I liked this book for 3 reasons. First, this book depicts middle school life from the point of view of a 6th grader.. The reading level for this book could be as low as 3rd or 4th grade and could interest students both preparing for middle school and already in middle school. The book highlights all of the major topics that are important to middle school girls. It also uses fun and young language that children can identify with using. For example, the author writes, “It was Addie Wilson and Jenny McAfee, BFF. Well, make that just one F.” Second, this book includes quizzes, recipes, and beauty tips from a website called that are engaging for students. It also includes “Middle School Rules” that are set apart from other text as they come up in the book, and all of this can be accessed on the real-life scholastic website related to this book series. Third, this book describes having a learning disability well, but doesn't make it the primary focus of the story. It explains certain things that students with learning disabilities may have to do such as working with a tutor, taking diagnostic tests, or receiving testing accommodations. There is an emphasis on the fact that the character with a learning disability “doesn’t feel dumb anymore” and that finding out and getting help made her feel smart and gave her confidence. Overall, the central message of this story is that it is important to have friends who will have your back no matter what.

I liked this book for 3 reasons. First, this book depicts middle school life from the point of view of a 6th grader, making the story relatable to students of about the same age. The reading level for this book could be as low as 3rd or 4th grade and could interest students both preparing for middle school and already in middle school. The book highlights all of the major topics that are important to middle school girls – who are popular, boys, friends, tests, and the school play. It also uses fun and young language that children can identify with using. For example, the author writes, “It was Addie Wilson and Jenny McAfee, BFF. Well, make that just one F.” Second, this book includes quizzes, recipes, and beauty tips from a website called “www.middleschoolsurvival.com” that are engaging for students. It also includes “Middle School Rules” that are set apart from other text as they come up in the book, and all of this can be accessed on the real-life scholastic website related to this book series. Third, this book describes having a learning disability well, but doesn't make it the primary focus of the story. It explains certain things that students with learning disabilities may have to do such as working with a tutor, taking diagnostic tests, or receiving testing accommodations. There is an emphasis on the fact that the character with a learning disability “doesn’t feel dumb anymore” and that finding out and getting help made her feel smart and gave her confidence. Overall, the central message of this story is that it is important to have friends who will have your back no matter what. ( )

Reviewed by Elly for TeensReadToo.com

When Jenny McAfee's friend is accused of cheating on a history test, she doesn't know what to do.

By using middleschoolsurvival.com's online quizzes, she learns more about herself and her friends. The answers to the quizzes give Jenny the courage she needs to survive middle school. Her friends have funny personalities and give her good advice and their opinions on how they would handle certain situations.

This is a good story about the rumors, hierarchy, and games that are played in middle school, and ways to end or avoid them. I suggest this book for anyone entering middle school who doesn't know what to expect. This book gives a pretty realistic setting of what actually happens and will help prepare you.

By reading this series, you will have the confidence you need to survive and be successful in middle school. ( )