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.

Genres: Middle Grade, Young Adult, Fiction, Audiobook, Humor, Childrens

256 pages, Hardcover

First published May 19, 2026

Reviews

[Spencer Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can tell the author tried his best.

[Amanda Shepard (Between-the-Shelves) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It feels like there aren't a lot of books published for this age group that feature boys in realistic, silly situations. I picked this one up because it was recommended for older fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and there's not a lot out there for kids growing out of that series but still want something funny with a dose of reality. This book was that. It felt realistic and grounded in the fact that the main character, Jensen, is apprehensive about starting high school and all the changes that come with it. The pranks that him and his friends get up to are entertaining, and I can see a lot of kids having fun with that premise.

This will be one I will definitely recommend at work! Thanks to LibroFM for the advanced listening copy.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet upper middle grade novel about bravery, friendship, and growing up. It was fun to be amongst a group of boys who seemed like real kids. The main character, Jensen, is obviously struggling with anxiety and change as he has his first crush and graduation nears. As a middle school teacher, I am always looking for kind and authentic portrayals of young teens, and this book fits the bill.

Overall, this book is sweet and wholesome (if a little silly) and I can think of a number of 6th and 7th grade boys at school who would devour it whole.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

[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.

[Chari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book highlighting boy friendships and the awkward transition from junior high to high school. Funny and poignant.