Book review - The 47 People You Meet in Middle School

Title: The 47 People You'll Meet in Middle School
Author: Kristin Mahoney
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: Hundred Percent by Karen Romano Young
                      The Encyclopedia of Me by Karen Rivers
Rating:

very readable

Summary (provided by publisher): Dear Louie,
You've been asking and asking about what middle school is like, but I just thought they were annoying-younger-sister questions. Even though I am almost done with my first year, I can still remember when I thought middle school was a mystery, so I'll try to give you a leg up. I know middle school is a lot to figure out. But since I still haven't worked it all out yet, I'm happy to help as much as I can. That's what big sisters are for.
Love, Gus
Discover the ins and outs of middle school in this guide from an older sister to her younger sister. From tackling a new building to meeting new people like the assistant principal, the class pet, the Huggers, the renegade, the tomato kid, your old best friend's new best friend, this is a must-read for everyone starting middle school.

My opinion: More than any other stage in life, middle school seems to mark a turning point for most kids. Middle school is when they try on new personalities, when some turn mean and others loose their nerve. There is no shortage of books that explore the complex nature of relationships in the middle school years. It can be hard for an individual book to distinguish itself. Mahoney presents us with a strong effort here. The format is unique, presented as a list while still maintaining a linear narrative. The personal and school relationships are interwoven well. The issues associated with the divorce mix with the issues Gus experiences at school. A solid read for young readers, especially those struggling with the middle school transition.

More information: The 47 People You'll Meet in Middle School releases August 6.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.