Wrong Friend
Growing up is hard. Changes are hard. Especially in the middle grades, right before high school. I can’t imagine how much harder it 
must be now, with the internet, smart phones and social media. Even without any of that, I remember how awkward and unsure I was.
Charisse must be about my age and have grown up in the 70s. The clothing, references, and houses look very 70s. (The boom box and “Shake your booty” on page 236 gave it away.) Maybe that’s why she reminds me of me back then. My junior high school was packed with kids, I only had about three friends, and I was also obsessed with everything. It was hard for me to make friends too. I also broke the rule about going off campus and skipped a period to go to the 7-11. I was also obsessed about getting actual Candie’s shoes. (Google it) (Too expensive, but my mom bought me knock-offs at Zayre’s) I also changed best friends about then—I didn’t have so dramatic a falling out with the one I had grown up with, but we hung out less and less as she got more and more involved in things I didn’t do. Just like Charisse, I felt grouchy and hurt.
I remember how up-and-down the early teens are—how I was so sure NO ONE ELSE EVER FELT LIKE THIS. It’s a tough time for any young woman. You’re not sure you’re good enough, you don’t like your skin or your teeth or your whatever. Then the next day, things are good. Things are changing fast. Charisse can talk to her mom, though, and her brother and her mémé – if only in halting French in her mémé’s case. Charisse has a lot to be thankful about. Negotiating changing friendships is a difficult thing sometimes, and sometimes you don’t want to talk to anyone about it. This book can help middle-schoolers and early teens to not feel like they’re so alone. It’s helpful to know that feeling awkward and trying different things to see if they fit is normal. It’s also normal to think that something is going to last forever. It’s telling that Charisse fears running into her ex-bestie through the whole book, but when she does, it’s not really a thing. She’s moved on.
The artwork is brightly colored and sharp, and the panels are varied in size to break the story into different sections. This helps give the reader a break during some emotional parts. It also slows the pacing, which is perfectly executed. I reviewed the digital copy, so can’t speak to the printing or binding. The book is 262 pages, plus whatever is added to the print edition. Harper has also written “So Embarrassing—Awkward Moments and how to get through them”, which would be a natural partner to this book. Recommended for any middle school library.
Wrong Friend
By Charisse Mericle Harper
Art by Rory Lucey
Macmillan First Second, 2026
ISBN: 9781250851970
NFNT Age Recommendation: Middle Grade (7-11)
