Books

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.
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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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Embrace the rollercoaster of adolescence with 'best friends'—a heartwarming tale of friendship and finding your way, by the bestselling team of shannon hale and leuyen pham.
Sixth grade is supposed to be perfect.

Shannon’s got a sure spot in the in-crowd called The Group, and her best friend is their leader, Jen, the most popular girl in school.

But the rules are always changing, and Shannon has to scramble to keep up. She never knows which TV shows are cool, what songs to listen to, and which boys she’s allowed to talk to. Who makes these rules anyway? And does Shannon have to follow them? Or should she follow her heart?

Best-selling creators of Real Friends, Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham are back with a true story about popularity, first boyfriends, and finding your own path.

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A colorful book cover titled "real friends" by shannon hale and leuyen pham, featuring seven illustrated children with a variety of expressions and styles, portraying themes of childhood and friendship.
Don’t miss the start of Shannon’s story!

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. Everyone in The Group wants to be Jen’s #1, and some girls would do anything to stay on top…even if it means bullying others.

Now every day is like a roller coaster for Shannon. Will she and Adrienne stay friends? Can she stand up for herself? And is she in The Group—or out?

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