(A version of this article first appeared in Kingston Neighbours magazine, September, 2023.)
Are you ready for it?
No, this article isn’t about Taylor Swift. But if you got my reference to one of her songs, you may have a middle schooler living in your home.
And trust me, no one is ready for that!
Last month’s article was about the momentous milestone of sending our kids off to kindergarten. Sending them off to middle school is no less momentous and possibly more emotional because … hormones! Suddenly we are on the receiving end of frequent tears and moans, rages and rolls. As in, eye rolls.
And that’s just before breakfast.
Welcome to middle school mayhem.
The middle school years — typically 12 – 14 years old — can be tough. As they enter puberty, kids become more attuned to complex emotions and social situations. It can be overwhelming, so even the most easy-going and confident youth can occasionally be moody, easily embarrassed and terribly offended. And while they want independence, they still need our guidance.
One of the most helpful, and least intrusive, ways to support our kids during this developmental phase is to offer books geared towards common concerns. Books about love, friendship, family, identity, sexuality, body image and mental health are particularly relevant during these stormy years.
Three of my favourite middle school authors are Terry Libenson, Jerry Craft and Gordon Korman. Here are some of their books which might strike a chord with your middle schoolers.
Jerry Craft
New Kid (graphic novel) – This 2020 Newbery medal winner touches on a couple of issues most middle schoolers can relate to: starting a new school and making new friends. However, it’s also about so much more. Jordan is a Black student and aspiring artist who receives financial aid to attend a prestigious private academy. On top of figuring out how middle school works, Jordan has to deal with covert microaggressions, overt racism, stereotypes, privilege and classism. It’s a LOT, but Craft tells Jordan’s story beautifully.
Bonus: there are now 2 follow-up books, Class Act and School Trip, that continue the story of Jordan and his friends.
Gordon Korman
Operation Do-Over – Coping with friendship breakups is a painful reality for many middle schoolers. Korman’s 99th book, Operation Do-Over, poignantly explores what happens when 17 year-old Mason gets a chance to return to his 12 year-old life to fix the mistakes that ended his friendship with his best friend, Tyrus. The intriguing, time-travel plot will prompt lots of reflection, particularly about regret.
Terry Libenson
Invisible Emmie (graphic novel) – The first book in the Emmie & Friends series aptly captures middle school awkwardness. Painfully shy Emmie and outgoing Katie are complete opposites, but one fateful day their paths collide after an embarrassing incident. All about self-acceptance and the desire to be seen, many middle schoolers will relate to this funny, heartfelt story with an unexpected ending.
So, if your family’s in the midst of middle school mayhem, like mine is, these authors may help you make sense of it all.
Until next month, happy reading!
Lisa's Book Corner 
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