Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Friendship troubles in funny, touching tween superhero tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
BEST FRIENDS FOR NEVER finds Katie and her best friend Beth at the very awkward start of a new school year. Beth's been away at summer camp, and has come back with new friends, new interests, and even a boyfriend! Katie also made new friends over the summer and spent her time working on her skateboarding skills and taking care of her neighbor Madeline's many, many cats. Now, hanging out with Beth just doesn't feel the same, and Katie's not sure they can ever get back to where their friendship was before. Meanwhile, Madeline's superhero alter ego, Mousetress, is being blamed for destructive acts of vandalism throughout the city. Katie knows Madeline's innocent, but Madeline seems uninterested in clearing her name. Or doing much of anything besides baking these days. How can Katie prove that someone else is behind the latest evil doings?
Is It Any Good?
This second in a colorful graphic novel series continues the fun, humor, and warmth established in the first book. Reluctant readers will relate to Katie navigating a changing friendship as well as her eagerness to learn, be, and do more. Superheroes and villains who inhabit Best Friends for Never add a good dose of wit and humor, while the well-developed characters are easy to relate to and very grounded in the here and now. And readers who enjoyed the crime-fighting cat antics and beyond-belief skill sets will be glad to see that they're back and as adorably hilarious as ever.
Heartfelt issues like changing friendships, developing at different rates, and recovery from trauma are handled sensitively, without being heavy handed. The engaging, dynamic artwork and colorful palette help draw the reader into the story. The ending is satisfying, but leaves the door open for further adventures.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about role models in Best Friends for Never. What are Katie's character strengths and weaknesses? Which characters do you like or admire, and why?
Why are graphic novels so popular? What do we love about them?
Did you read the first book in the series? If you did, which book do you like better, and why? If you didn't, would you like to read it now?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Stephanie Yue
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Superheroes , Animals , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Random House Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : February 15, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 224
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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