Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham – Shannon and Adrienne have been best friends ever since they were little. But one day, Adrienne starts hanging out with Jen, the most popular girl in class and the leader of a circle of friends called The Group.
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Growing up means everything changes. But real friends are forever.

Three colorful book covers for a series about friendship, each depicting cartoon-style illustrations of a group of children at different stages of their relationships, with titles that hint at the evolution of their bond: "best friends," "real friends," and "friends forever.
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Friends Forever

Bestselling creators Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham are back with Friends Forever, the much-anticipated last book in the Friends series, a story about learning to love yourself exactly as you are.

An illustration of a group of diverse eighth-grade students with a mix of expressions, capturing the complexity and drama of middle school life, as they sit in what appears to be a theater or auditorium.

Shannon is in eighth grade, and life is more complicated than ever. Everything keeps changing, her classmates are starting to date each other (but nobody wants to date her!), and no matter how hard she tries, Shannon can never seem to just be happy.

As she works through her insecurities and undiagnosed depression, she worries about disappointing all the people who care about her. Is something wrong with her? Can she be the person everyone expects her to be? And who does she actually want to be?

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Two smiling women posing for a friendly photo, one wearing a blue top and the other in a polka-dot dress.

Meet the Author & Illustrator

Meet the bestselling superstar duo Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham!

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A group of animated kids enthusiastically participates in a lively and fun roller coaster ride, evoking a sense of friendship and adventure. the image serves as a cover for a book titled "activities inspired by real friends & best friends" by shannon hale and leuyen pham, suggesting that the content is likely to offer engaging activities based on themes of friendship.

The Real Friends / Best Friends Activity Kit

Download for awesome activities like a coloring page, a make-your-own-comic activity, and more!

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Two stylish animated characters posing back-to-back, dressed in vintage trench coats and exuding a cool, detective vibe.

What Type of Friend Are You?

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Praise for the Friends series

“A terrific look at middle school culture, and a compelling sequel to a fabulous middle grade graphic memoir. This authentic, important book will mean a great deal to many kids and empower those who are happier following their own inclinations than in going along with the group.”

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School Library Journal, starred review

“This uncommonly honest portrayal of the lures and pitfalls of popularity will likely ring true to many elementary and middle-school readers.”

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Booklist, starred review

Illustration of a smiling young girl with curly red hair tied with a yellow headband, wearing a green shirt, and sitting with her arms crossed.

“Consider this a must-read for fans of Raina Telegmeier or Victoria Jamieson. . . . This glimpse into middle school is insightful, introspective, and important.”

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Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Real Friends made me laugh, broke my heart, and gave me hope. This book is SO GOOD. SO MANY FEELS.”

Gene Luen Yang

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New York Times bestselling and National Book Award Finalist author of American Born Chinese

“Real Friends is honest and heartfelt, and sure to be loved by anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. The artwork is stunning, too!”

Victoria Jamieson

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New York Times bestselling and Newbery Honor author of Roller Girl

“Somehow, Hale and Pham have made the ‘normal girl’ into the ultimate cool girl.”

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The New York Times Book Review on Best Friends

“Nails what it’s like to navigate elementary-school friendships.”

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Parents Magazine on Real Friends

A cartoon of a young woman with red hair, glasses, and a skeptical expression, standing with her arms crossed, wearing a striped green-and-white top and purple pants.

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