This Could All Go Bad

by Spencer Hall

It's no secret that Jensen Chapman is a coward. He's scared of skateboarding down Clay's Mill Hill, dodgeball day in gym class, talking to his crush Leslie Chen, starting high school…just to name a few things. But on the night before his eighth-grade graduation, that's all about to change.

When Jensen's two best friends, Maleek and Cooper, recruit him to compete against a group of girls (including Leslie Chen herself) in a series of dares, Jensen knows it's now or face his fears once and for all, or face a life of wimp-hood forever. The boys set out on an epic journey that includes faulty skateboards, internet-famous ferrets, frat bros, and a stolen golf cart. But when Jensen finds out that Maleek and Cooper have been keeping a huge secret from him, he'll need every scrap of his newfound bravery to save their friendship.

256 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication May 19, 2026

Reviews

[Danae Mckain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed to receive this book as an ARC from NetGalley and I’m so thankful I did because this book was wonderful.

The themes of overcoming anxiety and friendship throughout were done so well. I also appreciated that the main characters were a group of boys and it helped normalize how all kids have anxiety and struggle with things - but talking about it helps.

I’ll definitely be buying this when it comes out and encouraging a few of my students to read it.

[Nathan Bartos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great younger YA book about an anxious teen boy graduating 8th grade and facing a night of dares with his closest friends. It's heartwarming and reminded me a lot of how scary and unknown everything felt. It's also a very funny book with some great writing. I'll absolutely be recommending this to younger teens.

[Spencer Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can tell the author tried his best.