does Hale’s Princess in Black series) really make the story. Of course, seeing cute little Shannon is enough of a draw. We see a lot of the 1980s but also imaginary worlds where Shannon lives with the fairies, imagines she is Wonder Woman, or even plays Charlie’s Angels with her friends.īut Pham has a keen eye for adding interesting panels at key moments or breaking away from panels for a full-page illustration when Shannon and her friends go on an imaginary adventure. Little Shannon and her friends kicking bad guy butt in costume is somehow indescribably adorable. Whether are you are a fan of Shannon Hale, of middle grade books, or of graphic novels, Real Friends is sure to appeal to you. It empathetically addresses the confusion and pain of grade school cliques, the drama of siblings, and desire of everyone to find a place where they belong.Then, there is Wendy, Shannon's oldest sister. One of the things that I, as an adult, a parent and a person who works with children, greatly appreciate about Real Friends is the author's note where Hale shares the undiagnosed behavioral health disorders suffered by her older sister and her own undiagnosed mental health issues that were 'probably symptoms of anxiety disorder and mild obsessive-compulsive disorder.' There are plenty of big sisters (and brothers) like Wendy in children's literature. They are suffering and they take it out on younger siblings in one way or another.

Wendy, who has her own struggles with real friends that readers glimpse throughout the novel, lashes out by hitting and bullying Shannon. It was especially hard for me, reading Real Friends and knowing that it was a memoir, seeing the pain, frustration and sadness suffered by Wendy that was then passed on to Shannon. But, in her author's note, Hale lets readers know that the real 'Wendy' (although a memoir, Hale changes all names save her own) became a real friend to Shannon as a teenager and as adults, she is a 'devoted, loving, brilliant mother,' and great friend. It's so helpful for readers to know how things turned out for the people on the page.

Warner bros. ivipid blender