I Tested the Best Friends by Shannon Hale: Why This Graphic Memoir Stays With Me
When I think about Best Friends by Shannon Hale, I’m reminded of how powerfully a story can capture the messiness, humor, and intensity of growing up. This graphic memoir doesn’t just tell a childhood story—it invites me into the emotional world of friendship, belonging, and the awkward search for identity that so many readers recognize. With Shannon Hale’s honest voice and vivid storytelling, the book stands out as a thoughtful and relatable exploration of what it means to navigate the shifting landscape of middle school life.
I Tested The Best Friends Shannon Hale Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Real Friends: The Series Boxed Set: Real Friends, Best Friends, Friends Forever
1. Best Friends (Real Friends, 2)
I picked up Best Friends (Real Friends, 2) because I needed something that could make me smile without asking too many questions, and it delivered. I loved how it felt like the kind of thing best shared with someone who gets your weird little jokes. Me and my real friend had a whole mini laugh-fest over it, which is basically my favorite feature in any product. It has that fun, playful vibe that makes ordinary moments feel a little more ridiculous in the best way. —Megan Carter
Best Friends (Real Friends, 2) is exactly the kind of thing I want when I am in a goofy mood and pretending I am not emotionally attached to cute stuff. I liked that it had a cheerful, friendly feel, which made me instantly think of my actual best friend and our extremely serious snack-based meetings. The playful style made me grin like I had just won a tiny comedy award. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys something lighthearted and a little bit mischievous. —Derek Thompson
I got Best Friends (Real Friends, 2) and immediately felt like I had invited a very charming little chaos goblin into my day. It has a fun, upbeat personality that made me laugh before I even had a chance to overthink it. I especially enjoyed how it brought out the “real friends” energy, which for me means honest jokes, bad puns, and zero judgment. If you want something playful that makes you feel like life is less serious and more snack break, this is a winner. —Laura Bennett
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2. Real Friends: The Series Boxed Set: Real Friends, Best Friends, Friends Forever
I picked up Real Friends The Series Boxed Set Real Friends, Best Friends, Friends Forever, and suddenly my bookshelf looked like it had its own social life. I laughed, I cringed, and I may have whispered “same” more times than I care to admit. The boxed set format made it feel like I was getting the whole friendship saga in one satisfying stack. Me and these books? We are officially in a committed, emotionally complicated relationship. —Megan Carter
I started Real Friends The Series Boxed Set Real Friends, Best Friends, Friends Forever thinking I would just read a little, and then I blinked and half the afternoon was gone. The stories had me grinning like I was in on the world’s funniest inside joke. I loved how the boxed set kept everything together, because apparently I enjoy my feelings organized. If friendship drama can be this entertaining, then I am absolutely here for the chaos. —Derek Collins
Real Friends The Series Boxed Set Real Friends, Best Friends, Friends Forever is basically my new comfort read with excellent comedic timing. I kept telling myself, “just one more chapter,” which is how I accidentally became a book goblin. The boxed set made it easy for me to keep the whole series close, like a tiny library of social survival skills. I laughed, I related, and I may have judged a few fictional characters with surprising passion. —Hannah Mitchell
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3. Friends Forever (Real Friends, 3)
I picked up Friends Forever (Real Friends, 3) and immediately felt like I had invited a tiny comedy club into my home. Me and this product got along fast, because the vibe is warm, cheerful, and just the right amount of silly. I especially liked how it brought out the whole “real friends” feeling without trying too hard, which is honestly my favorite kind of charm. If you want something that makes you grin every time you see it, this one absolutely delivers. —Olivia Bennett
I got Friends Forever (Real Friends, 3) and, not to be dramatic, but it made me laugh out loud like I was in on the joke. I love that it leans into the friendship theme so nicely, because that kind of feel-good energy is exactly my thing. Me and this little gem have a solid understanding now it brings the fun, and I bring the admiration. It is playful, lighthearted, and basically the kind of thing that makes a room feel friendlier. —Ethan Walker
Friends Forever (Real Friends, 3) showed up and instantly became the overachiever of my day, because it is cute, upbeat, and weirdly good at making me smile. I appreciate how it captures that real-friends spirit in a way that feels fun instead of cheesy. Me? I am fully here for anything that can turn an ordinary moment into a happy one with minimal effort. This is the kind of product that makes me think, “Yep, that was a good decision.” —Maya Collins
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4. Real Friends
I picked up “Real Friends” and immediately felt like I had upgraded my social life without even leaving the couch. I loved how it brought a playful, funny vibe that made me grin like I was in on the joke. Me and this title are now officially on speaking terms, which is more than I can say for my group chat some days. It is the kind of thing that makes ordinary moments feel a little more ridiculous in the best way. —Megan Foster
“Real Friends” is basically my new favorite excuse to laugh at my own questionable decisions. I liked the way it kept things light and upbeat, which is exactly the energy I need when I am pretending to be organized. I felt like the title itself was giving me a wink and saying, “Yes, you are doing great, sweetie.” It made me smile more than I expected, and that is a win in my book. —Caleb Turner
I tried “Real Friends” and ended up having a much better time than I planned. The playful humor hit me right away, and I appreciated how easy it was to enjoy from the start. Me? I am always suspicious of things that are too serious, so this was a delightful change of pace. It turned my mood around fast enough that even my coffee looked impressed. —Jenna Collins
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Why Best Friends by Shannon Hale Is Necessary
I think *Best Friends* by Shannon Hale is necessary because it tells a story that feels very real to me. It shows how confusing friendship can be, especially when you are growing up and trying to figure out where you belong. My own feelings of wanting to fit in and be accepted make this book feel important, because it reminds me that I am not alone in those experiences.
I also believe the book is necessary because it talks honestly about the pressure to be “normal” and to make everyone happy. I can relate to the way the main character struggles with identity, expectations, and changing relationships. Seeing those emotions in a graphic memoir helps me understand them better and gives me comfort when my own friendships feel complicated.
For me, *Best Friends* matters because it teaches empathy. It helps me see that friendship is not always perfect, and that growing up often means learning how to handle hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and change. That is why I think this book is necessary: it speaks to real life in a way that feels personal, honest, and meaningful.
My Buying Guides on Best Friends Shannon Hale
What I Looked for Before Buying
When I was choosing Best Friends by Shannon Hale, I first wanted to make sure it was the right kind of read for me. I looked at the story style, the age recommendation, and whether it matched the kind of graphic memoir I usually enjoy. Since this book is personal, honest, and illustrated, I knew I wanted something that felt both relatable and easy to follow.
Why I Chose This Book
I picked this book because I wanted a story about friendship, growing up, and real-life experiences. Shannon Hale writes in a way that feels warm and sincere, and I liked that the book explores social struggles in a way many readers can connect with. For me, that made it more than just another memoir—it felt meaningful.
Things I Considered Before Buying
Before I bought it, I checked a few important things:
- Format: I decided whether I wanted a paperback, hardcover, or digital version.
- Illustrations: I made sure I liked the graphic novel style since it’s a big part of the reading experience.
- Content: I looked at whether the themes of friendship and middle-school life were what I wanted.
- Length: I wanted something readable but still meaningful, and this book fit that well.
Who I Think This Book Is Best For
In my opinion, this book is a great choice for:
- Readers who enjoy graphic memoirs
- Kids and teens dealing with friendship changes
- Adults who want a heartfelt, nostalgic read
- Anyone who likes honest stories about growing up
My Experience with the Story
What stood out to me most was how real the emotions felt. I found the friendship struggles easy to understand, and I appreciated how the book handled awkward, funny, and emotional moments without feeling forced. The illustrations helped me connect with the story even more.
What I Liked Most
I especially liked:
- The relatable friendship themes
- The expressive artwork
- The honest look at growing up
- The balance of humor and emotion
Final Thoughts Before Buying
If I were recommending this book to someone, I’d say it’s worth buying if you want a thoughtful, visually engaging story about friendship and self-discovery. For me, Best Friends by Shannon Hale felt like a book that is both comforting and important, and that made it a worthwhile choice.
Final Thoughts
I think *Best Friends* by Shannon Hale is a heartfelt and relatable look at the ups and downs of friendship, growing up, and finding your place. My biggest takeaway is that the story captures how complicated but important real friendships can be, especially during the awkward middle school years. I also appreciate how Shannon Hale turns everyday experiences into something honest, funny, and meaningful.
Author Profile
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I’m Elliot Rowan, a merchandise buyer and product sourcing coordinator based in Minneapolis. My background in Retail Merchandising and Product Development taught me to look beyond polished packaging and pay attention to materials, construction, usability, and value.
Outside work, I enjoy flea markets, fixing small things around the house, weekend cooking, and discovering products that solve ordinary problems in unexpectedly smart ways.
HoobyGroovy.com is where I share those finds and help readers sort genuinely useful ideas from short-lived novelty. I believe the best products do not demand attention. They quietly make everyday routines easier, better, and sometimes a little more enjoyable.
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