![shannon hale real friends series shannon hale real friends series](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1579138789i/28785854._SY540_.jpg)
It's so helpful for readers to know how things turned out for the people on the page. But, in her author's note, Hale lets readers know that the real "Wendy" (although a memoir, Hale changes all names save her own) became a real friend to Shannon as a teenager and as adults, she is a "devoted, loving, brilliant mother," and great friend. It was especially hard for me, reading Real Friends and knowing that it was a memoir, seeing the pain, frustration and sadness suffered by Wendy that was then passed on to Shannon.
![shannon hale real friends series shannon hale real friends series](https://akns-images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2017821/rs_1024x683-170921193732-1024x683.teen-wolf-tyler-posey-tyler-hoechlin-lp.92117.jpg)
Wendy, who has her own struggles with real friends that readers glimpse throughout the novel, lashes out by hitting and bullying Shannon. They are suffering and they take it out on younger siblings in one way or another. One of the things that I, as an adult, a parent and a person who works with children, greatly appreciate about Real Friends is the author's note where Hale shares the undiagnosed behavioral health disorders suffered by her older sister and her own undiagnosed mental health issues that were "probably symptoms of anxiety disorder and mild obsessive-compulsive disorder." There are plenty of big sisters (and brothers) like Wendy in children's literature. It empathetically addresses the confusion and pain of grade school cliques, the drama of siblings, and desire of everyone to find a place where they belong.Then, there is Wendy, Shannon's oldest sister. Whether are you are a fan of Shannon Hale, of middle grade books, or of graphic novels, Real Friends is sure to appeal to you. Little Shannon and her friends kicking bad guy butt in costume is somehow indescribably adorable. We see a lot of the 1980s but also imaginary worlds where Shannon lives with the fairies, imagines she is Wonder Woman, or even plays Charlie’s Angels with her friends.
![shannon hale real friends series shannon hale real friends series](https://fortheloveofbooks247.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/screen-shot-2017-09-22-at-10-30-42-am.png)
But Pham has a keen eye for adding interesting panels at key moments or breaking away from panels for a full-page illustration when Shannon and her friends go on an imaginary adventure. Of course, seeing cute little Shannon is enough of a draw. LeUyen Pham’s illustrations (she also does Hale’s Princess in Black series) really make the story. Those who have experienced the same will be glad someone is telling their story and whispering, “You are not alone.” Those who have not are sure to be immersed in the story anyway. Readers are sure to feel for Shannon every step of the way as she experiences fear, loneliness, and rejection. (See Roller Girl and The Way to Bea for other selections.) However, that does not detract from its raw emotion.
![shannon hale real friends series shannon hale real friends series](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/810-WobTolL.jpg)
Real Friends joins a host of middle grade novels that focus on the pangs of growing up and the pain of growing away from old friends. And would Adrienne leave with her, or would she lose her best friend forever? She wants to leave, but she does not have the courage. Shannon is allowed to hang on the edges, but soon grows tired of the way the girls back stab each other. But Adrienne is beautiful and popular and soon she is hanging out with The Group. Shannon and Adrienne met on the first day of school and have been friends ever since.