Scan barcode
A review by thereadingcountess
The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle School by Ben H. Winters, Robin Epstein, David Borgenicht
3.0
Publisher's Summary: Homework, hormones, heartache...middle school has no shortage of perils. Never fear, the authors of the best-selling Worst-Case Scenario series return with a survival guide for those who are facing—or just about to face—this big transitional time in school and life. The handbook is packed with funny-but-useful tips for the trickiest situations that crop up in middle school, like taking charge of a too-busy homework schedule, dealing with a cold shoulder from a friend who has suddenly become just too cool, avoiding common e-mail and cell phone disasters, and more.
************************************************************************
I remember all too well the feeling of overwhelming fear and panic when I began junior high (in seventh, rather than in sixth grade due to a move). Already behind in the curve of middle school know-how, I felt unsure of myself and how to handle the various situations that kept bombarding me at every turn. Wanting to bridge that gap from elementary to junior high for the kids in my life, I am always on the lookout for titles that will speak to my readers and their changes.I ordered this advice book through Scholastic, thinking that it might prove to be helpful not only my student readers but my own son. My fifth grade students are headed to the middle part of their school career. "Oldest," the nickname he has been dubbed since he is one of three boys in our family, is currently maneuvering his way through the first (dare we say painful) year of junior high school. And so it was that I spotted the title and thought it timely.
The book is arranged to read swiftly since it is written for not only the newbie but the experienced junior high student in mind. Most every worry that Oldest had upon entering sixth grade is addressed: from possible social faux paux (being the shortest and steps to help the reader through a dance) to how to handle bullying and being popular. Written with a sense of humor but aimed at helping the pubescent crowd, this book will surely put to rest most of the fears that I hear whispered during recess. And if this particular survival handbook whets your appetite for more, never fear. Epstein's other survival series books should do the trick. Parenting and wedding survival look to be equally as informative and entertaining, although there is a wealth of other books ready for the picking.
Favorite passages:
"How to Survive the Locker-Room Change" (pgs. 32- 34)
"How to Survive Mean Girls" (pgs. 100-104)
There's no saying what turns a girl mean, though scientists have their theories.
*Theory #1 suggest that deep down, the girl is insecure and knows she's not as cool as she's pretending to be.
*Theory #2 proposes that a mean girl is like social spinach: She's been put here to make you stronger.
*Theory #3 states that she's mean because her jeans are too tight and they're cutting off the oxygen to her brain.
And my personal favorite since Oldest has this lingering issue:
How To Pack Your Backpack Without Cracking Your Back (pgs. 126-127)
*The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle School would make a great companion book for another book my girl readers and I read for a book club during lunch called Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf.
************************************************************************
I remember all too well the feeling of overwhelming fear and panic when I began junior high (in seventh, rather than in sixth grade due to a move). Already behind in the curve of middle school know-how, I felt unsure of myself and how to handle the various situations that kept bombarding me at every turn. Wanting to bridge that gap from elementary to junior high for the kids in my life, I am always on the lookout for titles that will speak to my readers and their changes.I ordered this advice book through Scholastic, thinking that it might prove to be helpful not only my student readers but my own son. My fifth grade students are headed to the middle part of their school career. "Oldest," the nickname he has been dubbed since he is one of three boys in our family, is currently maneuvering his way through the first (dare we say painful) year of junior high school. And so it was that I spotted the title and thought it timely.
The book is arranged to read swiftly since it is written for not only the newbie but the experienced junior high student in mind. Most every worry that Oldest had upon entering sixth grade is addressed: from possible social faux paux (being the shortest and steps to help the reader through a dance) to how to handle bullying and being popular. Written with a sense of humor but aimed at helping the pubescent crowd, this book will surely put to rest most of the fears that I hear whispered during recess. And if this particular survival handbook whets your appetite for more, never fear. Epstein's other survival series books should do the trick. Parenting and wedding survival look to be equally as informative and entertaining, although there is a wealth of other books ready for the picking.
Favorite passages:
"How to Survive the Locker-Room Change" (pgs. 32- 34)
"How to Survive Mean Girls" (pgs. 100-104)
There's no saying what turns a girl mean, though scientists have their theories.
*Theory #1 suggest that deep down, the girl is insecure and knows she's not as cool as she's pretending to be.
*Theory #2 proposes that a mean girl is like social spinach: She's been put here to make you stronger.
*Theory #3 states that she's mean because her jeans are too tight and they're cutting off the oxygen to her brain.
And my personal favorite since Oldest has this lingering issue:
How To Pack Your Backpack Without Cracking Your Back (pgs. 126-127)
*The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle School would make a great companion book for another book my girl readers and I read for a book club during lunch called Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf.