Totally Middle School
Tales of Friends, Family, and Fitting In
Ebook
Published on Aug 7, 2018 | 192 Pages
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Grades 4–7
Ages 9–12
From literary masterminds Lois Lowry, Gary D. Schmidt, Linda Sue Park, Katherine Paterson, Karen Cushman, Gregory Maguire, and more comes a timeless and inspirational anthology about the sometimes-challenging, always-rewarding coming-of-age years: middle school.
With eleven short stories told in text messages, emails, formal letters, stories in verse, and even a mini graphic novel, Totally Middle School tackles a range of important subjects, from peer pressure, family issues, and cultural barriers to the unexpected saving grace of music, art, friendship, and reading.
Brimming with heart and humor, these poignant stories from bestselling and award-winning authors shine a light on the moments when everything is thrilling and terrifying at the same time—in a way it will never be again.
"Groban brings together literary powerhouses including Lois Lowry, Katherine Paterson, Linda Sue Park, Karen Cushman, Gary D. Schmidt, Gregory Maguire, and more. Each selection is followed by a short biography about the author, with interesting tidbits about their lives. Stories swing from heartrending to heartwarming. VERDICT: Readers will “totally” relate to the issues and perspectives presented in this well-curated collection.” — School Library Journal
"The collection, ’dedicated to middle schoolers everywhere’ (’This, too, shall pass’), deals honestly and sensitively with this volatile time. — Publishers Weekly
"In 11 stories, Groban has compiled a collection for the 12-year-old in all of us from beloved authors such as Karen Cushman, David Wiesner, Margarita Engle, and Lois Lowry. In this ode to middle school, in all of its difficult and awkward glory, readers will get a glimpse into the adolescences of a diverse cast of characters with varying experiences, helping them see the world through someone else’s eyes.” — Kirkus Reviews
"The overall quality of the writing is quite good, and the stories are surprisingly varied in theme, tone, and point of view. With its hallway-locker-themed jacket, this book is an inviting choice for kids entering middle school and a good way of discovering writers they might enjoy." — Booklist
ISBN 9781524772222 (Ebook)
Published on Aug 7, 2018
Published by Delacorte Press
Pages 192
Age Range 9-12 years
Grade Grades 4-7
Reading Level Lexile: 760L | Fountas/Pinnell: Y
Totally Middle School
9 Cedar Circle
Cedar Harbor, Maine 04993
May 19, 2017
Ms. Margaret Metcalf
John Glenn Middle School
Cedar Harbor, Maine 04993
Dear Ms. Metcalf:
I have just been informed that you are to be my English teacher when I enter Middle School next year.
As you can see, we learned in English this past year how to write a Business Letter. This is a Business Letter.
I understand that our class will be reading To Kill a Mockingbird in the fall semester. I don’t mind reading the book but I thought I would let you know that I have seen the movie two times. Boo Radley is my favorite character because he is badly misunderstood. I myself am often misunderstood so I know what that is like. I was badly misunderstood last December at a family gathering and I feel it may have affected my entire personality although I doubt I will become a recluse like Boo. For one thing, no one is going to leave me a house where I can live in seclusion, except possibly a rich uncle, but it is unlikely.
I am looking forward to Middle School and I hope that we will establish a satisfactory relationship next year. This is my Closing Paragraph and in it I am supposed to request some kind of action. I would like to request that you pay careful attention to the other letter I am going to write to you. It will be a Friendly Letter.
Yours truly,
Katherine Metcalf Anderson
Student
