What do you think?
Rate this book
Wrong Friend
Not yet published
Expected 20 Jan 26What happens when your BFF is no longer forever?
A fresh and honest graphic novel about friendships lost and found.
Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier!
Charise and Casey have been best friends for years. It never mattered that Casey was older by two years—until she started high school. Now, the two barely talk, and Charise is on a mission to get a new best friend. But can she find that perfect person while navigating long-distance friendships, guinea pig allergies, and the embarrassing quirks of her family?
A fresh and honest graphic novel about friendships lost and found.
Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier!
Charise and Casey have been best friends for years. It never mattered that Casey was older by two years—until she started high school. Now, the two barely talk, and Charise is on a mission to get a new best friend. But can she find that perfect person while navigating long-distance friendships, guinea pig allergies, and the embarrassing quirks of her family?
256 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 20, 2026
60 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 5, 2025
Netgally ARC
publishes January 2026
I could relate to so much of this and saw many parallels to my daughters friend groups growing up as well. When my best friend moved away in late elementary school I never did find another best friend outside of my sister (in adulthood) and my husband but rather had wonderful friend groups that I still enjoy today.
publishes January 2026
I could relate to so much of this and saw many parallels to my daughters friend groups growing up as well. When my best friend moved away in late elementary school I never did find another best friend outside of my sister (in adulthood) and my husband but rather had wonderful friend groups that I still enjoy today.
August 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐ - I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was so cute! I absolutely loved Charise and her never-give-up attitude. I do wish we had gotten to see what happened to Casey, and I can’t believe she did that to Charise. I guess she thought that she was “too cool” for her anymore because she was in high school. I also love that this book shows that sometimes people outgrow friendships and that it’s totally okay not to have a best friend, but multiple good friends. And Mémé is so sweet!! I definitely recommend reading this book!
This was so cute! I absolutely loved Charise and her never-give-up attitude. I do wish we had gotten to see what happened to Casey, and I can’t believe she did that to Charise. I guess she thought that she was “too cool” for her anymore because she was in high school. I also love that this book shows that sometimes people outgrow friendships and that it’s totally okay not to have a best friend, but multiple good friends. And Mémé is so sweet!! I definitely recommend reading this book!
July 20, 2025
E ARC provided by Netgalley
This semi-autobiographical graphic novel by the author of Bad Sister is once again set in the 1970s. Charise's best friend, Casey, lives next door to her in Vancouver, British Columbia, and the two spend lots of time together. When Casey starts high school while Charise is still in 8th grade, Casey completely ignores her former best friend, going as far as not even acknowledging her presence if they meet on the street! This makes middle school even harder. Charise is a talented clarinet player, so she now has more time to practice. She knows she needs to make new friends, but it has been so long since she has had to do this that she feels out of practice. To complicate matters, her grandmother who doesn't speak English has moved from France to live with Charise's family. Charise actively searches out people with whom she might be friends, but doesn't come up with the perfect person. As much as she likes her school librarian, Mrs. Lee, adults don't make good best friends. Paul's parents are no longer friends with her parents, making thins tough. She gets a long with Nicole, but she lives three hours away. She likes the same books as Susan (I recognized the 1970s cover for L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time), but when Susan invites Charise to her house, Charise ends up being VERY allergice to Susan's hamster! Charise doesn't like to invite people to her house, since she is embarrassed by the laundry hanging outside, bargain snacks, and her grandmother. When she makes the Pacifi-Tones ensemble, she meets Eva from school, and the two spend lots of time together. Charise is reluctant to let Susan and Eva hang out together, perhaps afraid that the two will want to be friends with each other and exclude her. Will Charise ever be able to find the right balance to have another best friend?
Strengths: Friend drama is a tremendously popular topic, especially in graphic novels. Even though Charise was definitely struggling with finding a comfortable friendship, this book was much more upbeat and less whiny than most graphic novels. Even though the friendship was the biggest part of this book, I really enjoyed the family dynamics as well, and Charise's developing relationship with her grandmother. The drawings indicate that the book is set in the 1970s, but it seems fairly universal, with only a few other touch points dating this to a different time (K.C. and the Sunshine Band's Shake Your Booty plays at one time). There's a touch of sibling rivalry, some good activities, and a feeling of forward motion as the book goes on, which many books lack. I'll definitely purchase this one, if only for the great illustrations of plaid pants!
Weaknesses: It seemed a bit odd that Charise didn't want more than one best friend and that she kept Susan and Eva apart. It would have been nice to have a little more information about that. As a survival mechanism, it's better to have as many friends as possible in middle school because you just don't know when someone will stop speaking to you!
What I really think: Comparisions to the graphic novels of Telgemaier, Hale, and Miller are apt, but this will also be a big hit with readers who enjoyed Montague's Camp Frenemies or Beka and Maya's Love Report books.
This semi-autobiographical graphic novel by the author of Bad Sister is once again set in the 1970s. Charise's best friend, Casey, lives next door to her in Vancouver, British Columbia, and the two spend lots of time together. When Casey starts high school while Charise is still in 8th grade, Casey completely ignores her former best friend, going as far as not even acknowledging her presence if they meet on the street! This makes middle school even harder. Charise is a talented clarinet player, so she now has more time to practice. She knows she needs to make new friends, but it has been so long since she has had to do this that she feels out of practice. To complicate matters, her grandmother who doesn't speak English has moved from France to live with Charise's family. Charise actively searches out people with whom she might be friends, but doesn't come up with the perfect person. As much as she likes her school librarian, Mrs. Lee, adults don't make good best friends. Paul's parents are no longer friends with her parents, making thins tough. She gets a long with Nicole, but she lives three hours away. She likes the same books as Susan (I recognized the 1970s cover for L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time), but when Susan invites Charise to her house, Charise ends up being VERY allergice to Susan's hamster! Charise doesn't like to invite people to her house, since she is embarrassed by the laundry hanging outside, bargain snacks, and her grandmother. When she makes the Pacifi-Tones ensemble, she meets Eva from school, and the two spend lots of time together. Charise is reluctant to let Susan and Eva hang out together, perhaps afraid that the two will want to be friends with each other and exclude her. Will Charise ever be able to find the right balance to have another best friend?
Strengths: Friend drama is a tremendously popular topic, especially in graphic novels. Even though Charise was definitely struggling with finding a comfortable friendship, this book was much more upbeat and less whiny than most graphic novels. Even though the friendship was the biggest part of this book, I really enjoyed the family dynamics as well, and Charise's developing relationship with her grandmother. The drawings indicate that the book is set in the 1970s, but it seems fairly universal, with only a few other touch points dating this to a different time (K.C. and the Sunshine Band's Shake Your Booty plays at one time). There's a touch of sibling rivalry, some good activities, and a feeling of forward motion as the book goes on, which many books lack. I'll definitely purchase this one, if only for the great illustrations of plaid pants!
Weaknesses: It seemed a bit odd that Charise didn't want more than one best friend and that she kept Susan and Eva apart. It would have been nice to have a little more information about that. As a survival mechanism, it's better to have as many friends as possible in middle school because you just don't know when someone will stop speaking to you!
What I really think: Comparisions to the graphic novels of Telgemaier, Hale, and Miller are apt, but this will also be a big hit with readers who enjoyed Montague's Camp Frenemies or Beka and Maya's Love Report books.
July 21, 2025
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
Wrong Friend is about more than just the end of a friendship, it is about how to navigate the often difficult process of making new friends. I think the most important message I would want younger readers to take from this book is that it is okay to have more than one friend and to have friends across different social groups. It's clear from the yearbook pages interspersed throughout the book that Charise learns this lesson well. She initially believes she has to find just one new best friend, but ultimately comes to realize she can have multiple friends with also open up doors to meeting people she might never had. Charise's biggest issue in this story is that she started with just one friend with whom she spent all of her time so when that friend went away she was left with no one she considered to be her friend. Had she cultivated more friendships with more people in her classes she would not have been hit so hard when her closest friendship ended. On that note, Casey is a pretty crappy friend to just ghost Charise the way she does. The only part of the story that did not completely work for me was the side plot involving Charise's grandmother coming to live with her. I kind of understood why it was included, but really could have been a completely separate story on its own.
Wrong Friend is about more than just the end of a friendship, it is about how to navigate the often difficult process of making new friends. I think the most important message I would want younger readers to take from this book is that it is okay to have more than one friend and to have friends across different social groups. It's clear from the yearbook pages interspersed throughout the book that Charise learns this lesson well. She initially believes she has to find just one new best friend, but ultimately comes to realize she can have multiple friends with also open up doors to meeting people she might never had. Charise's biggest issue in this story is that she started with just one friend with whom she spent all of her time so when that friend went away she was left with no one she considered to be her friend. Had she cultivated more friendships with more people in her classes she would not have been hit so hard when her closest friendship ended. On that note, Casey is a pretty crappy friend to just ghost Charise the way she does. The only part of the story that did not completely work for me was the side plot involving Charise's grandmother coming to live with her. I kind of understood why it was included, but really could have been a completely separate story on its own.
June 29, 2025
One of the issues that is tackled in a lot of middle grade novels is about friendship. Often it is about friends growing apart, and what you do with that. In this story, the friendship is quite strong…until it isn’t.
Charise and Casey met on the playground, and became best friends. But when Casey, who is older than Charise, goes off to high school, not only do they not remain friends, but Casey ignores her former friend, as though she didn’t exist at all, walking past her on the sidewalk,as though there is no one there.
Charise needs a new friend, but it has been years since she has had to make new friends. She studies those around her, and thinks that is must be if you wear the right shoes, so hang out at the right places, or have the same interests.
As she tries each theory out, some work, some don’t. It is a cute sort of study on how friendships work. And very realistic to boot.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out on the 20th of January 2026.
Charise and Casey met on the playground, and became best friends. But when Casey, who is older than Charise, goes off to high school, not only do they not remain friends, but Casey ignores her former friend, as though she didn’t exist at all, walking past her on the sidewalk,as though there is no one there.
Charise needs a new friend, but it has been years since she has had to make new friends. She studies those around her, and thinks that is must be if you wear the right shoes, so hang out at the right places, or have the same interests.
As she tries each theory out, some work, some don’t. It is a cute sort of study on how friendships work. And very realistic to boot.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out on the 20th of January 2026.
December 6, 2025
ARC review
Format - graphic novel
Thanks so much to NetGalley, First Second Books and Fierce Reads for the gifted copy.
As a reading coach for middle grade children (and the parent of one), this story about finding our way through changing friendship dynamics as a tween really resonated. Charise and Casey have been best friends for years until suddenly…. They’re not. Casey abandons Charise with no explanation and Charise is left to make her way on her own.
Each chapter opens with a signed yearbook page featuring messages from characters that will appear in the chapter; this was really well done and emphasizes who Charise has so many more connections than she realized. I also adored the growing relationship with her French speaking grandmother. Meme serves as an excellent foil and role model.
The illustrations were reminiscent of an old Archie comic. It definitely fit with the time period and vibes of the story, but I’m not sure it would work for a middle grade audience when kids are so used to the latest and greatest.
Format - graphic novel
Thanks so much to NetGalley, First Second Books and Fierce Reads for the gifted copy.
As a reading coach for middle grade children (and the parent of one), this story about finding our way through changing friendship dynamics as a tween really resonated. Charise and Casey have been best friends for years until suddenly…. They’re not. Casey abandons Charise with no explanation and Charise is left to make her way on her own.
Each chapter opens with a signed yearbook page featuring messages from characters that will appear in the chapter; this was really well done and emphasizes who Charise has so many more connections than she realized. I also adored the growing relationship with her French speaking grandmother. Meme serves as an excellent foil and role model.
The illustrations were reminiscent of an old Archie comic. It definitely fit with the time period and vibes of the story, but I’m not sure it would work for a middle grade audience when kids are so used to the latest and greatest.
July 2, 2025
What happens when your best friend starts to drift—and you’re left behind?
Charise and Casey used to be inseparable, but high school has a way of changing everything. Now Charise is stuck figuring out middle school, friendship fallouts, and how to find her people… all while dodging guinea pig allergies and family weirdness. 🐹💔
This graphic novel is honest, relatable, and quietly powerful. It captures that in-between feeling when you're growing up and your friendships are growing away from you. The art is expressive, the story is full of heart, and the awkward moments? Spot. On.
✨ For fans of Raina Telgemeier and Kayla Miller
💬 Navigating middle school, shifting friendships & self-worth
🧸 Charming, bittersweet, and totally relatable
📚 Great for ages 8–12
Not a five-star for me, but a really solid, thoughtful read—perfect for kids going through friendship changes and learning it’s okay to outgrow people.
Charise and Casey used to be inseparable, but high school has a way of changing everything. Now Charise is stuck figuring out middle school, friendship fallouts, and how to find her people… all while dodging guinea pig allergies and family weirdness. 🐹💔
This graphic novel is honest, relatable, and quietly powerful. It captures that in-between feeling when you're growing up and your friendships are growing away from you. The art is expressive, the story is full of heart, and the awkward moments? Spot. On.
✨ For fans of Raina Telgemeier and Kayla Miller
💬 Navigating middle school, shifting friendships & self-worth
🧸 Charming, bittersweet, and totally relatable
📚 Great for ages 8–12
Not a five-star for me, but a really solid, thoughtful read—perfect for kids going through friendship changes and learning it’s okay to outgrow people.
July 25, 2025
Wrong Friend is a quiet, poignant coming-of-age story about the ache of drifting apart and the grace of growing through it. Set in 1970s Vancouver, Charise Mericle Harper captures the emotional tangle of losing a best friend—not to cruelty, but to change—and learning to navigate the Inbetweens. With spare, sharp narration and Rory Lucey’s warm, expressive art, it unpacks friendship, loneliness, and identity with understated grace.
What makes the story quietly powerful is its gentle reminder that friendship isn’t a zero-sum game. It's okay to have friends in different circles, to mourn what’s lost while also making space for new connections. True companionship may arrive in unexpected forms—like a grandmother who offers steady, unconditional support. Harper shows us that people aren’t replacements, but originals—and there’s comfort in finding each one's unique place in your life.
What makes the story quietly powerful is its gentle reminder that friendship isn’t a zero-sum game. It's okay to have friends in different circles, to mourn what’s lost while also making space for new connections. True companionship may arrive in unexpected forms—like a grandmother who offers steady, unconditional support. Harper shows us that people aren’t replacements, but originals—and there’s comfort in finding each one's unique place in your life.
August 4, 2025
There is nothing more relatable than friend drama in middle school. It feels like this world ending, visceral tension that shatters you. After her best friend bailed on her with zero warning, Charise goes on a journey of friendship grief, self acceptance, and healing as she acquires new friends. There's a lot of necessary self reflection in her arc, contemplating what friendship means to her and what she wants out of it for herself going forward. After her first major friend breakup, Charise's trust issues and social perception are all in a disarray so Charise's fluctuating behaviors feel realistic, especially for her age. The subplot with her French grandma was so lovely, as well. A stellar art design and color palette effectively convey the crushing, overwhelming whirlwind Charise experiences.
Thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for the arc!
Thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for the arc!
September 5, 2025
Wrong Friend by Charise Mericle Harper is a thoughtful graphic novel about the challenges of changing friendships. Charise and her best friend Casey have always been close, but once Casey starts high school, she begins to pull away. At the same time, Charise is starting middle school and facing the tricky task of figuring out new social rules, finding her place, and dealing with the feeling of being left behind. Many readers will recognize themselves in Charise’s struggles and emotions.
The story does try to tackle a lot at once, so at times it feels like it jumps around a bit. Still, the colorful illustrations and expressive artwork keep the story engaging, and kids will be drawn to the graphic novel format. This book works well for readers who enjoy realistic stories about friendship and change, especially those navigating the transition into middle school.
The story does try to tackle a lot at once, so at times it feels like it jumps around a bit. Still, the colorful illustrations and expressive artwork keep the story engaging, and kids will be drawn to the graphic novel format. This book works well for readers who enjoy realistic stories about friendship and change, especially those navigating the transition into middle school.
November 16, 2025
Heartfelt and sweet! I liked the pacing of this story a lot; We see enough about the former best friendship to understand the loss of it, with ample time given to the ups and downs of navigating new connections. Additionally, the narrative of Charise's French grandmother moving in with her family added another layer to the story that allowed for more reflection outside of school activities. From fashion to music there are fun 1970s details sprinkled throughout, but the main points are relatable no matter what time period it takes place in. Aside from the plot, the art style will also appeal to fans of Reina Telgemeier and Vera Brosgol stories. There were some surprisingly beautiful moments in the illustrations as well, where use of color and shadows (the light of a sunset coming through a window) really set the tone for how Charise is feeling.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Charise Mericle Harper pens another graphic novel about her childhood, "Wrong Friend." Charise and Casey have been friends for a long time, but once Casey gets to high school she ghosts her. Charise then spends the rest of the graphic novel scrambling to figure out what went wrong, and the frustrating realization that sometimes a friend can just leave you behind for no reason at all. Along the way she makes new sort-of friends that don't quite replace Casey but give her an insight into her growing maturity.
Returning "Bad Sister" illustrator Lucey does a marvelous job of bringing Harper's words alive, and the expressions slighted feelings really carry the graphic novel. Many times the unspoken things are displayed in the distance and wordless panels. Likewise, the exaggerated expressions like when Charise is doomspiraling or her explaining things to her French grandmother convey a liveliness of childhood that would keep reluctant readers invested.
Another good portrayal of interpersonal drama, much like Hale's "Real Friends" trilogy, and Miller's "Click" series.
Returning "Bad Sister" illustrator Lucey does a marvelous job of bringing Harper's words alive, and the expressions slighted feelings really carry the graphic novel. Many times the unspoken things are displayed in the distance and wordless panels. Likewise, the exaggerated expressions like when Charise is doomspiraling or her explaining things to her French grandmother convey a liveliness of childhood that would keep reluctant readers invested.
Another good portrayal of interpersonal drama, much like Hale's "Real Friends" trilogy, and Miller's "Click" series.
August 15, 2025
not bad. it was ok, but kind of confusing sometimes. it was strange that friends kept drifting in and out.
i really aprectied that in this book, the main character and the broken off friend didn't get back together.
it's really refreshing to have a book where it's ok to not be friends anymore.
i also really liked that she ended up to being ok with not having a "best" friend.
i do wish there was more with her first best friend, before they got broke up.
or even just making it more of a big thing. like saying "this changed" and "i missed her constantly" or something like that.
i wish we could have found out what happened to casey.
but overall very good and enjoyable.
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for letting me read it in advance!
i really aprectied that in this book, the main character and the broken off friend didn't get back together.
it's really refreshing to have a book where it's ok to not be friends anymore.
i also really liked that she ended up to being ok with not having a "best" friend.
i do wish there was more with her first best friend, before they got broke up.
or even just making it more of a big thing. like saying "this changed" and "i missed her constantly" or something like that.
i wish we could have found out what happened to casey.
but overall very good and enjoyable.
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for letting me read it in advance!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book 346 of 350 ~ 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Where was this when I was in primary school and secondary school? When I went through something similar and lost my best friend and it was all just so awkward.
Fortunately, I can now reflect and read this without a heavy heart as I have found my place in life with true friends.
I received a complimentary copy of the ebook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book346of350 #amreading #netgalley tbrpile instareads readstagram reading bookreview bookreviewer booklover booksAreLife booksForTheWin booknerds thisbookfairyisreading bookstagram bookstagrammer bookstagramfeature bookshelf booksofinstagram bookish bookworm goodreads booklovers bookaddict theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads bookaholic bookchallenge2025 reviews lovebooks
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Where was this when I was in primary school and secondary school? When I went through something similar and lost my best friend and it was all just so awkward.
Fortunately, I can now reflect and read this without a heavy heart as I have found my place in life with true friends.
I received a complimentary copy of the ebook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book346of350 #amreading #netgalley tbrpile instareads readstagram reading bookreview bookreviewer booklover booksAreLife booksForTheWin booknerds thisbookfairyisreading bookstagram bookstagrammer bookstagramfeature bookshelf booksofinstagram bookish bookworm goodreads booklovers bookaddict theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads bookaholic bookchallenge2025 reviews lovebooks
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC courtesy of NetGalley.
A realistic graphic novel that's perfect for readers who can't get enough of this super popular genre and format of middle grade books. I loved its exploration of how we try on friends when we're in that weird in between friends period; it felt relatable even for an adult reader. I would've appreciated having it be more directly stated that it's the 70s when this takes place, I think that would be helpful for readers in understanding Charise's world when they start reading. I loved the French dialogue in the story too!
A realistic graphic novel that's perfect for readers who can't get enough of this super popular genre and format of middle grade books. I loved its exploration of how we try on friends when we're in that weird in between friends period; it felt relatable even for an adult reader. I would've appreciated having it be more directly stated that it's the 70s when this takes place, I think that would be helpful for readers in understanding Charise's world when they start reading. I loved the French dialogue in the story too!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There's a reason middle grade novels about friendships growing apart or ending are so popular. The topic is at the top of many readers' minds. This book explores that common theme in a good way. While this book may not break new ground, it is sure to be popular with the many readers of Raina Telgemeier, Shannon Hale, or other contemporary realistic fiction readers.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Charise and her neighbor Casey have always been best friends but when Casey starts high school, her friendship with the younger Charise ends. Charise is sad and spends the year trying to find a new best friend. The book explores friendship through the eyes of a character who thinks you can only really have one friend at a time. The 1970s Vancouver, British Columbia setting might be a bit off-putting to some. ARC courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley.
September 1, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
Pro:
-cute artwork
-good message
-Sandy the cat!
Meh:
-I was able to figure out that this takes place in the 1970s, but kids today will need that spelled out for them.
-Charise is a hard character to like, but her actions make sense, and she does show growth by the end of the story.
Pro:
-cute artwork
-good message
-Sandy the cat!
Meh:
-I was able to figure out that this takes place in the 1970s, but kids today will need that spelled out for them.
-Charise is a hard character to like, but her actions make sense, and she does show growth by the end of the story.
September 3, 2025
This is a sweet middle grade graphic novel about shifting friendships. Charise and Casey were best friends for four years and spent most of their time together. They lived just a couple houses apart, so every day after school they would play together. Their best friend status was solid. However, their two year age difference suddenly became a big one when Casey started high school, leaving Charise behind. Charise is bereft over the sudden loss of this important friendship and does her best to avoid running into Casey at all, but it’s hard because they live so close together.
Throughout the book, Charise struggles to find her way. She’s navigating her feelings of abandonment from Casey, but also trying to figure out how to start up a brand new friendship after years of just maintaining one. I think this book will really resonate with the middle school crowd. It will be a read alike to Real Friends by Shannon Hale and even the Raina Telgemeier books!
Thanks to First Second Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
4/5 stars
Pub date: Jan 19, 2026
Throughout the book, Charise struggles to find her way. She’s navigating her feelings of abandonment from Casey, but also trying to figure out how to start up a brand new friendship after years of just maintaining one. I think this book will really resonate with the middle school crowd. It will be a read alike to Real Friends by Shannon Hale and even the Raina Telgemeier books!
Thanks to First Second Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
4/5 stars
Pub date: Jan 19, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a sweet middle grade graphic novel! I think kids and adults will be able to find pieces of themselves in Charise and her family. The art was fun and the different characters were easy to distinguish. Thank you NetGalley and First Second Books for the e-ARC.
September 7, 2025
"Very true." -Cadee, age 13
October 30, 2025
Kids who like stories about changing friendships like the Shannon Hale, Raina Telgemeier, or Gale Galligan books will enjoy this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Charise is a middle schooler whose BFF Casey is two years older and about to enter high school. Unfortunately, Casey no longer feels the need to include Charise in her life and outright rudely ignores Charise. Their 2-year age difference now seems to be a huge chasm between them. Charise has no recourse but to direct her attentions to making new friends. She does this rather easily as she discovers some peers have some commonalities with her. The only issue is that Charise does not seem able to integrate her newfound friends together – she can only single-thread them. She might have Eva as her BFF for a while then turns her sights to Susan when the wind changes in her favor. I wasn’t sure if this was purposeful or if Charise hadn’t developed the appropriate friendship skills to encompass all her friends together since Casey was her sole attention for many years.
I did enjoy the story however I felt some longing towards the end of the story. I felt like it ended rather abruptly and left me hanging. I’m going to assume that this is to indicate that this will be a series with a subsequent story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
I did enjoy the story however I felt some longing towards the end of the story. I felt like it ended rather abruptly and left me hanging. I’m going to assume that this is to indicate that this will be a series with a subsequent story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
August 20, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this to read and review.
I have been in the mood for graphic novels, and finding cute middle grade books for my nieces and nephews.
This book was a cute way to let kids know that sometimes friendships grow apart, and that you don't need just one best friend when you can also have a lot of really good friends.
I also really liked the parts with the French grandma and our main character maybe realizing that her grandma could be her best friend too.
I have been in the mood for graphic novels, and finding cute middle grade books for my nieces and nephews.
This book was a cute way to let kids know that sometimes friendships grow apart, and that you don't need just one best friend when you can also have a lot of really good friends.
I also really liked the parts with the French grandma and our main character maybe realizing that her grandma could be her best friend too.
September 17, 2025
The Wrong Friend is pure middle school vibes. It transported me back to my own middle school years and caused me to reflect on a few "wrong friends" of my own. Graphic novel readers will ask for more like this one.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews