Best Friends

"Author Shannon Hale narrates as a full cast enacts the drama of her sixth-grade year in this adaptation of the middle volume of her graphic memoir trilogy. Portraying young Shannon, Mia Jenness evokes excitement, uncertainty, and hurt--painfully and exquisitely--as she picks her way through a friendship minefield."- AudioFile (Earphones Award Winner)

"...a stellar full cast presents a wonderfully immersive production, augmented with 1980s music, and background sound effects. The result is a sensational rollercoaster ride epitomizing the ups and downs of middle school relationships..."- School Library Journal

"A talented group of voice actors play Shannon's friends, rivals, crushes, teachers, and family members. Young actor Mia Jenness especially excels as the young Shannon. Captivating, skillfully mixed sound effects fill the air throughout, giving the scenes set on playgrounds and in schoolrooms an immersive feel."- Booklist

This program includes captivating sound design, music, and a multicast narration with twelve voice actors including the author, her husband, and her children. It also includes a bonus conversation between the author and her sixth-grade daughters reflecting on their shared experiences.

A national and New York Times Bestseller!

The creators of Real Friends Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham are back with a true story about popularity, first crushes, and finding your own path in Best Friends.

Follow your heart. Find your people.

Sixth grade is supposed to be perfect. Shannon’s got a sure spot in the in-crowd called The Group, and her best friend is their leader, Jen, the most popular girl in school.

But the rules are always changing, and Shannon has to scramble to keep up. She never knows which TV shows are cool, what songs to listen to, and who she’s allowed to talk to. Who makes these rules, anyway? And does Shannon have to follow them?

A School Library Journal Best Book of 2019
A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book of 2019
A National Public Radio (NPR) Best Book of 2019
One of NBC Today's 26 Best Kids' Books of 2019
2020 Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year List

A Macmillan Audio production from Roaring Brook Press.