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Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Joly Herman

Ned Bigby (Devon Werkheiser) is just a regular guy trying to survive junior high in NED'S DECLASSIFIED SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE. Confronted by challenges at every corner -- from a crazed science teacher to the bullies who threaten him -- Ned is always using his resources to get by. These resources include a great imagination, an upbeat attitude and a pair of friends -- Cookie (Dan Curtis Lee) and Moze (Lindsey Shaw) -- who back him no matter what. By giving "helpful" tips to his viewers, Nick attempts to help his audience cope with their own middle-school angst. Though some of the tips are diluted common sense, others might benefit kids who have to face some of Ned's situations.

Is It Any Good?

4

While tips like "express yourself and have fun" might not carry much punch in the real world, Ned's heart is in the right place. He's generally kind, positive, energetic, and supportive of his classmates. Some kids might find comfort in this show, since it conveys the idea that not everyone has to be perfect to be happy.

Plus, Ned brings an upbeat attitude to even the trickiest dilemmas. When the school principal insists on boring the student body with a talent show that sticks only to the classics, for example, Ned and his crew set up a "Talentpalooza" show in which everyone can participate. Situations like that cast Ned as a virtual seventh grade Ferris Bueller, whose only goal is to get through middle school unscathed -- and to help his viewers do the same.

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