Real Friends

In Real Friends, Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham craft a warm, candid graphic memoir about navigating the choppy waters of elementary school friendships. Published by First Second starting in 2017, this series explores the universal anxieties of fitting in, cliques, and staying true to yourself. Hale’s heartfelt writing and Pham’s expressive, inviting artwork make it a standout in children’s comics—a gentle, resonant story that speaks honestly to young readers about the complexities of social bonds.