Common Sense Media Review
By Terreece Clarke
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun middle school adventure perfect for reluctant readers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Max Crumbly has been homeschooled by his grandma forever. This is his first chance to go to a real school, and eighth grade has gotten off ot a rocky start, with Max facing a bully, throwing up in gym class, and being trapped in his locker for a three-day weekend. It only gets worse when Max discovers robbers are trying to steal the school's new computers. How will he get out of this mess?
Is It Any Good?
This book is an easy read about some funny and not-so-funny misadventures of an eighth-grader who's trying to find his way. He's more vulnerable than many male leads in children's literature, as he has panic attacks and asthma -- a nice touch by author Rachel Renee Russell. It's perfect for fans of the Dork Diaries and reluctant readers, and it ends on a cliffhanger, so readers will be eager to find out how Max's adventure ends.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how to deal with bullies. Do you have an adult you trust to help you navigate tough situations?
How do you think this book compares with books in the Dork Diaries series? How are they similar? How are they different? Do you think you'll stick with this series?
Max is desperately trying to find his identity, but sometimes he misses the things that are cool about him as he is. What are the favorite things you love about you?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Rachel Renee Russell
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : School ( Middle School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Aladdin
- Publication date : June 14, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 13
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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