Friend Group - by Lisa Greenwald (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

From the author of TBH and The Friendship List, Lisa Greenwald, comes a new series about the drama of middle school--and the group chat.

Sadie and Olive have never been part of their class's popular friend group. Those girls--Pella, Annabelle, Cleo, and The Other Sadie--seem like creatures from another planet. They wear the trendiest clothes, have the best hair, flirt with the cutest boys, and speak their own language. By comparison, Sadie and Olive are invisible . . . until Sadie is accidentally added to the popular girls' group chat. Armed with an inside perspective, Sadie sets out to join the friend group--IRL--before they figure out that they've got the wrong Sadie.

Review Quotes

Books written in text message are a major trend with tweens and early teens, and Greenwald has delivered a story composed partially in this format that not only serves up all the drama but is also written so closely to a contemporary middle school voice and experience that it's uncanny. VERDICT A much-needed addition to middle school realistic fiction collections, written in a pitch-perfect tone for the drama of the middle years. - School Library Journal

The chapters switch between Sadie's first-person narration and text exchanges. Sadie navigates the familiar highs and lows of middle school, including a crush, awkward self-doubt, and friendship drama. Her perspective, thoughtfully juxtaposed with the group chat, show that personal struggles are universal. A sincere friendship story full of heartache, growth, and self-discovery. - Kirkus Reviews

After she is accidentally added to her classmates' private group chat, an enterprising seventh grader plots her way into their crew in this frothy comedy from Greenwald (The Summer of the Fortune Tellers). Via Sadie's humorously self-centered narration, peppered with perceptive text conversations, Greenwald showcases an expert command for tween parlance and respect for tween preoccupations, coalescing into a meandering, slice-of-life offering. - Publishers Weekly

Alternating between traditional narration and text chains familiar to fans of Greenwald's TBH series, the plot covers well-worn but relevant territory, including friendship dynamics, belonging, crushes, and the dreaded struggle to find a lunch table. The characters read as authentically messy and accurately reflect the seventh grade setting. Highly relatable for readers experiencing changes in their own social circle. - Booklist

Praise for TBH, This Is So Awkward: "Get ready to fall in love with these girls who use their humor and wit (and lots and lots of emojis) to right wrongs and build bridges." - ALA Booklist

"In this fine successor to Lauren Myracle's TTYL and its sequels, Greenwald (11 Before 12) realistically captures the language of texting tweens, including exuberant use of emoji, and how mistakes can be made and tone misunderstood amid rapid-fire digital conversations." - Publishers Weekly

"Greenwald successfully blends emojis and text to bring the high drama and emotional changes of middle school to life. This first in a new series for preteens and young teens who value friendship and doing the right thing is pretty endearing." - Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Fortune Tellers: "Greenwald sensitively captures the social dynamics of middle school, where popularity can take precedence over friendship. Tears and cheers abound in this endearing take on friendship." - Kirkus Reviews

"A realistic look at situations everyday kids might have to live with, and a sweet story about perspective and making things right with people, as well as finding ways to use your creativity and interests for the good of a community." - Booklist

Praise for Summer of the Fortune Tellers: "A delightful and engaging read that captures the essence of youthful summer adventures and the magic of friendship. Greenwald's writing style is straightforward and easy to read. Readers are quickly immersed. The book centers girlhood and female friendships, but its themes of bonding, summer fun, and personal growth are universal and can be enjoyed by all. VERDICT A heartwarming and entertaining read that celebrates the joys of summer, the magic of childhood, and the enduring bonds of friendship; a great addition to any children's or school library." - School Library Journal

Praise for Absolutely, Positively Natty: "Readers . . . will commiserate with her pain and root for her all the way." - Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Dear Friends: "Through her first-person narration, readers feel up close and personal with all Leni's emotions: the pain, the humor, and the shock. It's the rare individual who can take such an awkward, glorious deep dive, and readers will be grateful to go through everything with Leni as their guide. Uplifting." - Kirkus Reviews

"Readers will be amused by the different friend categories Len comes up with, and her dedication to her mission. VERDICT Middle schoolers trying to navigate ever-shifting relationships will relate to this sweet story. Recommended for juvenile realistic fiction collections." - School Library Journal

"A deep and charming dive into the oh-so-familiar feelings of lost and found friendships. PS Who wouldn't want Eleni as their bff?" - Terri Libenson, New York Times bestselling author of the Emmie & Friends series