Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Mon Feb 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)

After traveling the rocky road of elementary school friendship in Real Friends (2017), Hale returns with another graphic memoir delving even deeper into preteen tribulations.Now in sixth grade, young Shannon is a member of "the Group," an assortment of popular and pretty girls that most notably includes best friend and group ringleader Jen and unrelenting mean-girl Jenny. However, infighting and treachery proliferate, leaving Shannon feeling frequently off balance as she strives to fit in and suppresses things she enjoys. She captures the dynamic brilliantly: "Sixth grade friendships were like a game… / only as soon as I'd figure out the rules… / they'd change again." In addition to laying bare the back-stabbing and cattiness, Hale also examines her struggles with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive tendencies with openness and honesty. Shannon's story is ultimately empowering, showing the satisfaction she feels following her own path. Hale and illustrator Pham (working with colorist Sycamore) capture the nuances of a typical middle school life, balancing Shannon's public woes with her inner conflicts and adding a fun dose of 1980s nostalgia. Pham's art is evocative in its simplicity; detailed facial expressions add emotional depth and accessibility for even the most reluctant readers. An author's note talks earnestly and age-appropriately about anxiety. Consider this a must-read for fans of Raina Telegmeier or Victoria Jamieson. Hale and her friends are predominately white, although students of color are present throughout.This glimpse into middle school is insightful, introspective, and important. (Graphic memoir. 7-12)

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

After traveling the rocky road of elementary school friendship in Real Friends (2017), Hale returns with another graphic memoir delving even deeper into preteen tribulations.Now in sixth grade, young Shannon is a member of "the Group," an assortment of popular and pretty girls that most notably includes best friend and group ringleader Jen and unrelenting mean-girl Jenny. However, infighting and treachery proliferate, leaving Shannon feeling frequently off balance as she strives to fit in and suppresses things she enjoys. She captures the dynamic brilliantly: "Sixth grade friendships were like a game… / only as soon as I'd figure out the rules… / they'd change again." In addition to laying bare the back-stabbing and cattiness, Hale also examines her struggles with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive tendencies with openness and honesty. Shannon's story is ultimately empowering, showing the satisfaction she feels following her own path. Hale and illustrator Pham (working with colorist Sycamore) capture the nuances of a typical middle school life, balancing Shannon's public woes with her inner conflicts and adding a fun dose of 1980s nostalgia. Pham's art is evocative in its simplicity; detailed facial expressions add emotional depth and accessibility for even the most reluctant readers. An author's note talks earnestly and age-appropriately about anxiety. Consider this a must-read for fans of Raina Telegmeier or Victoria Jamieson. Hale and her friends are predominately white, although students of color are present throughout.This glimpse into middle school is insightful, introspective, and important. (Graphic memoir. 7-12)

Starred Review ALA Booklist (Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2020)

Starred Review Following right on the heels of her graphic memoir Real Friends (2017), Hale continues the story of her struggles to find friends in elementary school. Now in sixth grade and finally at the top of the social heap, Shannon starts out the year fully ensconced in the in-crowd. Queen Bee Jen is her locker mate; the girl who spread lies about her the year before is leaving her alone; and she finally feels like she has a group of real friends. At least, at first. Before long, Shannon starts noticing that the games and activities she likes most iting, playing make-believe en't as fun for her friends, who are starting to go with boys and only talk about TV shows and pop music, none of which she can keep up with. Meanwhile, Shannon's issues with anxiety, which began appearing in Real Friends, become even harder to ignore, and Pham's depiction of her intrusive thoughts black, fuzzy cloud with jittery, scratchy white writing, in sharp contrast to her warm, full-color figures elsewhere ally drives home how jarring those thoughts can be. In addition to thoughtfully depicting the rocky, ephemeral nature of childhood friendships, Hale doesn't shy away from her own childhood complicity in bullying and the ways her desires to fit in made her doubt her judgment about herself and others. This uncommonly honest portrayal of the lures and pitfalls of popularity will likely ring true to many elementary and middle-school readers.

School Library Journal Starred Review (Sun Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)

Gr 4-7 Hale follows up her poignant graphic memoir Real Friends , which depicted the twists and turns of elementary school relationships. This time the author looks back on sixth grade. In 1985, Shannon and her friends were the oldest students and anticipated being queens of the school. They belonged to "The Group," a crew of new and old friends who were cute and popular but whose rules of behavior were capricious and confusing, often leaving Shannon anxious and struggling to make sense of it all and fit in. With each page turn, every character becomes ever more believable and complex, and the situations they experience ring true. The artwork is appealing and animated, with backgrounds that darken and become shadowy when Shannon is feeling isolated and sad. Panels move the action along with crisp lines, fun 1980s references, and well-placed, expressive speech balloons. The frequent fantasy sequences are beautifully color saturated, with lovely, hazy shapes that let readers' imaginations soar right along with Shannon's. An author's note speaks honestly and compassionately about anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. VERDICT A terrific look at middle school culture, and a compelling sequel to a fabulous middle grade graphic memoir. This authentic, important book will mean a great deal to many kids and empower those who are happier following their own inclinations than in going along with the group. Kelley Gile, Cheshire Public Library, CT