About the Book

Friends Forever is the third installment in Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham’s mega-bestselling Real Friends graphic memoir series, telling a deeply personal story about learning to love yourself exactly as you are. Shannon is in eighth grade, and life is more complicated than ever—classmates are starting to date, everything keeps changing, and no matter how hard she tries, she can never seem to just be happy. This raw, authentic portrayal of middle school life tackles important topics like undiagnosed depression, social anxiety, and the pressure to meet everyone’s expectations while trying to figure out who you really want to be.

About the Authors

Shannon Hale is a New York Times bestselling author of over fifty books, selling fifteen million copies in North America and translated into twenty-five languages worldwide. Her work includes the Newbery Honor-recipient Princess Academy and the novel Austenland, which was adapted into a major motion picture. LeUyen Pham is an award-winning and bestselling creator of over 140 books for children, and her illustrations have earned numerous accolades including the prestigious Caldecott Honor. Together, this creative duo has built one of the most beloved graphic memoir series for young readers.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is perfect for middle schoolers and young teens navigating the complex emotions of growing up, as well as parents, teachers, and counselors looking for resources to discuss mental health with young people. If you’ve ever felt anxious, misunderstood, or wondered if something was wrong with you during those challenging tween years, this story will feel like a warm hug from someone who truly gets it. It’s also ideal for fans of Raina Telgemeier, Victoria Jamieson, and anyone who appreciates honest, emotionally intelligent storytelling that doesn’t shy away from difficult topics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need to read Real Friends and Best Friends before reading Friends Forever?
While Friends Forever is the third book in the series, each graphic novel tells a complete story from Shannon’s life. You’ll get the most context by reading them in order, but you can still enjoy and understand this book on its own if you’re curious about the topic of middle school anxiety and self-acceptance.

Q: What age is Friends Forever appropriate for?
Friends Forever is recommended for readers ages 8-14, though many parents and educators find it valuable for discussing mental health with tweens and teens. The book honestly addresses depression, anxiety, peer pressure, and early dating, making it relatable for middle schoolers while remaining age-appropriate.

Q: Is Friends Forever based on a true story?
Yes! Friends Forever is a graphic memoir, meaning it’s based on Shannon Hale’s real experiences growing up in 1980s Utah. While some details are adapted for storytelling, the emotions, struggles, and lessons are authentically drawn from her eighth-grade year, making the story incredibly relatable and genuine.

Q: Can Friends Forever help kids dealing with anxiety or depression?
Many readers, parents, and counselors have found Friends Forever to be a helpful tool for understanding and discussing mental health. The book normalizes feelings of anxiety and sadness while showing that these struggles don’t define you—and that reaching out for support is important. It’s not a replacement for professional help but can open meaningful conversations.