“If you’re like us, you probably have questions about friendships. Maybe you’re not sure if someone is a real friend or the other kind.”

So goes the story of Jack, Jen, Chris, Abby, Mateo, and Michelle—six students trying to figure it all out in middle school. Real Friends vs. the Other Kind, the second book in the Middle School Confidential series, follows these characters as they work to forge friendships while navigating tough social situations. The book offers insider information on making friends, resolving disputes, and dealing with other common middle school concerns—like gossip, exclusion, and cyberbullying. There’s also expert advice on crushes, peer pressure, and being there for friends who need help. Filled with character narratives, quizzes, quotes from real kids, tips, tools, and resources, this book is a timely and engaging survival guide for the middle school years.