Best Friends
Here's what we found in Best Friends. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to 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.
Things to Consider
Scary & Intense Content
The 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
The book prominently features themes of disrespect, rebellion, and antagonistic behavior among peers and siblings, including emotional manipulation and physical aggression.
Would these 2 concerns matter to your family?
Get a report based on your values — not generic ratings.
Violence
The 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.
Romance and Sexual Content
The book includes themes of first crushes and depicts mild romantic gestures such as kissing, with one instance used to cause emotional pain.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
No 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.
Profanity
Reviews explicitly state an absence of profanity or crude language within the book.
Witchcraft & Occult
The book does not contain explicit witchcraft or occult themes. Spiritual references are limited to prayer as a coping mechanism for anxiety.
Substance Use
There is no depiction or mention of substance use, including alcohol, drugs, or smoking, in the graphic novel.
Anti-Christian Themes
The book includes positive mentions of Christian faith, with the main character engaging in prayer and reflecting on Christian principles for ethical behavior.
Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham’s graphic novel "Best Friends" offers Christian parents a relatable portrayal of the tumultuous preteen years, where core themes of friendship, popularity, and self-identity are explored. While the narrative realistically depicts the negative aspects of middle school social dynamics—including gossip, backstabbing, and peer pressure—it ultimately champions the biblical values of authenticity and standing firm against harmful influences. Shannon’s internal struggle to align with shifting social rules versus her desire to be a "good kind of popular kid who lifts others up" reflects a journey towards integrity, aligning with the Christian call to resist conformity to the world and instead be transformed by renewing one's mind (Romans 12:2). The book addresses Shannon's anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder with compassion, offering a valuable opportunity for parents to discuss mental health with their children from a faith-based perspective of empathy and seeking support. The characters' morality is presented with clear consequences; while negative behaviors like meanness and treachery are depicted, the story highlights the distress they cause and Shannon's ultimate empowerment comes from rejecting these vices and choosing her own path. This implicitly rewards virtue over vice, showing that true satisfaction comes from self-acceptance and moral courage. The worldview presented is primarily one of personal discovery within a realistic social landscape, though it is not entirely relativistic. A significant and positive transcendent element is introduced through Shannon's thoughts and actions, as she "prays for her family and home to be safe" and considers "how Jesus would want her to stand up for kids who were excluded or bullied". This subtle yet clear depiction of faith as a moral guide is respectful and can be affirmed by Christian parents, demonstrating how personal conviction can inform choices in challenging social situations. Redemption themes manifest in Shannon’s journey of self-liberation from the chains of peer pressure and the pursuit of superficial popularity. Her growth into self-acceptance and finding joy in her unique interests represents a form of personal redemption and grace, albeit not explicitly theological. Family values are present, though not deeply explored in the provided context, with a mention of Shannon's family background from a "tight Mormon community" and parental support for her education. The positive representation of Shannon's personal faith, through prayer and moral reflection rooted in Christ's teachings, provides a valuable point of discussion for Christian families on how faith can guide and strengthen young people navigating complex social environments.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
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.
Good to Know
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.
What are you reading next?
Screen any title in seconds — even ones no one else has reviewed.
No credit card required — join hundreds of families