How to Survive Middle School

Review

Common Sense Media says

Funny middle-school survival story for boys and hamsters.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this coming-of-age story is set in middle school, so there are bullies, threats of violence, mild name-calling, and boys and girls who "like each other." Readers -- even reluctant readers -- will quickly work through this book; they will find it easy to identify with endearing David and his
middle school anxiety. 

  • Educational value2
    Good choice for reluctant readers, especially tween and teen boys. David's experience becoming a YouTube sensation could lead inspired parents to discuss their rules for viral videos.
  • Positive messages3
    David faces loneliness but is resilient in this coming-of-age story, thanks in large part to his supportive friends and family.
  • Positive role models3
    Readers will find it easy to identify with endearing David and his middle school anxiety. The main adults are engaging and supportive, as they help David navigate through the harried time that is middle school.  
  • Violence2
    There's a fight at school, threats of violence, and stories of bullies hurting kids.
  • Sex1
    The majority of the relationships are simple middle school boy-girl "in like" relationships. There are several adults who have engaged in adultery and left their families for others.
  • Language1
    Mild name-calling, such as "moron" and "jerk."
  • Consumerism1
    The main character wants to have his own show like Jon Stewart, so celebrities are mentioned as he does mock interviews.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
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What's the story?

David Greenberg has a lot going on. His mom took off a few years ago to live on a farm somewhere, his dad is distant, his best friend has suddenly turned into an enemy, and he's found a great friend in a...girl! Other things on David's top 6 1/2 list -- survive middle school and become famous like his idol Jon Stewart. When David's new friend Sophie tells her homeschool network about his videos Talk Time, which also star his pet hamster, they go viral and a few people he never thought would see his videos are now watching them on YouTube. Can he survive middle school and local stardom?

Is it any good?

 

This is a delightful, funny, and insightful book. Main character David is a middle-school boy who is completely endearing, and readers will easily identify with him and his middle school anxiety. Gephart's book continues a great trend in children's literature, looking at a boy's view of middle school and the issues they face. There are great spots of laugh out loud humor, including tidbits on smelly armpits, zit forecasts, and top 6 1/2 lists.

One thing kids can take away from the novel is David's commitment to his passion. The other thing: be careful what you put online. Kids will really enjoy David's ups and downs, and the novel is wonderful for reluctant readers.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about books for middle grade boys. How is this book similar to/ different from Wimpy Kid books? Do you think the success of Wimpy Kid proves that there's a need for more books for middle school boys?  

  • Parents might want to discuss the YouTube videos that David creates -- and check in with their own kids about their behavior. Do you watch YouTube or make your own videos? What's fun about them -- and how can they be dangerous? Common Sense Media has some tips for good ground-rules.

This review was written by Terreece Clarke
Kid, 11 years old
April 11, 2011
AGE
9
 
Good Book
Great book, I LOVE Hammy but at one part it gets super sad :-(
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Helped me decide (14) | Had useful details (18) | Read my mind (12)
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Kid, 11 years old
November 20, 2011
AGE
11
 
n0000000000000000
Was this review useful?
Helped me decide (8) | Had useful details (7) | Read my mind (10)
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This review was written by Terreece Clarke
Author:Donna Gephart
Book type:Fiction
Genre:School
Publisher:Delacorte Press
Publication date:April 13, 2010
Number of pages:256
Hardcover price:$15.99
Publisher's recommended age(s):8 - 12
This review was written by Terreece Clarke
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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