Friends Forever

In this third installment of the beloved graphic memoir series, Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham explore the challenging landscape of eighth grade through Shannon's eyes. The story delves into the protagonist's struggles with self-esteem, evolving friendships, and the confusing onset of what is later understood as undiagnosed depression. It's a deeply empathetic look at the internal world of a preteen who feels like something is 'wrong' with her, offering humor and warmth alongside honest portrayals of insecurity and the search for identity. Parents will appreciate its gentle approach to mental health themes and its powerful message of self-acceptance, making it an excellent conversation starter for children navigating similar emotional complexities.

Following up their mega-bestselling Real Friends and Best Friends graphic memoirs, Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham are back with Friends Forever, a story about learning to love yourself exactly as you are. 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? With their signature humor, warmth, and insight, Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham have crafted another incredible love letter to their younger selves and to readers everywhere, a reminder to us all that we are enough.