'There's nothing like being with friends. But 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. Speaking of which, a few weeks ago a kid from Chris' old school showed up...' So continues the journey of Jack, Jen, Chris, Abby, Mateo, and Michelle - six students just trying to figure it all out in middle school. "Real Friends vs. the Other Kind" 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. This book focuses on common social, school, and family concerns. It presents high-interest graphic-novel-style illustrations that appeal to both boys and girls. Character-driven book blends fiction and non-fiction. It features student quotes that appear throughout the book, offering real-world advice. Insider tools provide straightforward tips.