Step into the vibrant, emoji-packed world of the TBH series, where middle school drama, friendship, and texting take center stage! Written by Lisa Greenwald, this middle-grade graphic novel series follows best friends Cecily, Gabby, and Prianka as they navigate the ups and downs of adolescence in a modern, tech-savvy world. With its unique text-message format and relatable characters, TBH captures the heart of young readers and anyone who’s ever survived sixth grade.
Perfect for fans of Dork Diaries and Invisible Emmie, TBH blends humor, heart, and heaps of emojis to tell stories that resonate with tweens. Whether it’s dealing with crushes, cyberbullying, or the pressure to fit in, this series is a love letter to friendship and growing up in the digital age.
How TBH Began
Lisa Greenwald, a New York-based author with a knack for crafting authentic tween voices, launched the TBH series in 2018. Inspired by the way kids communicate today, she chose a bold format: stories told entirely through text messages, emails, and passed notes. Greenwald’s goal was to mirror the fast-paced, emoji-heavy world of middle schoolers, making TBH feel like a peek into a group chat. Her background in writing realistic fiction, including the Pink & Green series, helped her create characters that feel like real BFFs.
The series, published by Katherine Tegen Books, quickly gained traction for its fresh style and relatable themes. Greenwald’s own experiences as a mom and former middle schooler fueled her storytelling, ensuring TBH captured the chaos and joy of adolescence.
The Heart of TBH
The TBH series spans eight books, each diving into the lives of Cecily, Gabby, and Prianka—aka CPG4Eva—as they tackle middle school challenges. In TBH, This Is So Awkward (2018), the trio faces a bullying scandal when a hurtful text about new girl Victoria goes viral, forcing them to confront their actions. TBH, This May Be TMI (2018) follows Cecily’s quest to make a mark beyond emojis, while her friends obsess over crushes. TBH, Too Much Drama (2019) brings Spirit Week chaos and a viral meme that tests their bond. The final book, TBH, No One Can EVER Know (2021), explores the bittersweet reality of growing apart as Gabby faces a move to Texas.
TBH’s themes center on friendship, identity, and the impact of technology. The text-message format, laced with abbreviations like “TBH” (to be honest) and “TMI” (too much information), mirrors how kids talk, making it immersive. Stories tackle real issues—cyberbullying, peer pressure, and self-esteem—while keeping the tone light and hopeful. Set in a typical middle school, the series feels universal, with characters juggling school events, crushes, and parental spy apps.
Greenwald’s use of emojis and slang adds flair, but it’s the emotional depth that shines. Whether it’s Cece leading an anti-bullying event or Prianka helping a struggling classmate, TBH shows kids navigating tough moments with heart and humor.
Why TBH Resonates
The TBH series has carved a niche in middle-grade fiction by speaking directly to tech-savvy tweens. Its innovative format hooks reluctant readers, while its focus on friendship and personal growth earns praise from parents and educators. Critics, including Kirkus Reviews, call it “endearing” for blending humor with lessons about empathy and accountability. Fans love the series’ authenticity, often citing how CPG4Eva feels like their own friend group.
TBH’s impact lies in its ability to make serious topics accessible. By addressing cyberbullying and inclusivity through a fun lens, it sparks conversations among young readers. Its lasting appeal comes from Greenwald’s knack for capturing the messy, magical essence of middle school, ensuring TBH remains a go-to for kids navigating their own dramas.
- About TBH
- Publication Years: 2018–2021
- Number of Books: 8
- Target Age: 8–12
- Genre: Middle-grade graphic novels, realistic fiction
Ready to dive into the group chat? Grab TBH, This Is So Awkward and join Cecily, Gabby, and Prianka’s hilarious, heartfelt journey through middle school!