How to Survive Middle School

A parent would reach for this book when their child is experiencing the intense anxiety of starting middle school, especially if that child feels like an outsider or uses technology and humor as a shield. It is a perfect choice for the student who is grieving the loss of a primary school friendship or struggling to find their 'tribe' in a sea of new faces and social pressures. The story follows David Greenberg, an aspiring YouTube star who navigates the complexities of sixth grade while dealing with a fractured home life. This book is developmentally spot-on for the 9 to 13 age range, normalizing the 'cringe' moments of puberty while providing a hopeful blueprint for staying true to oneself. Parents will appreciate the way it addresses social media literacy and the importance of finding a creative outlet to process difficult emotions.