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This Could All Go Bad
One night can change everything in this hilarious and heartfelt novel perfect for young teens about to start high school. Perfect for former fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
It's no secret that Jensen Chapman is a coward (though he prefers the term 'risk averse'). He's scared of dodgeball day in gym class, intimidated by his older sister (she's weirdly strong, alright?), nervous around his crush Leslie Chen, and freaked out about 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, show up to kidnap him (OK, recruit him) to compete against a group of girls-including Leslie Chen herself-in a series of escalating dares, Jensen knows it's now or face his fears once and for all, or face a life of spinelessness forever. The boys set out on an epic race against the clock that includes faulty skateboards, internet-famous ferrets, 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.
It's no secret that Jensen Chapman is a coward (though he prefers the term 'risk averse'). He's scared of dodgeball day in gym class, intimidated by his older sister (she's weirdly strong, alright?), nervous around his crush Leslie Chen, and freaked out about 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, show up to kidnap him (OK, recruit him) to compete against a group of girls-including Leslie Chen herself-in a series of escalating dares, Jensen knows it's now or face his fears once and for all, or face a life of spinelessness forever. The boys set out on an epic race against the clock that includes faulty skateboards, internet-famous ferrets, 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.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
You can tell the author tried his best.
June 20, 2026
What a great read! These middle school shenanigans will keep you laughing, and the ending will leave your heart a mess. This book is written in the perfect voice for middle schoolers, especially boys! If you are a middle school teacher, there is one book you should purchase for the fall, and this is it! You might even want to buy multiple copies!
June 13, 2026
I picked up this book from a recommendation in a summer reading guide, and I’m so glad I die. This book is hilarious and full of hijinks, and so heartwarming, especially in the final chapters. If you’re looking for a book that middle school boys will enjoy, this is it! Or anyone with a middle school sense of humor :)
August 29, 2026
This one was funny from the start - the first chapter would be great to read aloud to middle schoolers. I loved how the anxiety this graduating 8th grader was feeling seemed (to me) to be just jitters and what ANY adolescent would feel. As it was revealed how his friends cared for him, I could see that his anxiety affected his entire life. It was well done. Lots of adolescents would enjoy and appreciate this book.
June 13, 2026
Such an accurate portrayal of what it’s like to experience anxiety, the way the author described the main character’s “Dread Spirals” felt like it would be extremely relatable for many young people I know. I loved the friendship between the characters and the plot set-up of “one crazy night” is so good. I was a little frustrated with the pacing in the beginning, but the scenes in the convenience store, high school and Priya’s house from the last half of the book made up for it for sure!
June 13, 2026
Public Library Copy
Jensen Chapman isn't looking forward to his 8th grade graduation, mainly because he managed to get a black eye in dodgeball right in front of his crush, Leslie Chen. When his two best friends, Cooper and Maleek, show up at his window in the middle of the night on the day before the ceremony, he thinks that they have taken leave of their senses when they want him to sneak out with them. Maleek has an ongoing dare challenge going on with Priya, and announces that the boys have four hours to complete three dares to finally end the competition. Jensen is frequently worried about things, getting sucked into Doom Spirals, and his friends know this. They have always been supportive, but Jensen worries that they will tire of him when they start Groveland High School, but it's when he finds out that Leslie working on Priya's dates with her that he agrees to take part. Perhaps he can redeem himself a little bit, and maybe even work on his plan to talk to her, since they seemed to connect while seatmates on a school trip. The first dare is to ride a skateboard down Clay's Mill Hill, and after much internal struggle, Jensen throws caution to the wind and kneepads on his legs and takes off down the hill. He barely survives when the front truck comes loose, but Leslie sends a virtual fist bump, which bouys his spirits. Jensen is worried when the group stops and picks up a "rando" friend of Maleek's from soccer, Hugo. Hugo has a broken leg, but this doesn't stop the group from roping a wagon behind a bike and taking off. The second challenge is to free a caged animal, which the boys manage to do in the funniest middle grade scene ever written, involving ferrets, several levels of bullies, and a red slushie. The third challenge is more serious, and involves getting into the middle school through a propped open window and finding a way to humiliate Assistant Principal Awford. The boys think that sitting on a Whoopee cushion on stage at graduation would be appropriate, since Awford (aka "Awful") likes to humiliate kids. Even Leslie has fallen prey to this when he took her deck of cards on the school trip, claiming she was causing a disturbance. Jensen decides he doesn't want anyone to feel humiliation, and the boys agree with him, although this doesn't stop them from breaking into Awford's office and getting Leslie's cards back. They also get mixed up with the lock down at the high school across the street, chased by teachers, and have to ask Jensen's sister Mandy for help. With just minutes to go before the 4 a.m. deadline, the boys agree to just... give up the challenge. Maleek has to post on social media that Priya is the winner, but the boys get to hang out at her house playing video games, so it's not all bad. Jensen even talks to Leslie, who feels bad about Jensen's black eye, thinking she caused it! It's a sweet scene that is interrupted by dogs, and the boys end up fleeing the house at 5 a.m. After Cooper and Maleek drop a bombshell, Jensen calls Mandy to take him home. She gets him, drops the boys off, and offers some advice. Jensen manages to make it to graduation and make his peace with his friends. An epilogue gives us a glimpse of Jensen's homeroom at Groveland High School, and it looks like high school will be okay.
Don't want to give away some of the twists and turns!
Strengths: This might have to be in list format, so other authors can consult it. These are things that made this book great.
**Characters- Jensen is realistically worried, but in a way that most people are. Over the course of the book, he realizes that it's stopping him from having fun, and he is proud of himself for stepping outside his comfort zone. Maleek is a solid character who is masterminding events, and the boys don't hesitate to call him out on his relationship with Priya, which they think he should make healthier by stopping the competition. Cooper is a theater kid who says several times he isn't interested romantically in anyone, and who brings a flair to the proceedings. Hugo is thrust into a friend group and holds his own, and at the end of the book becomes an awesome friend for Jensen. Leslie is fantastic; no wonder Jensen is smitten. Mandy is a great big sister, and BOTH OF JENSEN'S PARENT ARE ALIVE. And wonderfully, wonderfully annoying.
**Pacing-- The sweet spot for middle grade is to have a lot of running around, then a bit of chatting. Ride a skateboard down a hill, then worry about high school. Defeat bullies with attack ferrets, talk about relationships. Ask older sister about flirting tips after a frenzied lam in a golf cart. I also have to admire Hall's tenacity. I really thought the book would end with Leslie and Jensen kissing, but no. There was still more to come. I was irritated a bit at first, but then so surprised and happy with the continuation of the story.
**Funny lines-- Hall's attempts at stand up comedy are evident. There are tons of hysterically funny throwaway lines, the kind that Jordan Sonnenblick does so well. I didn't right them all down, but they did make me snort audibly, which to me is the sign of excellent writing. Also, the scene at Furballs Convenience Store with Bennet the Buttmunch and ferrets K-Ci and JoJo is the funniest piece of writing EVER.
**Universal appeal-- Everyone has a little anxiety in middle school, but most people manage to have some heroic moments as well. The liminal space between 8th grade and high school is packed with emotions. Crushes at the age will lead the best of us to make rash decisions, but the high of having our crush give us the least bit of attention... whew. Deftly portrayed. Also, who doesn't like to read about kids sneaking out of the house and doing stupid things in the middle of the night?
**Heartfelt philosophical lessons for the Newbery Committe-- I was in slow, leaky tears for the last third for this book. Maleek and Cooper's bombshell slapped me upside the head so hard, and could not stop crying. Mandy, who is off to college, has a line that should be embroidered on a pillow: "Every good thing in life is to be held loosely." I'm crying now, just thinking about it. All of the emotions were carefully on point; Maleek and Cooper are careful about Jensen's Doom Spirals, Jensen doesn't want to humiliate the principal, the pranks are as circumspect as they can be, Leslie and Jensen have common interests, Mandy talks about consent, and Hugo is a big help to Jensen. And they both like Legos and Batman. There are appropriate apologies, consideration of other's feelings, and, well, I'm fairly certain that the school golf cart didn't come to any harm.
The cover is perfect as well, since it won't date badly, the way illustrations tend to.
Weaknesses: The only other book that Hall has written is a YA title, and I have to hunt that down RIGHT NOW. It's horrible that this one was not on my radar before it was published, which makes me think somewhat violent thoughts about the publisher.
What I really think: If you read only one middle grade book this year, read this one. Perfect for fans of Jordan Sonnenblick, John David Anderson's 2016 Ms. Bixby's Last Day (the last book that made me cry), or Ross' The Amazing Beef Squad. If you're a school librarian, just buy five copies and hand them to every 8th grade boy you have. I've already e mailed the mother of a reluctant reader who was in my advisory group named Jensen, recommending the book to him!
Jensen Chapman isn't looking forward to his 8th grade graduation, mainly because he managed to get a black eye in dodgeball right in front of his crush, Leslie Chen. When his two best friends, Cooper and Maleek, show up at his window in the middle of the night on the day before the ceremony, he thinks that they have taken leave of their senses when they want him to sneak out with them. Maleek has an ongoing dare challenge going on with Priya, and announces that the boys have four hours to complete three dares to finally end the competition. Jensen is frequently worried about things, getting sucked into Doom Spirals, and his friends know this. They have always been supportive, but Jensen worries that they will tire of him when they start Groveland High School, but it's when he finds out that Leslie working on Priya's dates with her that he agrees to take part. Perhaps he can redeem himself a little bit, and maybe even work on his plan to talk to her, since they seemed to connect while seatmates on a school trip. The first dare is to ride a skateboard down Clay's Mill Hill, and after much internal struggle, Jensen throws caution to the wind and kneepads on his legs and takes off down the hill. He barely survives when the front truck comes loose, but Leslie sends a virtual fist bump, which bouys his spirits. Jensen is worried when the group stops and picks up a "rando" friend of Maleek's from soccer, Hugo. Hugo has a broken leg, but this doesn't stop the group from roping a wagon behind a bike and taking off. The second challenge is to free a caged animal, which the boys manage to do in the funniest middle grade scene ever written, involving ferrets, several levels of bullies, and a red slushie. The third challenge is more serious, and involves getting into the middle school through a propped open window and finding a way to humiliate Assistant Principal Awford. The boys think that sitting on a Whoopee cushion on stage at graduation would be appropriate, since Awford (aka "Awful") likes to humiliate kids. Even Leslie has fallen prey to this when he took her deck of cards on the school trip, claiming she was causing a disturbance. Jensen decides he doesn't want anyone to feel humiliation, and the boys agree with him, although this doesn't stop them from breaking into Awford's office and getting Leslie's cards back. They also get mixed up with the lock down at the high school across the street, chased by teachers, and have to ask Jensen's sister Mandy for help. With just minutes to go before the 4 a.m. deadline, the boys agree to just... give up the challenge. Maleek has to post on social media that Priya is the winner, but the boys get to hang out at her house playing video games, so it's not all bad. Jensen even talks to Leslie, who feels bad about Jensen's black eye, thinking she caused it! It's a sweet scene that is interrupted by dogs, and the boys end up fleeing the house at 5 a.m. After Cooper and Maleek drop a bombshell, Jensen calls Mandy to take him home. She gets him, drops the boys off, and offers some advice. Jensen manages to make it to graduation and make his peace with his friends. An epilogue gives us a glimpse of Jensen's homeroom at Groveland High School, and it looks like high school will be okay.
Don't want to give away some of the twists and turns!
Strengths: This might have to be in list format, so other authors can consult it. These are things that made this book great.
**Characters- Jensen is realistically worried, but in a way that most people are. Over the course of the book, he realizes that it's stopping him from having fun, and he is proud of himself for stepping outside his comfort zone. Maleek is a solid character who is masterminding events, and the boys don't hesitate to call him out on his relationship with Priya, which they think he should make healthier by stopping the competition. Cooper is a theater kid who says several times he isn't interested romantically in anyone, and who brings a flair to the proceedings. Hugo is thrust into a friend group and holds his own, and at the end of the book becomes an awesome friend for Jensen. Leslie is fantastic; no wonder Jensen is smitten. Mandy is a great big sister, and BOTH OF JENSEN'S PARENT ARE ALIVE. And wonderfully, wonderfully annoying.
**Pacing-- The sweet spot for middle grade is to have a lot of running around, then a bit of chatting. Ride a skateboard down a hill, then worry about high school. Defeat bullies with attack ferrets, talk about relationships. Ask older sister about flirting tips after a frenzied lam in a golf cart. I also have to admire Hall's tenacity. I really thought the book would end with Leslie and Jensen kissing, but no. There was still more to come. I was irritated a bit at first, but then so surprised and happy with the continuation of the story.
**Funny lines-- Hall's attempts at stand up comedy are evident. There are tons of hysterically funny throwaway lines, the kind that Jordan Sonnenblick does so well. I didn't right them all down, but they did make me snort audibly, which to me is the sign of excellent writing. Also, the scene at Furballs Convenience Store with Bennet the Buttmunch and ferrets K-Ci and JoJo is the funniest piece of writing EVER.
**Universal appeal-- Everyone has a little anxiety in middle school, but most people manage to have some heroic moments as well. The liminal space between 8th grade and high school is packed with emotions. Crushes at the age will lead the best of us to make rash decisions, but the high of having our crush give us the least bit of attention... whew. Deftly portrayed. Also, who doesn't like to read about kids sneaking out of the house and doing stupid things in the middle of the night?
**Heartfelt philosophical lessons for the Newbery Committe-- I was in slow, leaky tears for the last third for this book. Maleek and Cooper's bombshell slapped me upside the head so hard, and could not stop crying. Mandy, who is off to college, has a line that should be embroidered on a pillow: "Every good thing in life is to be held loosely." I'm crying now, just thinking about it. All of the emotions were carefully on point; Maleek and Cooper are careful about Jensen's Doom Spirals, Jensen doesn't want to humiliate the principal, the pranks are as circumspect as they can be, Leslie and Jensen have common interests, Mandy talks about consent, and Hugo is a big help to Jensen. And they both like Legos and Batman. There are appropriate apologies, consideration of other's feelings, and, well, I'm fairly certain that the school golf cart didn't come to any harm.
The cover is perfect as well, since it won't date badly, the way illustrations tend to.
Weaknesses: The only other book that Hall has written is a YA title, and I have to hunt that down RIGHT NOW. It's horrible that this one was not on my radar before it was published, which makes me think somewhat violent thoughts about the publisher.
What I really think: If you read only one middle grade book this year, read this one. Perfect for fans of Jordan Sonnenblick, John David Anderson's 2016 Ms. Bixby's Last Day (the last book that made me cry), or Ross' The Amazing Beef Squad. If you're a school librarian, just buy five copies and hand them to every 8th grade boy you have. I've already e mailed the mother of a reluctant reader who was in my advisory group named Jensen, recommending the book to him!
August 15, 2026
RECOMMEND WITH CAUTION:
The premise of this is *so* good! It felt quite nostalgic actually and I loved the characters, their friendship and loyalty to each other.
That being said, this book is really problematic and I don't recommend it unless your teen is very mature and you are ok with the warnings listed below.
Warnings:
Language: the Lord's name is not taken in vain but there is a lot of "ass" "badass" and a few "damn" and "hell."
LGBTQ content: Cooper is gay or at least he isn't into girls. The boys reference one of their classmates as being "they/them." Jensen mentions his sister dated a boy and then dated a girl.
Violence: there is an incident with some ferrets that is pretty hilarious but also involves some bullies.
Magic: none
Sexual content: the boys are often talk about their crushes (Malek has a crush on Priya and Jensen has a crush on Leslie). They discuss whether or not the girls like them and talk about what it would be like to kiss them. Jensen wonders if this involves French kissing or regular kissing.
Misc: Jensen has pretty severe anxiety. He calls it "the dread spiral." The book is really about how he grows in handling his anxiety and I think Hall did a relatively good job of presenting some solutions.
The premise of this is *so* good! It felt quite nostalgic actually and I loved the characters, their friendship and loyalty to each other.
That being said, this book is really problematic and I don't recommend it unless your teen is very mature and you are ok with the warnings listed below.
Warnings:
Language: the Lord's name is not taken in vain but there is a lot of "ass" "badass" and a few "damn" and "hell."
LGBTQ content: Cooper is gay or at least he isn't into girls. The boys reference one of their classmates as being "they/them." Jensen mentions his sister dated a boy and then dated a girl.
Violence: there is an incident with some ferrets that is pretty hilarious but also involves some bullies.
Magic: none
Sexual content: the boys are often talk about their crushes (Malek has a crush on Priya and Jensen has a crush on Leslie). They discuss whether or not the girls like them and talk about what it would be like to kiss them. Jensen wonders if this involves French kissing or regular kissing.
Misc: Jensen has pretty severe anxiety. He calls it "the dread spiral." The book is really about how he grows in handling his anxiety and I think Hall did a relatively good job of presenting some solutions.
August 24, 2026
8th grader Jensen is not ready for high school. He’s barely prepared for middle school graduation tomorrow. But with his two best friends beside him, he knows he has support. But when Maleek and Cooper talk him into sneaking out that night to perform a set of dares against Maleek’s crush, Jensen is not prepared for all that the night has to reveal - good and devastating.
Jensen’s extreme anxiety was an initial downer for me, but he kept impressing me along the way. And his sister’s high school and life advice near the end is a masterwork. I need more books with male main characters that aren’t just a comedy - this funny book also has a lot of heart.
I assume Jensen and Cooper are white. Maleek and Jenny Chen are other unspecified ethnicities.
The audiobook copy was provided by libro.fm. Narrated by Jay Reum.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
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.
This will be one I will definitely recommend at work! Thanks to LibroFM for the advanced listening copy.
June 24, 2026
This was super cute. I loved the friendship between the 3 boys. I also loved the pranking wars. I was hoping for a little more action but I guess we got what Jensen could handle. I loved the character development as well I just wish the ending wasn’t summed up as quickly. I also wish Jensen was more grown up about it than he was. I get he’s supposed to be that anxiety ridden teen but it just seemed over played in the end. I did also love the sibling relationship and how willing his sister was to help him and give him advice. I feel like that was also a little over done as I don’t really think it’s very realistic between siblings but I loved it none the less. Great coming of age book and highly recommend for a middle schooler going to high school next year!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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!
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!
July 13, 2026
On the eve of their eighth-grade graduation, Jensen Chapman's best friends challenge him to sneak out of his house for a "night of adventure." As Jensen confronts his panic attacks and anxiety to help Maleek, Cooper and Hugo complete a series of dares that will win them bragging rights from a group of girls that includes rivals (and crushes), hijinks ensue--and life-altering secrets are revealed.
This novel sits squarely in the young teen bracket and fills a gap for male readers who have aged out of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The text alternates hilarity with heartfelt reflections, and the audio, narrated by Jay Reum, is an engaging listen and a good fit for family road trips.
This novel sits squarely in the young teen bracket and fills a gap for male readers who have aged out of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The text alternates hilarity with heartfelt reflections, and the audio, narrated by Jay Reum, is an engaging listen and a good fit for family road trips.
July 3, 2026
3.75 stars ⭐️!!! Let me start with saying that this was such a different POV than I’m used to. It was the BOY’S POV! Different for me but I liked the change for this book. This book was probably not the best influence on some people but I get the ‘I finally am free’ type feeling to it and the character growth. But the stupid decisions that they made were kinda frustrating. But that plot twist toward the end was kinda insane but I loved the ending of the book where everything was resolved. I did enjoy this book so I do recommend for a fun fast read!
November 16, 2025
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.
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.
June 8, 2026
Three middle -school boys sneak out of their homes one night to meet up with three girls for an epic night of dares before their 8th grade graduation. This book reminded me of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," with the main character, Jensen, as Cameron the anxiety-ridden buddy who is certain everything will go wrong.
Fun middle-school age book dealing with changes in friendship and coping with new routines.
Fun middle-school age book dealing with changes in friendship and coping with new routines.
June 13, 2026
This what I liked:
The boys are graduating 8th grade which isn’t a common age in teen lit
Less than 250 pages: great length
Lots of antics and action, mixed in with lots of humor
A bit of awkward romance
The pranking as the main idea is clever and unique
This will be so easy to book talk to my 8th graders in August!
CW: a couple of mild swear words, but ANYONE who spends time in a MS knows this is how they talk.
The boys are graduating 8th grade which isn’t a common age in teen lit
Less than 250 pages: great length
Lots of antics and action, mixed in with lots of humor
A bit of awkward romance
The pranking as the main idea is clever and unique
This will be so easy to book talk to my 8th graders in August!
CW: a couple of mild swear words, but ANYONE who spends time in a MS knows this is how they talk.
July 27, 2026
4.5
I personally enjoyed this story. It was a night of crazy and funny antics of 8th grade boys getting ready to graduate. The message at the end was great.
I won't add this to my shelves for my general middle school population, but I may hang on to a copy to hand to specific 8th graders. There is some language and one dating reference that I didn't love. But lots of 8th graders would be mature enough to handle it.
I personally enjoyed this story. It was a night of crazy and funny antics of 8th grade boys getting ready to graduate. The message at the end was great.
I won't add this to my shelves for my general middle school population, but I may hang on to a copy to hand to specific 8th graders. There is some language and one dating reference that I didn't love. But lots of 8th graders would be mature enough to handle it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
May 30, 2026
I received the audiobook from Libro.fm through their educator program, but this is one I will add to my classroom library for my middle school boys. They will love Jensen and his friends, both the group dynamic and the escapades of their pre-graduation night of adventure. We need more books to get reluctant readers laughing and this book fits the bill perfectly.
June 25, 2026
A wild ride on a night full of dares with four boys facing eighth grade graduation in the morning. With pacing as fast as a skateboard ride down the steepest hill, this one will be a hit with even the most reluctant middle school reader. Great for fans of Mrs. Bixby's Last Day by John David Anderson.
August 1, 2026
If you have middle school boys, they should read this book. It’s full of hijinks and shenanigans with a trio of best friends competing against a group of girls on the night before 8th grade graduation. It’s a night fraught with change, potential, and some secrets, and this is a great middle grade/almost YA story that will strike all the right notes with your kids.
August 5, 2026
I loved the overall theme of a risk-averse kid stretching his boundaries with his friends by his side. I did feel like the constant narration of Jensen’s thinking/anxiety was pretty repetitive. As a teacher, I’m worried all that inner monologue might keep young readers from sticking with the book until the end, which would be a bummer because it was a pretty satisfying conclusion.
August 21, 2026
So hard to find books for 8th grade boys and ones that are funny are even more elusive. 3 boys sneak out the night before MS graduation to complete a set of pranks given to them by the girls they like. Super fun read! And also has some heart about being true to yourself and having friends that support you so you can be your best self. GREAT for bookapalooza.
August 29, 2026
This was delightful! I loved the dare set up, the humor, the strong friendships. A great blend of wacky adventure and some heartfelt moments too. I appreciated that Jenson’s crush on Leslie was present, but never overtook the story about him and his group of guy friends. This felt believable and heartfelt. Bringing it to booktalk with freshmen in a few weeks, I think it will be popular!
June 5, 2026
This was a wonderful surprise. I picked up this book hoping to find something that especially the boys in my classes would enjoy, and I can't wait to recommend this to all of my students. What a wonderful and honest dive into Jensen's thoughts and his friendships.
Sweet, funny, and adventurous.
Sweet, funny, and adventurous.
June 24, 2026
3⭐️ for the audiobook
3 1/2⭐️ for me
4⭐️ for my middle grade students - I think they would enjoy the humor of this book. The challenges were very funny and the reason behind the whole night was actually very sweet, even if the main character didn’t see it that way at first.
3 1/2⭐️ for me
4⭐️ for my middle grade students - I think they would enjoy the humor of this book. The challenges were very funny and the reason behind the whole night was actually very sweet, even if the main character didn’t see it that way at first.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Fun book highlighting boy friendships and the awkward transition from junior high to high school. Funny and poignant.
May 29, 2026
Cute and funny.
June 4, 2026
I think the advertising is spot on. Perfect for your Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans in middle or high school. It’s funny & heartfelt.
June 7, 2026
It was good but there are just better books.
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