Sonderbooks Book Review of

by Shannon Hale

illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Real Friends
A True Story About Cool Kids and Crybabies

by Shannon Hale
illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Review posted May 6, 2017.
First Second (Roaring Brook Press), May 2017. 218 pages.
Starred Review
2017 Sonderbooks Stand-out: #1 Children's Nonfiction

Shannon Hale, one of my favorite authors, has written a graphic novel memoir! And the illustrator is LeUyen Pham, who illustrates The Princess in Black books! I'm afraid there's no way I wouldn't like this book.

As if that weren't enough, I heard LeUyen Pham speak about the book at ALA Midwinter Meeting -- and when she signed my Advance Reader Copy, she sketched a cartoon of me!

But even if all those things weren't true, this book is brilliant, and I feel sure it will be popular. It's a true story of navigating friendships, being part of "The Group," being bullied by an older sibling and others, and just wanting to have friends who actually like you.

Shannon grew up in a Mormon family; I grew up in an evangelical family. I'm afraid the panel I liked the most is from Shannon's imagination, with her sitting, sad and alone, in the foreground, with "The Group" rejoicing in the background that she's gone. Sitting next to Shannon is Jesus, and he says, "Well, I like you." "Thanks, Jesus," says Shannon. A kid tries to take comfort in the love of Jesus. But friends are important.

Shannon was already destined to be a writer, as evidenced by all the scenes where she's imagining. She'd write stories with her friends -- but really it was Shannon doing the writing.

The way things resolve is done well. In 5th grade, Shannon's in a mixed 5th and 6th grade class, which doesn't include most of "The Group" she's been with for years. She makes some new friends who appreciate her for who she is -- and it gives her a good perspective for dealing with The Group.

I don't think I need to say any more. A graphic memoir about friendship and sisters. This will be every bit as popular as Raina Telgemeier's Smile and Sisters. And it's marvelously done! Anyone who's ever had friends -- or ever felt left out -- will relate.