Middle School: The Real Deal: From Cafeteria Food to Combination Locks FROM THE PUBLISHER
From cliques to class schedules, first jobs to foreign language, cafeteria food to combination locks, it's all here in Middle School: The Real Deal. The accessible, no-nonsense information will appeal to parents and teachers, but the cooler-than-cool design and interactive quizzes will make this a must-have for kids about to take the middle school plunge.
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature
This is a fantastic, user-friendly manual for any student about to leave behind the safe walls of elementary school in exchange for the sometimes frightening ones of middle school. From clothing to classes to cliques to crushes, to new peer and parent relationships, the authors take readers on a tour of the issues that concern typical middle school students. The authors speak to the adjustments that students will have to make in their changing and challenging environment and offer to-the-point advice about how to assess situations, make smart decisions and respond to social and academic pressures in a manner that befits students' growing maturity. The authors' overall concern is with building self-esteem and encouraging readers to make choices that reflect their individuality and are self-respecting. The book itself respects its readers. The authors are conversational in tone and use jargon that will be familiar to teens. The design of the book, with its colorful pages, varied type, multiple quizzes and lists, and short sections also engages its readers. This guide should be on any teen's must-read list. 2001, HarperTrophy, $7.95. Ages 11 to 15. Reviewer:Michele Gable
VOYA
Remember what it was like to be a middle or high school student for the first time? The two helpful books reviewed here are designed to assist nervous middle school students and new high school freshmen preparing for the transitions to new school environments. Both include interesting text with clip art, jagged typefaces, various shades of purple and blue, and eye-catching illustrations. New middle school students are given advice about living through the first day of school, handling the changing classroom schedule after being in a single elementary classroom, the benefits of extracurricular activities, making and keeping friends, and how to get along with parents. The book also includes a few quizzes, such as "Discover Your Sports Style," "Do You Make Friends Easily?" and "Are You Ready to Rule at Middle School?" The high school book describes the differences between middle and high school, gives advice for surviving the first days, and responds to typical myths about high school, such as the one that upperclassmen hate freshmen. It also provides practical advice about studying and academics, extracurricular activities, and handling stress. In a section about high school social scenes, students are counseled about dealing with prejudice and harassment from other students. Both books are well organized, and the funky format will keep the interest of even the most reluctant reader. The quizzes are similar to those found in teen magazines. The high school book also will appeal to upperclassmen because it includes useful information about working, planning for after high school, and getting along with peers, teachers, and parents. Parents might appreciate these books if they have teensentering middle or high school. Librarians also can read them to learn about the middle school or high school scene today, and young adult librarians in particular might consult them for planning programs geared for helping future middle and high school students. Illus. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P M J (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2001, HarperTrophy, 144p, $7.95 Trade pb. Ages 12 to 15. Reviewer: Sheila B. Anderson SOURCE: VOYA, August 2001 (Vol. 24, No. 3)
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