The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle School

Homework, hormones, heartache...middle school has no shortage of perils. Never fear, the authors of the best-selling Worst-Case Scenario series return with a survival guide for those who are facing—or just about to face—this big transitional time in school and life. The handbook is packed with funny-but-useful tips for the trickiest situations that crop up in middle school, like taking charge of a too-busy homework schedule, dealing with a cold shoulder from a friend who has suddenly become just too cool, avoiding common e-mail and cell phone disasters, and more.

Children's Literature

Middle school. Probably, it is the hardest two or three years of a child's schooling. It is the age when kids begin to break free from their parents and struggle to find themselves. They also struggle with grades, friends, bullying, locker rooms, dating, and a myriad of other challenges. Readers, do not worry. The authors of this book are here to help. Like the title implies, the book is a series of tips about surviving middle school. The topics range from how to handle the mountains of homework, to how to stay out of a fight, to how to pass time in detention. The tone is conversational and friendly. The illustrations are humorous without making fun of the text. And the advice is pretty good, too. Typically, books of this genre tend to be preachy and encourage kids to do the exact things that they are trying to avoid. This book is different. The advice these authors offer is practical and realistic, if not always what the experts might say. For example, under the topic "How to Survive a Bully," the authors do not advise kids to tell an adult right away, but to try to have a poker face and get out of the situation as quickly as possible. They do encourage an anonymous note or email to the school, but they realize that obviously telling on a bully might make the situation worse. Overall, the message is one of positivity. They encourage kids to be who they are and to do what is right. They just make that message sound real. Reviewer: Heather Robertson Mason

David Borgenicht is a writer, editor, publisher, and co-author of all the books in the Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook