Middle School Madness

The time has come for the kids to head back to school. I remember always being filled with both excitement and dread during this time as a child. But one year, I felt nothing but dread—Eighth Grade.

Why? Well, I had been attending a K-8 school and expected to spend all my junior high years in the same place where I had spent most of my elementary days. Then, my father was transferred, and we had to move to a different state, which meant starting all over at a new junior high in eighth grade. Truly a nightmare for a 13-year-old.

How many of us can say we had a good time in middle school? There is something about grades 6-8 that is just, well, horrible. And this negative reputation is something many who are just entering junior high have already heard.

So, what should you do if your kid is feeling jittery about starting middle school? How about a graphic novel that tells stories about kids just like them? Here are some great titles you might want to recommend to your new junior high student:

• Nat Enough by Maria Scrivan: Natalie is navigating her first year in middle school with feelings of inadequacy, exacerbated by the fact that her best friend, Lily, is now ignoring her.
• ACT by Kayla Miller: Olive is beginning her sixth-grade year with great anticipation for new experiences, including field trips. But when she discovers that some kids can't participate, she decides to try to improve things.
• Middle School Misadventures by Jason Platt: The last thing Newell wants is to be in the talent show. However, since it’s the only way to avoid summer school, he’d better find a talent—fast!
• Four Eyes by Rex Ogle and Dave Valeza: A new year at a new school is challenging. It’s even more complicated when your best bud is now focused on trying to be cool rather than being your friend. But now Rex is facing an even bigger obstacle—glasses!
• New Kid by Jerry Craft: Jordan has to start all over at a prestigious private school instead of the art school he wants to attend. Even worse, he’s one of the few kids of color there.
• Fake Blood by Whitney Gardner: AJ is upset that he hasn’t been changing (let alone growing) as much as he wanted before starting sixth grade. He’s also convinced his crush, Nia, will never give him the time of day. So, when he finds out she’s obsessed with vampires, he pretends to be one—with unforeseen and hilarious consequences.

Many more great titles at MCPL can help ease the nerves of a new middle schooler. So come to your nearest branch and check out our collection of graphic novels for kids.

Pamela M.
Antioch Branch