Friends Forever
#3 of 4 in Best Friends Series
What’s inside...
Following up their mega-bestselling Real Friends and Best Friends graphic memoirs, Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham are back with Friends Forever, a story about learning to love yourself exactly as you are.
Shannon is in eighth grade, and life is more complicated than ever. Everything keeps changing. Her classmates are starting to date each other (but nobody wants to date her!), and no matter how hard she tries, Shannon can never seem to just be happy.
As she works through her insecurities and undiagnosed depression, she worries about disappointing all the people who care about her. Is something wrong with her? Can she be the person everyone expects her to be? And who does she actually want to be?
With their signature humor, warmth, and insight, Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham have crafted another love letter to their younger selves and to readers everywhere, a reminder to us all that we are enough.
Why read this book
- Captivating story about the power of friendship.
- Encourages empathy and understanding among young readers.
- Illustrates valuable life lessons through engaging narratives.
- Perfect for developing early reading and social skills.
Discussion points
How did the characters in 'Friends Forever' show support for each other during difficult times?
What did you learn about friendship from this book?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like the characters in the story?
Why do you think friendship is important in the story and in real life?
How would you solve a disagreement with a friend, inspired by the characters' resolutions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by sharing a personal story about a time when a friend helped you, to help your child relate to the theme.
While discussing the book, show genuine interest in your child’s thoughts and feelings about the characters and their actions.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their life and the characters’ experiences to deepen their understanding.
After reading, consider role-playing a scenario from the book with your child to help reinforce the book’s messages.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and insights during your discussions to encourage ongoing engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: In 'Friends Forever,' the characters navigate the complexities of growing relationships, illustrating the ups and downs of friendships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture their friendships, understanding that disagreements are normal but can be resolved through communication and empathy.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The protagonist deals with self-doubt and insecurities, learning to accept their unique qualities by the end of the story.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace their individuality and fosters self-confidence in their personal growth and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Coping with change
Explanation: As characters in the book undergo transitions, such as changing schools or evolving friendships, they learn to adapt.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that change is a part of life and developing resilience can make these transitions smoother.
Example Lesson: Empathy for others
Explanation: The story showcases characters understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which strengthens their bonds.
Real-World Application: By recognizing emotions in others and showing kindness, children can improve their emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Characters in the book face various fears and learn the importance of confronting them with the support of friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of facing fears and the role of supportive friends in overcoming challenges.