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Wrong Friend
What 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
First published January 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 27, 2026
Wrong Friend proves to be an absolutely charming graphic novel about the complexity of middle grade friendships and how they shift and morph into things that people never expect. Harper did an excellent job capturing the intricate feelings that her namesake main character experiences with the loss of Casey. Even as Charise moves on to explore other friendships, Harper increases the depth of the experience by showcasing the difficulty Charise experiences mixing friend groups. All in all, while I wish that Harper would have provided some more insight to Casey's thinking, the graphic novel stayed true to the unexplained, sudden break up of a friendship. The shock, the denial, the pain, and the recovery were captured through Charise is something that a lot of middle grade readers will connect to. Rory Lucey did an excellent job with the art making the overall reading experience even more enjoyable.
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.
March 8, 2026
This felt too formulaic to be the emotional story about losing and finding friends that I wanted. We never got to sit with the character's experiences because the next chapter we were on to new potential friends. The storylines with the family members didn't have much heft to them and seemed shoehorned in. The art was kind of blah. The characters all had round, cartoony, inexpressive faces.
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!
March 6, 2026
This is a mostly sweet, slice-of-life look at a girl losing her older best friend when she stays in middle school and her friend goes to high school. She makes other friends but is hesitant to hang out with them together and doesn't think any of them are her best friends. She also doesn't seem to realize how many people like her as evidenced by all the signatures and photos in her yearbook. I liked how realistic this is can see a lot of tweens responding to the graphic novel as most kids go through the loss of at least one friend throughout their childhood.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In the Wrong Friend, readers are welcomed into the world of Charise, a eleven-year-old who has a best friend named Casey. In a short time, readers are shown why Casey and Charise are best friends. Despite being best friends, each girl is an individual with their own opinions and experiences. Sometimes those very opinions can be what pushes two friends apart when one is going through a rite of passage that the other may not be experiencing. Readers sit in confusing discomfort with Charise as she goes through the "friendship break-up" aftermath. As the book progresses, we see her realize friends can be found at home, at school, and in various other places.
In the backdrop of this book, Charise deals with changes in her home life that push her to learn a new language to communicate with a relative. Through her eyes we are able to identify with experiences that may differ or reflect situations that we've found ourselves dealing with. Foreign languages are used in the book but is immediately followed with translations.
This is an ode to friendship. It's about friends that come into our lives. Despite the duration of the friendship, they leave imprints on lives. Sometimes those friendships last for a long period of time and other times it's for the duration of an activity. Through no one fault, the friendship can wilt and waste away due neither person's fault. The characters are reliant on their parents to take them to after school practices, extracurricular performances, etc. The book is set during the 1970s when Earth shoes were trendy. Yet it could take place during any time period since friendship and its struggles are universal. Some of the friendships may seem fleeting and truncated, I think that is due to the nature of kid's sense of time versus a grown-up's. The book is told through chapters of what best friend would do, like "A Best Friend Says YES to Adventure" or "A Best Friend Fits All Parts of You". Adding nostalgia, some of the chapters mimic a yearbook layout with penned heartfelt messages in the margins.
This is a book that every reader will identify with no matter their age. Readers of A First Time for Everything, Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir, or Raina Telgemeier will enjoy this slice-of-life, realistic fiction. Those who read other Charise Mericle Harper's first novel Bad Sister will also appreciate this return to the Charise's home life. This book is definitely a must-read for all!
In the backdrop of this book, Charise deals with changes in her home life that push her to learn a new language to communicate with a relative. Through her eyes we are able to identify with experiences that may differ or reflect situations that we've found ourselves dealing with. Foreign languages are used in the book but is immediately followed with translations.
This is an ode to friendship. It's about friends that come into our lives. Despite the duration of the friendship, they leave imprints on lives. Sometimes those friendships last for a long period of time and other times it's for the duration of an activity. Through no one fault, the friendship can wilt and waste away due neither person's fault. The characters are reliant on their parents to take them to after school practices, extracurricular performances, etc. The book is set during the 1970s when Earth shoes were trendy. Yet it could take place during any time period since friendship and its struggles are universal. Some of the friendships may seem fleeting and truncated, I think that is due to the nature of kid's sense of time versus a grown-up's. The book is told through chapters of what best friend would do, like "A Best Friend Says YES to Adventure" or "A Best Friend Fits All Parts of You". Adding nostalgia, some of the chapters mimic a yearbook layout with penned heartfelt messages in the margins.
This is a book that every reader will identify with no matter their age. Readers of A First Time for Everything, Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir, or Raina Telgemeier will enjoy this slice-of-life, realistic fiction. Those who read other Charise Mericle Harper's first novel Bad Sister will also appreciate this return to the Charise's home life. This book is definitely a must-read for all!
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.
April 4, 2026
This is such a thoughtful and honest look at friendship, especially for middle grade readers.
I really liked how true this felt to the way kids navigate friendships. The worries about best friends, growing apart, making new friends, and not wanting to hurt anyone’s feelings are all handled in such a realistic and age-appropriate way.
The storytelling style is a bit unique, with some gaps between sections that readers need to infer, but I actually think that works really well for this age group. It invites kids to think more deeply about what’s happening and fill in those emotional moments themselves.
Charise is a very relatable character, and I can see so many readers seeing themselves in her as she tries to figure out where she fits when her longtime friendship starts to change.
A great pick for middle grade readers navigating friendships and all the emotions that come with them.
I really liked how true this felt to the way kids navigate friendships. The worries about best friends, growing apart, making new friends, and not wanting to hurt anyone’s feelings are all handled in such a realistic and age-appropriate way.
The storytelling style is a bit unique, with some gaps between sections that readers need to infer, but I actually think that works really well for this age group. It invites kids to think more deeply about what’s happening and fill in those emotional moments themselves.
Charise is a very relatable character, and I can see so many readers seeing themselves in her as she tries to figure out where she fits when her longtime friendship starts to change.
A great pick for middle grade readers navigating friendships and all the emotions that come with them.
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
March 13, 2026
Friendships end. Especially in school when there’s an age gap. Our main girl loses her best friend to high school and sets out to make a new one. But making friends is not easy. And how do you know who’s going to be the right friend. But then also can you have more than one best friend? These are the thoughts explored in Wrong Friend. This book does have an over arching story but starts more with what makes a friend, what separates out a best friend from an acquaintance friend. There’s also some strife when grams moves in and there are language barriers. This book was nice. I think there are other books that do this better but there are going to be plenty of kids who want to read this over and over again.
March 30, 2026
I found Charise to be very immature & not very likeable. I get she's only 11, but when Casey, her BFF of four years, seems to suddenly distance herself from her, you'd think they were lovers who had just broken up, it's all very dramatic. So then she tries to find her next BFF, & while she's fairly successful at meeting new people & making friends, she tends to ignore the friends she made before. And as much fun as she's having, no one seems to be able to replace Casey, which is really unfair to them & to Charise, who seems to latch on more to the idea of a new best friend rather than making a concerted effort to be a decent best friend for someone else. Overall a quick read that tween girls can enjoy & possibly relate to.
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.
January 20, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for the free Arc! This is a sweet and warm-hearted graphic novel that is great for upper elementary school kids about how it is great to have all different kinds of friends. The main character Charisse is sad that her former best friend who is two years older than her is moving on to high school and they are no longer friends. She is searching for a new best friend and along the way discovers all of the benefits to having multiple friends
March 6, 2026
I loved this. I don't think a lot of media has acknowledged how messy and fragile friendships can be in the period from middle school to high school. It also delves into when you like hanging out with someone, but they're not your best friend. The worst feeling is realizing you like someone way more than they like you.
In the short, this touches on compartmentalizing different friendships. A friend for school, a friend just to eat lunch with, etc.
In the short, this touches on compartmentalizing different friendships. A friend for school, a friend just to eat lunch with, etc.
March 17, 2026
Thank you to the publisher, First Second Books, for the finished copy to review!
I liked this little story. It is a great book for kids going through their first friend-break-up. I liked the layers it showed of Charise and how it impacted her thoughts, anxieties, and relationships. Overall, I just wanted the story to be a bit smoother, but I definitely could see middle grade aged kids loving it and the fun art style.
I liked this little story. It is a great book for kids going through their first friend-break-up. I liked the layers it showed of Charise and how it impacted her thoughts, anxieties, and relationships. Overall, I just wanted the story to be a bit smoother, but I definitely could see middle grade aged kids loving it and the fun art style.
March 24, 2026
2.5 stars, rounded up.
I expected a lot more from this. It started out well, but the story quickly lost focus, without the emotional intensity or thoughtful reflection present in so many other middle-grade graphic novels about friendship losses and challenging transitions. This is a totally clean, unobjectionable read that will appeal to middle school and elementary school students, but it doesn't stand out among similar titles.
I expected a lot more from this. It started out well, but the story quickly lost focus, without the emotional intensity or thoughtful reflection present in so many other middle-grade graphic novels about friendship losses and challenging transitions. This is a totally clean, unobjectionable read that will appeal to middle school and elementary school students, but it doesn't stand out among similar titles.
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.
April 10, 2026
In a semi-autobiographical graphic novel, Charise Harper looks at the complexities of friendship, being bilingual at home, having a grandparent move in, and figuring out what you are good at vs. what brings you joy. Not quite up to the level of Shannon Hale's Friends trilogy, but if you have a kid looking for something similar, this might fill the void.
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