“ My Teacher doesn’t like me. That’s why she gave me a D.”

“Middle school is TOO HARD. I can’t do it.”

” All the (books, teachers, kids, whatever) here are dumb. I liked my old school better.”

Well, ladies and gentlemen, this year I have a solution for you. Success in Middle School: a Transition Road Map by Carol Carter (LifeBound Books) is a great book to guide kids through the terrifying, tumultuous path know as grades 6-8.

This book was sent to me by the publisher for review, and I have to say I was highly impressed. Success in Middle School takes the mystery out of this transition by explaining what to expect in plain English.  The author goes over logistical basics, like schedules, teacher expectations, and organizing all those notes, and explains social issues (there is nothing on the planet more complicated or traumatic than friendship dynamics at this age). She also goes over important aspects of maturing into a scholar, like taking risks, looking for talents, and taking responsibility for yourself in a way that is accessible to these already overwhelmed kids. The book is woven through with personal narratives from kids who have survived middle school (particularly valuable because, of course, none of us grown ups understand).

I’ll be adding this book to our school library, and will be encouraging students to take a look. Ideas on how to work with that teacher? Covered: chapter 2. How can you make friends? Got it: chapter 3. Is throwing that water balloon at lunch really such a great idea? Chapter 8–that’s the one on taking appropriate risks.

Other LifeBound resources for kids about managing school, being a scholar, and growing up:

Gifts and Talents for Teenagers: Discovering Your Unique Strengths by Carol Carter

People Smarts for Teenagers: Becoming Emotionally Intelligent by Carol Carter

This is a cute picture book I always wind up reading to some poor kid (there’s been a few teachers too) during testing season. Testing Ms. Malarkey tells the story of a regular old school and regular old kids, who go a little nuts as they approach testing. Kids have to eat only  brain-friendly fish in the cafe, parents give out worksheets with bedtime stores, Teachers cut in front of the Nurse’s line,  and a Principal becomes more than adamant about No 2 pencils. This is one story one we can all laugh over together.

There has been much discussion in our district about where boundaries are between middle school and high school fiction. It’s true; these are grey areas. Kids generally want to read about characters who are  older and more mature then they are; this is what makes it so thrilling and exciting! But there’s a huge difference between what a 12 year old understands about the world and what a 15 year old understands. Sure, Breaking Dawn may be extremely high interest, but can a sixth grader reasonably handle the “marital relations?”

On the other hand, can words on a page really hurt them, anyway? 

There are even more variables at work. Each site is different, as well. I know my kids are WAY grown up when it comes to things like gang affiliation, teen pregnancy, and drug use (a sad reality, but it’s true). Hate to say it, but Misty of Chincoteague is not so relevant to their experience. Many other school librarians completely disagree with me, and are determined to present a spotless, sanitized reading collection for their students. 

 So, I am pretty liberal with my approvals, and finding three in a row that failed to make it past my review card is unusual. Here are some of the things I keep in mind when deciding what is OK for middle school readers;

1. Bad language is not a deal-breaker. I know there are plenty of librarians who would yank a book if even one swear word was found. Like it or not, that is, in fact, the way kids talk to one another. I hear it every day, and if you’re anywhere near a public school, so do you. If the dialogue in a book is not realistic, then it’s not believable, and that makes it an inferior book. Now, I am NOT advocating that all books should have swearing included, or that there’s something wrong with the book if it does not, but many of the novels I approve focus on developing these characters in a way kids will understand, mirroring the modern child’s own experience. A quality novel can stand to have a few bad words. 
2. Drug use is also not a deal breaker. I actually feel very strongly about this one. Drugs are a big issue in today’s youth, and “Just Say No” only goes so far. Kids should be able to read realistic depictions of what happens when drug addiction becomes a part of someone’s life. In almost every case I’ve seen, the drug use is followed by some realizations that it was a bad choice, and the conflict become getting past it. On another very depressing note, many of our kids have family members and parents who may abuse drugs, and are struggling to understand the consequences. I think it’s important for that experience to be acknowledged
3. Sex, however, is another story. This one is the toughest one for me. I am not one of these who believes that not one of my eighth graders could possibly know anything about sex, but there is a developmental thing in play here. Kids perceive romantic or sexual feelings very differently depending on their physical and emotional maturity. When I read about any sexual issue in a book, it’s all about how it is presented. Are the characters experimenting, wondering about things, etc, or are they completely OK and open with having sex. Do they discuss it like grown-ups, or like kids? 
4. That’s the key issue: Context. You have to consider the appropriateness of how the appears in the book; this remains the basis of any rejection or approval. 

A few disclaimers: Long Beach has a very thorough review procedure (as well as a good complaint procedure), so none of this is ever just one person’s opinion anyway. I can argue my case all I want, but unless two other middle school librarians agree with me, I’m outta luck. 

Just because a book is OK’d, it does not mean every library or every reader should have it. That’s why we’re considered experts. Librarians should evaluate the needs of their own students. If I don’t think a kid can handle a certain book, I will re-direct them. (But whatever you do, do not tell them it’s because the book is “too mature for them.” There is no faster way to get that kid to decide they absolutely MUST read it).

Last thing: if you are a parent reading this, please know that you are the only one who can utimately determine if something OK for your child. Likewise, you cannot decide that something is not OK for everyone else’s child. We have a very wide variety of books avable for a very wide variety of readers; I am confident we can find books that aligns with your family’s expectations.

  Juice.  A well told story about what happens when the game gets out of control. The new coach has big plans for the high school football team, including beefing   up the players with illegal steroids. When the drug use is discovered,  who will   be brave enough to stand up and tell the truth?

  Grind. Got kids who are into skateboarding? This one is for them! Three friends gain tons of attention posting video of their best tricks on the web. As the pressure is on do post more daring stunts, one of the boys is badly injured.  They must take a look at the risks they are willing to take in the name of having fun.

Keep in mind: not all of the books in this series are created equal. A few others I read I wasn’t so crazy about for the middle school audience. I encourage all librarians to read (it’s a 4th grade reading level. . .at least scan!) the books they are giving to students.

And I can’t entirely blame them. These kids are picky readers partly because that’s the nature of a middle school student, but also because in too many school libraries there are, in fact, no good books. Those same libraries also run sadly short of any helpful Librarian able to produce something more interesting than Little Women (a classic, yes, but hardly high interest). Here are some of my secret weapons (I have personally read them all: guaranteed no snoozers) that have brought even the pickiest teenager to ask, “Hey, do you have another book like this?”

Peak by Roland Smith. This was a blind-faith pick out of the Scholastic catalog, but it’s a great book. From the opening scene, where Peak gets nabbed by the US Air Force climbing to the top of a NYC skyscraper, the action keeps right on going as Peak and his shady father attempt to climb mount Everest. Not everyone makes it to the top!

Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick. For the kid who isn’t so into dragons, wizzards,  or vampire love stories,  this story will make ‘em cry. Steven is a normal teenager, until his annoying younger brother is diagnosed with Leukemia and his family falls apart. A wonderful book that will peirce even the toughest teen ‘tude.

Percy Jackson and The Olympians Series by Rick Riordan (begins with the Lightning Thief).  Percy Jackson gets a huge surprise, he is a direct descendant from the ancient Greek Gods, and retains echos of  their powers.  He and a band of other similarly-powered kids take ‘em all on! Great characters all around. This book comes with the glowing recomendation from Bret in 6th grade: “This is the best book ever!”

Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson (Begins with The Angel Experiment). This one is fun for grown-ups as well as kids. Max and her friends are genetic experiments, and are on the run after busting out of a research facility. I always tell kids: “Come talk to me after you get to the restaurant scene. You won’t believe it.” And you really won’t.