Best Friends
Best Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham is a graphic novel memoir that continues the story of protagonist Shannon as she navigates the complexities of sixth grade. The book delves into themes of friendship drama, the struggle for popularity, first crushes, and the emotional challenges of preteen life. It explores Shannon's internal battles with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, making it a relatable read for middle-grade students dealing with similar social and emotional hurdles. The narrative highlights the impact of peer pressure and the search for authentic self-identity amidst a constantly shifting social landscape. This graphic novel is intended for a young audience, typically ages 8-12, offering insights into the turbulent world of middle school friendships and personal growth.
Concerns
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe narrative delves into significant emotional and psychological intensity, focusing on social anxiety, peer pressure, bullying, and a challenging home environment, which can be frightening for young readers.
Shannon grapples with undiagnosed anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, experiencing "spiraling thoughts" and intense worries. The emotional turmoil leads her to imagine dying (though not suicidal ideation) and attempting to run away, indicating significant distress. The atmosphere of "mean girls," constant competition, and backstabbing within her friend group creates a high-pressure and intense social environment for Shannon.
Disrespect & Rebellion
HighThe book prominently features themes of disrespect, rebellion, and antagonistic behavior among peers and siblings, including emotional manipulation and physical aggression.
Shannon's older sister demonstrates severe disrespect and rebellion through "absolutely horrible treatment," including slapping Shannon and screaming at her in her bed, telling her that her friends truly hate her. Within "The Group" of friends, there is constant competition, petty fighting, and gossiping, where girls say hurtful things to one another and exclude others.
Violence
MediumThe book depicts instances of both physical and emotional violence, primarily related to bullying and sibling conflict. This includes social aggression and a minor physical injury.
Shannon's older sister slaps her. Shannon's older sister also stands over her bed screaming at her, telling her how much her friends hate her. Additionally, a boy accidentally drops another boy, resulting in a concussion. Girls frequently gossip about one another and say hurtful things.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe book includes themes of first crushes and depicts mild romantic gestures such as kissing, with one instance used to cause emotional pain.
Shannon experiences first crushes as she navigates sixth grade relationships. One scene describes a girl kissing a boy on the cheek. In a more intense instance, a boy and girl kiss for a long time in front of another girl, specifically to try and hurt her.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowNo explicit or implied LGBTQ+ characters or themes were found within the graphic novel "Best Friends" by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham after extensive searching. The book focuses on heterosexual peer relationships and personal struggles.
No verifiable examples of LGBTQ+ content were identified within the narrative of the graphic novel. Searches for "Best Friends" combined with various LGBTQ+ keywords (gay, lesbian, transgender, queer representation, etc.) did not yield any relevant results pertaining to the book's content.
Profanity
LowReviews explicitly state an absence of profanity or crude language within the book.
According to a detailed review, the book contains "None" for Profanity/Crude Language Content. No instances of swear words or strong language were noted across multiple content reviews.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThe book does not contain explicit witchcraft or occult themes. Spiritual references are limited to prayer as a coping mechanism for anxiety.
Shannon is depicted engaging in spiritual coping mechanisms, such as "praying or repeating words silently" when experiencing obsessive thoughts and anxiety. There are no mentions of spells, rituals, demons, or other occult practices.
Substance Use
LowThere is no depiction or mention of substance use, including alcohol, drugs, or smoking, in the graphic novel.
Content reviews explicitly state "None" for Drug Content. No characters are shown using or discussing illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe book includes positive mentions of Christian faith, with the main character engaging in prayer and reflecting on Christian principles for ethical behavior.
Shannon, the protagonist, prays for her family and home to be safe. She also considers "how Jesus would want her to stand up for kids who were excluded or bullied," framing Christian teachings in a positive light regarding social justice and kindness. The author's background in a Mormon community is noted, but the book itself presents Christian themes respectfully.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 8-12. This recommendation is based on the book's themes of navigating middle school social dynamics, anxiety, and mild romantic elements which are appropriate for this age group. The graphic novel format and relatable struggles make it accessible for readers in grades 3-6.
Additional Notes
Parents should be aware that while the book addresses important social and emotional development, the intensity of bullying, social anxiety, and sibling conflict might be upsetting for highly sensitive readers. The graphic novel format, however, can make these complex topics more approachable for its target audience. The book is the second in a series, following "Real Friends," and precedes "Friends Forever," with content themes evolving across the installments to reflect the growing maturity of the protagonist.
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