Bad Best Friend

Gr 5-7–Child star Wilson (Mrs. Doubtfire, Matilda) made her audiobook debut with her 2016 memoir; over the last couple years, she’s been steadily building her credits with thoughtful narrations centering young adult women. That she’s been open about her own mental health challenges adds nuanced layers to Vail’s excavation of middle school friendships and family dynamics. Niki and Ava have been inseparable BFFs since third grade; suddenly in eighth, Ava’s choosing the Squad over Niki. If school wasn’t complicated enough, home life is further unbalanced: “I make my parents laugh, and my brother makes them worry.” Fourth grader Danny is struggling, although their mother refuses to let him be labeled (an autism diagnosis is forthcoming). Wilson revels in the (melo)drama, especially facile in performing Niki’s bewilderment, Ava’s manipulations, the Squad’s affectations, and boy-next-door Milo’s unexpected kindness; she’s absolutely (snarkily) convincing as posturing, pretentious parents.