Real Friends by Shannon Hale is really wonderful for 8 and up

Sometimes on the podcast we’ll talk about examples of the graphic novel as art form. To listeners that don’t read many graphic novels or comic books that might seem like hyperbole, but it’s not. Graphic novels are designed to entertain, while a very others make you think, teach lessons or possibly change your behavior-while at the same time being entertaining. Real Friends, an original graphic novel by Shannon Hale, with illustrations by LeUyen Pham manages to do that in one of the most surprising books that you’ll pick up this year.

I say surprising, because even with the incredibly positive reviews I had heard for Real Friends I didn’t expect it to be this good. If gleefully flies against the grain of what most people think a graphic novel should be. It’s a bitter-sweet story that charms even the most curmudgeonly reader because it’s about something that everyone, regardless of their sex, upbringing or location can relate to.

People have seasonal friends. My wife said that to me a couple years ago. Those friends that were by your side in elementary school rarely make it to middle, much less high school and beyond. Real Friends is the autobiographical story of Shannon Hale and the friends, clicks and family members that influenced her when she was in elementary school.

Hale’s story is one that any kid can relate to. A cool friend moves in next door, but then moves away, there are mean ‘cool kids’ and school who form arbitrary groups and siblings who might not be as nice as they could be. There are multiple allegorical instances in Real Friends where the book takes advantage of the graphic novel format perfectly.

The cool group kicks her out and it’s represented by a bored looking queen banishing the homely looking girl. When she’s playing with her best friend they’re the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders fighting bad guys. Wendy, the elder sister is represented by a massive bear who is intent on intimidating her. When Shannon is feeling confident she’s a lion on top of a hill ready to run down and conquer any obstacles-or bad friends that need to be told the truth.

Real Friends is not preachy. It’s just real and tells a timeless story about kids, some behaving nicely, while more of them are being jerks. Kids can be cruel little monsters. We all know that, but adults might have forgotten how hard it can be to navigate the life of a child. This graphic novel reminds older readers about it, while at the same time providing a silver lining, as well as proof that it does get better for younger readers.

 

Real Friends is the graphic novel that ages 8 and up need to read. It’s the book that ages 10 and up will relate to and need to keep in mind when they’re dealing with temporary friends and trying to figure out the maze of what’s best for them. This one will be in many people’s top 10 graphic novels at the end of the year for good reason.