Best Friends

By Hazel, Age 10

Best Friends by Shannon Hale and Leuyen Pham made me feel like I was finally seen. This book was written about Shannon’s childhood. She dealt with anxiety and felt like talking with her friends was a minefield. One wrong step and the friendship would blow up. She always tried to say the right thing so that she didn’t mess up her friendship with them. I feel the same way, sometimes. Like you’re going down a rollercoaster, but scarier. She had a group of friends, and if she messed it up, she’d lose all of them. I too have a group of friends, so if I mess it up, I’ll lose all my friends.

I also sometimes have anxiety about certain things like being late to school and getting stuff in on-time.

This book helped me realize that you can choose your own path, even if it means splitting up from your friends. Don’t be afraid to show your voice. Make yourself heard. Be heard and be proud of that. I was finally seen by reading this book.  Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself, even if it means you won’t be with the people you love hanging out with.