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Middle School Mayhem #1
Down with the Dance
Middle School Mayhem: Down with the Dance is the first book in this action-packed, hilarious series.
Meet Austin Davenport, whose fabulous luck landed him on this earth only eleven short months after his brother, Derek, putting them in the same grade. While Austin's brain power is unmatched, it appears as if his brother got all the athletic gifts and the family butt-chin, meaning their parents love Derek more than Austin, or so it seems.
Join Austin on his journey through the tumultuous waters of middle school as he navigates the swampy and undeodorized hallways and explores the depths of the cafeteria's seafood surprise.
Oh, and someone is plotting to take down the Halloween Dance, the one that Austin has his sights set on, so he can take Sophie Rodriguez, a girl way out of his league, but who doesn't seem to know it.
Can he stay one step ahead of the new principal who has it out for him? Will Austin figure out who the perpetrators are? Will he save the dance in time? Will he wear a diaper on a stakeout?
This first in a planned series of twelve will have you ROFLing like you never have before.
The funny and fast-paced nature of this series is meant for middle grade and early young adult readers.
Beware! This series has the tendency to turn reluctant readers into eager ones.
Meet Austin Davenport, whose fabulous luck landed him on this earth only eleven short months after his brother, Derek, putting them in the same grade. While Austin's brain power is unmatched, it appears as if his brother got all the athletic gifts and the family butt-chin, meaning their parents love Derek more than Austin, or so it seems.
Join Austin on his journey through the tumultuous waters of middle school as he navigates the swampy and undeodorized hallways and explores the depths of the cafeteria's seafood surprise.
Oh, and someone is plotting to take down the Halloween Dance, the one that Austin has his sights set on, so he can take Sophie Rodriguez, a girl way out of his league, but who doesn't seem to know it.
Can he stay one step ahead of the new principal who has it out for him? Will Austin figure out who the perpetrators are? Will he save the dance in time? Will he wear a diaper on a stakeout?
This first in a planned series of twelve will have you ROFLing like you never have before.
The funny and fast-paced nature of this series is meant for middle grade and early young adult readers.
Beware! This series has the tendency to turn reluctant readers into eager ones.
166 pages, Paperback
Published May 30, 2019
201 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
C.T. Walsh
34 books11 followersBesides writing fun, snarky humor and the occasionally-frequent fart joke, I love spending time with my family, coaching my kids’ various sports, and successfully turning seemingly unsandwichable things into spectacular sandwiches, while also claiming that I never eat carbs. I assure you, it’s not easy to do. I know what you’re thinking: this guy sounds complex, a little bit mysterious, and maybe even dashingly handsome, if you haven’t been to the optometrist in a while. And you might be right.
My goal with my writing is to engage young readers with fun and adventure. With so many competing forms of entertainment available to our kids (and so many of them mindless), I really try to provide a reading experience like no other.
I value the importance of combining fun with learning and life values. My stories are humorous and adventurous with strong characters and solid life lessons with some potty humor sprinkled in. You gotta give the kids what they want…Hey, it’s better to read fart jokes than to play video games, right?
My goal with my writing is to engage young readers with fun and adventure. With so many competing forms of entertainment available to our kids (and so many of them mindless), I really try to provide a reading experience like no other.
I value the importance of combining fun with learning and life values. My stories are humorous and adventurous with strong characters and solid life lessons with some potty humor sprinkled in. You gotta give the kids what they want…Hey, it’s better to read fart jokes than to play video games, right?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 3, 2021
4☆ A Fun, Entertaining Middle Grade Read with plenty of Humour.
Down with the Dance is the first book in a brand new middle grade series, and already I feel young readers are going to love it!
It's funny, relatable, explores sibling rivalry, first loves/crush, the brutal hierarchy in middle school, pranks and not forgetting a bullying headteacher hell bent on making certain students lives a misery!
But can Austin and he's friends save the Halloween Dance and stand up to the bully head teacher or will Austin's brother Derek aka butt-chin, ruin his only chance, at taking the beautiful Sophie to the Dance, now he's finally plucked up the courage to talk to her?
I guess you will just have to read it for yourself to find out what crazy escapades and trouble Austin gets himself into!
I do love a good middle grade book and Down with the Dance was a lot of fun, mischief and a lil dash of mayhem thrown in, with plenty of giggles.
I really liked the cleverly placed illustration sketches they was a nice added touch.
The chapters were nice and short, which made for a nice easy read that will keep readers entertained and engaged.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next installment!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...
Down with the Dance is the first book in a brand new middle grade series, and already I feel young readers are going to love it!
It's funny, relatable, explores sibling rivalry, first loves/crush, the brutal hierarchy in middle school, pranks and not forgetting a bullying headteacher hell bent on making certain students lives a misery!
But can Austin and he's friends save the Halloween Dance and stand up to the bully head teacher or will Austin's brother Derek aka butt-chin, ruin his only chance, at taking the beautiful Sophie to the Dance, now he's finally plucked up the courage to talk to her?
I guess you will just have to read it for yourself to find out what crazy escapades and trouble Austin gets himself into!
I do love a good middle grade book and Down with the Dance was a lot of fun, mischief and a lil dash of mayhem thrown in, with plenty of giggles.
I really liked the cleverly placed illustration sketches they was a nice added touch.
The chapters were nice and short, which made for a nice easy read that will keep readers entertained and engaged.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next installment!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...
August 5, 2021
This is the first book in the Middle School Mayhem series an what a fun book to kick start it! The perfect read for young teens with relatable characters and situations , a good series for young teens to get into , it explores many things that effect kids at that age such as first crushes , annoying siblings and sibling rivalries.
The book centres on the life of Austin Davenport , we follow his days at school , his thoughts towards his older brother (well he is 11months older!) , feeling like his brother is more loved than him. It is fantastically written , in a fun style that makes them want to read on , and connect with the book as they might be going through similar things and feeling similar things . Even as someone who left school awhile go you remember back to the moments in the book that happened to you and now look back and cringe at it!
I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
The book centres on the life of Austin Davenport , we follow his days at school , his thoughts towards his older brother (well he is 11months older!) , feeling like his brother is more loved than him. It is fantastically written , in a fun style that makes them want to read on , and connect with the book as they might be going through similar things and feeling similar things . Even as someone who left school awhile go you remember back to the moments in the book that happened to you and now look back and cringe at it!
I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Read
February 23, 2021 Middle School Mayhem Down with the Dance by C.T. Walsh is a funny, quick read. It is a fiction book and tells the story of Austin Davenport and the relationship between him and his brother, Derek. This new girl moves to town and both Austin and Derek want to ask her to the Halloween dance, read this book to find out what happens next.
One of the best things about this book is the author always leaves the end of a chapter on a cliff-hanger. I could never put the book down because I always wanted to find out what happened next. One of my favorite things about this first book of the series is the author includes pictures throughout the book, this is one of my favorite things because they are small and don’t take up the whole page but it helps show more detail to the picture I have/am thinking in my head. I would definitely like this book better if the chapters were longer.
In my opinion this book should be read by middle school students, or 11-13 year olds who like funny books and just want a quick read.
One of the best things about this book is the author always leaves the end of a chapter on a cliff-hanger. I could never put the book down because I always wanted to find out what happened next. One of my favorite things about this first book of the series is the author includes pictures throughout the book, this is one of my favorite things because they are small and don’t take up the whole page but it helps show more detail to the picture I have/am thinking in my head. I would definitely like this book better if the chapters were longer.
In my opinion this book should be read by middle school students, or 11-13 year olds who like funny books and just want a quick read.
June 24, 2019
I got this book from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review...
I have to say this was a very quick read. This book can easily become a movie. I found myself falling in love with the main character and seeing myself a little bit going thru middle school..
Austin was a normal geek getting ready to start his adventures in middle school. He thought he did everything right. That was except if you had an older brother who had a weird birthday and is now in the same grade as you. His brother who he call Buttchin was the favorite in the family and was the sports nut. His brother makes his life miserable any chance he gets.
There was a new principle this year because the last one caused a riot. So there is now a prion warden who is making his own rules. He officially has it out for Austin and makes sure the rest of the school knows that Austin is the reason for all these new rules. At first I thought it was just bad luck, but then I realized was have a new villain in the story.
Austin's only goal was to go to the dance with Sophia who he is in love with. She likes him, but he always finds himself stuck in situations where she will doubt his inner good. Can Austin stop all these people trying to destroy him and the dance?
I have to say this was a very quick read. This book can easily become a movie. I found myself falling in love with the main character and seeing myself a little bit going thru middle school..
Austin was a normal geek getting ready to start his adventures in middle school. He thought he did everything right. That was except if you had an older brother who had a weird birthday and is now in the same grade as you. His brother who he call Buttchin was the favorite in the family and was the sports nut. His brother makes his life miserable any chance he gets.
There was a new principle this year because the last one caused a riot. So there is now a prion warden who is making his own rules. He officially has it out for Austin and makes sure the rest of the school knows that Austin is the reason for all these new rules. At first I thought it was just bad luck, but then I realized was have a new villain in the story.
Austin's only goal was to go to the dance with Sophia who he is in love with. She likes him, but he always finds himself stuck in situations where she will doubt his inner good. Can Austin stop all these people trying to destroy him and the dance?
Read
March 10, 2021I loved the book Middle School Mayhem Down with Dance. I really liked how you can relate to the characters because they are teens in Middle school just like most of the readers. This book is super funny and makes you laugh out loud. I love how the author wrote this book. I highly recommend this book.
May 6, 2020
This book was really good. It talks about standing up to bullies and working to get what you want.
August 2, 2021
Coming back to school to a new year, meeting new people and new teachers while coping with the age´s typical growing up crisis is far from easy. It looks good in books or movies aimed at teenagers, but, in fact, going through all the changes is very demanding both emotionally and physically.
Middle School - Mayhem 1 - Down the the Dance is the back-to-school or summer-holiday read one teenager will enjoy as it relates to everyday problems for this age category. Through the adventures of Austin Davenport and his brother Derek, both in the classroom - once in a while there are some problems with teachers and other colleagues and plus, there is also a girl Austin would love to dance with too - but also while trying to stand up bullies.
The story reads relatively fast - exact length for the distracted teenage attention - and is both adventurous and suspenseful. It has a drop of romance, and relatable characters of all kinds. However, layers after layers of humour and action, there are some human lessons that can be very helpful for both the midgrade reader and his/her parents. Building self-awareness and taking the right decision against bullies are just two of the most important inspirational behaviors that the readers can easily emulate while following the characters on the move towards the middle school life. The author, C.T. Walsh, succeeded to avoid the lecturing tone by creating a story tailored to the tastes and expectations of this generation. In addition to the story, the language is relatable and so are the black-and-white graphic insertions which allows a visualisation of the story.
As Down with the Dance is only the first book in the series, it offers also the possibility of following up the characters and their adventures, building up a certain intimacy between the reader and the book.
Rating: 4 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered part of the blog book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
Middle School - Mayhem 1 - Down the the Dance is the back-to-school or summer-holiday read one teenager will enjoy as it relates to everyday problems for this age category. Through the adventures of Austin Davenport and his brother Derek, both in the classroom - once in a while there are some problems with teachers and other colleagues and plus, there is also a girl Austin would love to dance with too - but also while trying to stand up bullies.
The story reads relatively fast - exact length for the distracted teenage attention - and is both adventurous and suspenseful. It has a drop of romance, and relatable characters of all kinds. However, layers after layers of humour and action, there are some human lessons that can be very helpful for both the midgrade reader and his/her parents. Building self-awareness and taking the right decision against bullies are just two of the most important inspirational behaviors that the readers can easily emulate while following the characters on the move towards the middle school life. The author, C.T. Walsh, succeeded to avoid the lecturing tone by creating a story tailored to the tastes and expectations of this generation. In addition to the story, the language is relatable and so are the black-and-white graphic insertions which allows a visualisation of the story.
As Down with the Dance is only the first book in the series, it offers also the possibility of following up the characters and their adventures, building up a certain intimacy between the reader and the book.
Rating: 4 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered part of the blog book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
August 5, 2021
Middle-school mayhem magic.
Austin Davenport, grade six, is an everyman (or an everymiddle-schooler, at least). Slightly nerdy, awkward, insecure and trying desperately to fit in with the “cool” kids, Austin and his struggles are immediately relatable and universally compelling. Where he differs though, is in that Austin is both an everyman and a hero - somehow able to turn his “huge analytical mind” and the power of his “coding” prowess to a one-man, bumbling crusade against evil - in this case, in the form of his bullying brother Derek, and his new arch-enemy - the school Principal Buthaire.
“If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so (Thomas Jefferson)”
Armed by those words, with the aid of his best friend Ben Gordon, and fueled by his crush on his new science partner Sophie Rodriguez, Austin takes a wobbly stand against corruption in high places. His efforts, not resoundingly successful but always entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny in places, are well-intentioned and principled. (even as they are Principal directed!).
We can’t help but cheer for Austin as he reminds us of, not only the awkwardness of middle-school, but the purity and innocence of the singleminded youthful pursuit of dreams, and how close to the surface such hard-earned happiness can be for each of us.
I highly recommend this marvelous introduction to Austin and his world and look forward to reading more of this delightful series!
A great big thank you to the author for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
Austin Davenport, grade six, is an everyman (or an everymiddle-schooler, at least). Slightly nerdy, awkward, insecure and trying desperately to fit in with the “cool” kids, Austin and his struggles are immediately relatable and universally compelling. Where he differs though, is in that Austin is both an everyman and a hero - somehow able to turn his “huge analytical mind” and the power of his “coding” prowess to a one-man, bumbling crusade against evil - in this case, in the form of his bullying brother Derek, and his new arch-enemy - the school Principal Buthaire.
“If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so (Thomas Jefferson)”
Armed by those words, with the aid of his best friend Ben Gordon, and fueled by his crush on his new science partner Sophie Rodriguez, Austin takes a wobbly stand against corruption in high places. His efforts, not resoundingly successful but always entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny in places, are well-intentioned and principled. (even as they are Principal directed!).
We can’t help but cheer for Austin as he reminds us of, not only the awkwardness of middle-school, but the purity and innocence of the singleminded youthful pursuit of dreams, and how close to the surface such hard-earned happiness can be for each of us.
I highly recommend this marvelous introduction to Austin and his world and look forward to reading more of this delightful series!
A great big thank you to the author for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
September 15, 2021
Nerdy Austin just wants to survive middle school. Unfortunately, with his popular older brother in his grade and a new principal who has marked him as a troublemaker, surviving is easier said than done. When the Halloween dance is put in jeopardy--more than once--Austin starts to take matters into his own hands to save his school year.
I enjoyed this story, finding it perfect for middle grade readers and even found myself laughing at times. However, this book is poorly edited, full of many typographical errors that make it difficult to read. Additionally, there were some scenes that were split between chapters or scene break characters, while other times scenes flowed from one to another when symbols or chapter breaks should have been used.
I was also not thrilled with the constant changing of tense and voice, although it did at least make the narrator feel as if he were speaking directly to me. I also felt that, although this book was supposed to be a story about middle school students, the characters in the illustrations looked like college athletes.
As much as I enjoyed the story, there were times where information felt contradictory. For example, at one point, Austin is speaking to his science teacher and says the older man should grow a beard. The teacher agrees with him and at the end of the scene says something about Austin seeing him clean-shaven in the morning. I found inconsistencies such as this in several places, although the one stuck out the most.
Overall, however, I did find this story humorous and will recommend it to my middle-grade readers.
I enjoyed this story, finding it perfect for middle grade readers and even found myself laughing at times. However, this book is poorly edited, full of many typographical errors that make it difficult to read. Additionally, there were some scenes that were split between chapters or scene break characters, while other times scenes flowed from one to another when symbols or chapter breaks should have been used.
I was also not thrilled with the constant changing of tense and voice, although it did at least make the narrator feel as if he were speaking directly to me. I also felt that, although this book was supposed to be a story about middle school students, the characters in the illustrations looked like college athletes.
As much as I enjoyed the story, there were times where information felt contradictory. For example, at one point, Austin is speaking to his science teacher and says the older man should grow a beard. The teacher agrees with him and at the end of the scene says something about Austin seeing him clean-shaven in the morning. I found inconsistencies such as this in several places, although the one stuck out the most.
Overall, however, I did find this story humorous and will recommend it to my middle-grade readers.
January 22, 2021
Middle School Mayhem is the first book in a series, and it was a very enjoyable read written by C. T. Walsh. I really enjoyed reading about the main character, Austin, and the highs and the lows of his entry into middle school with a brother who was just 11 months older, in the same year level at school, and determined to make Austin's life miserable and how he handled that.
This book was very easy to read, with language that was engaging, it was descriptive and colourful, helping to bring the characters to life for me. It is a book targeted for pre-teen - young teens, it is full of friendship, nemeses in the form of a brother and a principal who has decided that his focus is on Austin, and who made Austin feel he was responsible for the things that were going wrong. I felt myself wanting to barrack for Austin as he steered his way through his challenges. Austin's character changed as the story progressed, he grew, even grew up some what.
C.T. Walsh has recreated what I imagine school might be like for some young people, full of friends, hardship, feelings that life is unfair, and some highs that are shared with their friends.
The author delivered a story that I would highly recommend to young readers, and I will be following up with the next book in the series.
I was lucky enough to have been gifted a copy of this book from the author C. T. Walsh through Voracious Readers Only, and this has had no impact on my review of this book.
This book was very easy to read, with language that was engaging, it was descriptive and colourful, helping to bring the characters to life for me. It is a book targeted for pre-teen - young teens, it is full of friendship, nemeses in the form of a brother and a principal who has decided that his focus is on Austin, and who made Austin feel he was responsible for the things that were going wrong. I felt myself wanting to barrack for Austin as he steered his way through his challenges. Austin's character changed as the story progressed, he grew, even grew up some what.
C.T. Walsh has recreated what I imagine school might be like for some young people, full of friends, hardship, feelings that life is unfair, and some highs that are shared with their friends.
The author delivered a story that I would highly recommend to young readers, and I will be following up with the next book in the series.
I was lucky enough to have been gifted a copy of this book from the author C. T. Walsh through Voracious Readers Only, and this has had no impact on my review of this book.
August 8, 2021
Down with the Dance is an amusing middle-grade novel that's in the same vein as Ned's Declassified (a TV show from the early 2000s) and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I found it entertaining and fun, while it also made me think about my time as a middle-schooler. That was the beginning of the end for me (lol), or at least it felt that way at the time. And while I haven't been a middle-schooler for 20+ years, I do have a teenager (who just hit high school, actually), and this book would definitely be right up his alley.
The story follows the trials and tribulations of Austin as he navigates life in middle school, along with his best friend Ben and the "girl of his dreams" aka Sophie.
What do you get when you mix a new, terrible principal (nicknamed Butt Hair), a smarmy, I'm-better-than-you older brother, and a plot to ruin the Halloween dance? Middle school mayhem, of course.
This was a really fast-paced read, and I rather enjoyed it. It's a bit overly silly at times, but for the age range this book is geared towards, the humor fits perfectly.
Austin is a very relatable character, and you can't help but feel bad for him at times, because I think we all know being a tween can be a very difficult time sometimes.
Younger readers will find themselves laughing along as they read, while older readers may find themselves nodding along, saying "yep" a bunch of times as they remember those days.
4 stars from me.
The story follows the trials and tribulations of Austin as he navigates life in middle school, along with his best friend Ben and the "girl of his dreams" aka Sophie.
What do you get when you mix a new, terrible principal (nicknamed Butt Hair), a smarmy, I'm-better-than-you older brother, and a plot to ruin the Halloween dance? Middle school mayhem, of course.
This was a really fast-paced read, and I rather enjoyed it. It's a bit overly silly at times, but for the age range this book is geared towards, the humor fits perfectly.
Austin is a very relatable character, and you can't help but feel bad for him at times, because I think we all know being a tween can be a very difficult time sometimes.
Younger readers will find themselves laughing along as they read, while older readers may find themselves nodding along, saying "yep" a bunch of times as they remember those days.
4 stars from me.
August 5, 2021
I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
Down with the Dance is a middle grade book that is a fun read even for an adult. It’s a funny, quick read, and middle grade readers will relate to Austin. He has to deal sibling rivalry, first love, and a principal who makes it clear that he doesn’t like Austin, all while trying to navigate the horror of middle school.
I love the humor in this book. The first thing that tickled me was that Austin describes his brother’s chin as a butt-chin. Derek, his brother, is 11 months older than Austin and his opposite. Can you imagine having your older brother in the same grade? Derek is all about sports and is a favorite at school and at home. He is a bully and does his best to make Austin’s life miserable.
The characters include bullies (Derek and the new principle), Austin’s crush, Sophie, and Austin’s best friend, Ben. It was easy to dislike Derek and the principle and to root for Austin not only when dealing with the bullies but when trying to save the dance. All he wanted was to take Sophie to the dance!
This is definitely a book that middle school readers will enjoy. The the writing is easy to follow and the humor is great!
Down with the Dance is a middle grade book that is a fun read even for an adult. It’s a funny, quick read, and middle grade readers will relate to Austin. He has to deal sibling rivalry, first love, and a principal who makes it clear that he doesn’t like Austin, all while trying to navigate the horror of middle school.
I love the humor in this book. The first thing that tickled me was that Austin describes his brother’s chin as a butt-chin. Derek, his brother, is 11 months older than Austin and his opposite. Can you imagine having your older brother in the same grade? Derek is all about sports and is a favorite at school and at home. He is a bully and does his best to make Austin’s life miserable.
The characters include bullies (Derek and the new principle), Austin’s crush, Sophie, and Austin’s best friend, Ben. It was easy to dislike Derek and the principle and to root for Austin not only when dealing with the bullies but when trying to save the dance. All he wanted was to take Sophie to the dance!
This is definitely a book that middle school readers will enjoy. The the writing is easy to follow and the humor is great!
July 17, 2019
I received a copy of this book from booksirens in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cute, fun, quick read. Amid at middle grade and perfect for a boy or even a girl if you enjoy toilet humor and butt jokes…. Example main character calls his brother “buttchin” for the simple fact that his brother has a chin that looks like a butt. His brother is less than a year older than him so as luck would have it they are in the same grade but completely unalike and he lives to make Austin’s life horrible.
Because I am a 10 year old at heart, I loved this book. I loved the pictures and all the cute fun jokes.
Austin is a geek turned hero whose school principle is an old prison warden out to get him and make his own rules. Austin’s main goal is to take Sophia to the dance who he is in love with but has all this obstacles and situations where she might doubt his inner good.
Does Austin get to take Sophia to the dance? Can he stop the prison warden?
Get a blanket, sit down, and found out.
This was a cute, fun, quick read. Amid at middle grade and perfect for a boy or even a girl if you enjoy toilet humor and butt jokes…. Example main character calls his brother “buttchin” for the simple fact that his brother has a chin that looks like a butt. His brother is less than a year older than him so as luck would have it they are in the same grade but completely unalike and he lives to make Austin’s life horrible.
Because I am a 10 year old at heart, I loved this book. I loved the pictures and all the cute fun jokes.
Austin is a geek turned hero whose school principle is an old prison warden out to get him and make his own rules. Austin’s main goal is to take Sophia to the dance who he is in love with but has all this obstacles and situations where she might doubt his inner good.
Does Austin get to take Sophia to the dance? Can he stop the prison warden?
Get a blanket, sit down, and found out.
June 6, 2020
This book is the first in a new series. The story opens on the first day of middle school for Ben. He is smart and clever but haunted by his older brother, Derek. Derek is just eleven months older. Unlike Ben, he is athletic and popular.
Middle-school readers will delight in the colorful characters like Mr. Buthaire, the principal students love to outsmart. Ben desperately wants to take Sophie to the Halloween Dance but there is a plot to derail it and destroy Ben’s plan. The book contains lots of humor, sibling and peer rivalry, and smart kids determined to outsmart the adults in their lives.
This book is a good choice for readers in grades four through six, though reluctant readers and many young adults will also find it an interesting read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and voluntarily chose to read and review it with my honest opinions for no compensation.
Middle-school readers will delight in the colorful characters like Mr. Buthaire, the principal students love to outsmart. Ben desperately wants to take Sophie to the Halloween Dance but there is a plot to derail it and destroy Ben’s plan. The book contains lots of humor, sibling and peer rivalry, and smart kids determined to outsmart the adults in their lives.
This book is a good choice for readers in grades four through six, though reluctant readers and many young adults will also find it an interesting read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and voluntarily chose to read and review it with my honest opinions for no compensation.
August 4, 2021
I love to read and I love books. It doesn’t matter the genre or the target audience, once I’m interested in a book I am going to read it. So when Down with the Dance popped up in my emails, I was ready to go. A book where the underdogs or the nerds of the school, came out on top? Of course, I wanted to see how things would play out.
Being in Austin’s head was a joy. His sarcasm and dry humour made this book an enjoyable escape. As a middle-schooler, he experiences disappointments and things that we as adults may consider trivial so deeply. His emotions are raw and valid and should not be ignored just because they seem so small, compared to adult experiences. It was refreshing to see how simple life can be through the eyes of a preteen.
But I digress, this book was a whole lot of fun. Austin and his friends are at the bottom of the food chain, but somehow he manages to come out on top. He gets his happy ending and it was an even trade-off for me as a reader. I was there with him every step of the way. From the horrid first day, to the mishaps and misunderstandings. Not to mention the scheming and standing up for his rights, Austin kept us in the loop and a part of his journey. When he won, I felt like I won.
Down with the Dance is the fun read you have been waiting for, it will keep you engaged and have you smiling incessantly.
Being in Austin’s head was a joy. His sarcasm and dry humour made this book an enjoyable escape. As a middle-schooler, he experiences disappointments and things that we as adults may consider trivial so deeply. His emotions are raw and valid and should not be ignored just because they seem so small, compared to adult experiences. It was refreshing to see how simple life can be through the eyes of a preteen.
But I digress, this book was a whole lot of fun. Austin and his friends are at the bottom of the food chain, but somehow he manages to come out on top. He gets his happy ending and it was an even trade-off for me as a reader. I was there with him every step of the way. From the horrid first day, to the mishaps and misunderstandings. Not to mention the scheming and standing up for his rights, Austin kept us in the loop and a part of his journey. When he won, I felt like I won.
Down with the Dance is the fun read you have been waiting for, it will keep you engaged and have you smiling incessantly.
March 3, 2022
This was a cute, fast read. It's definitely perfect for its target Middle School audience as it's clever, quirky and the ultimate 'students get one over on the grown-ups' story. The antics of the students mixed with a little help from the adults made if fun to read.
On the downside, it did seem at times a little disjointed, especially where the passage of time was concerned. For example, there was talk of Austin speaking to the school board and suddenly we were at the school board meeting. Perhaps a little bit of space between those events would have made it less awkward. I also had a little trouble believing some of the things the kids got away with. I guess that adds to the fun for the kids who read this but I found myself shaking my head, knowing that realistically, they wouldn't have happened.
Overall, it was a good read and I'm grateful to Voracious Readers Only for my preview copy.
On the downside, it did seem at times a little disjointed, especially where the passage of time was concerned. For example, there was talk of Austin speaking to the school board and suddenly we were at the school board meeting. Perhaps a little bit of space between those events would have made it less awkward. I also had a little trouble believing some of the things the kids got away with. I guess that adds to the fun for the kids who read this but I found myself shaking my head, knowing that realistically, they wouldn't have happened.
Overall, it was a good read and I'm grateful to Voracious Readers Only for my preview copy.
August 3, 2021
A fun story that will capture kids imaginations when they meet Austin, his brother Derek and the very unpopular headmaster.
Derek and Austin are brothers who although born within the same school year don't particularly get on due to very different personalities. When Austin meets Sophie and decides he wants to ask her to the dance, Derek steps up and does all he can to stop Austin in his tracks.
This story had great descriptions with some illustrations scattered throughout the pages. A story to make kids laugh and also want cower in the corner when Principal Buthaire is on the war path. I liked the age group this book was targeted at and think the younger kids will be keen to keep reading and find out whether Austin manages to stop his brother ruining the school dance. This is the first book in the series and after a promising start, I look forward to reading more by this author.
Derek and Austin are brothers who although born within the same school year don't particularly get on due to very different personalities. When Austin meets Sophie and decides he wants to ask her to the dance, Derek steps up and does all he can to stop Austin in his tracks.
This story had great descriptions with some illustrations scattered throughout the pages. A story to make kids laugh and also want cower in the corner when Principal Buthaire is on the war path. I liked the age group this book was targeted at and think the younger kids will be keen to keep reading and find out whether Austin manages to stop his brother ruining the school dance. This is the first book in the series and after a promising start, I look forward to reading more by this author.
August 3, 2021
Even though this book was written for pre-teens and young teens, I found it very enjoyable. It reminded me too of how it is to be bullied...and the wonderful feeling when karma plays a role. The book is a fun, easy read that hooks you from the beginning. Meet Austin Davenport...a geek, of course. Now Austin has a slightly older brother who makes his life totally miserable because his brother, Derek, is a huge bully and an instigator of trouble. Now also throw in a new school princpal who took an instant dislike to Austin, and is a bully as well...a bully with absolute power. Added to the mix is Sophie Rodriquea, who Austin is strongly attracted to and you have a roller coaster of a story that you will enjoy now matter what your age!
May 12, 2020
I got this free from Voracious Readers in exchange for a review.
I loved this book. It was LOL legit funny, and I think as most of us were awkward dorks in middle school, we can all certainly relate to a lot of Austin's growing pains. I, of course, thought I had to rough with an older sister everyone else called "the pretty one" (hello me, the invisible one, or like Austin, stuck with being "the smart one") but luckily she was 6 years older, not in the same grade as me! The horror! The perfect light, fluffy thing to read amidst all this COVID mayhem - Middle School Mayhem was cathartic and a delight.
I loved this book. It was LOL legit funny, and I think as most of us were awkward dorks in middle school, we can all certainly relate to a lot of Austin's growing pains. I, of course, thought I had to rough with an older sister everyone else called "the pretty one" (hello me, the invisible one, or like Austin, stuck with being "the smart one") but luckily she was 6 years older, not in the same grade as me! The horror! The perfect light, fluffy thing to read amidst all this COVID mayhem - Middle School Mayhem was cathartic and a delight.
April 20, 2021
Down with the dance was a quick read. It was fun and quirky. It was a refreshing take on the battles of middle school.
You aren’t meet with the main character being popular, a jock and super good looking. You get a nerdy, awkward and unpopular kid who is trying to survive school, getting in trouble, falling in love and sibling rivalry.
I found a lot of my middle school struggles and successes popping up as I read the book. I would definitely recommend this book for middle schoolers as it reflects what they are experiencing but with the elements of humor.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Voracious readers and C.T. Walsh*
You aren’t meet with the main character being popular, a jock and super good looking. You get a nerdy, awkward and unpopular kid who is trying to survive school, getting in trouble, falling in love and sibling rivalry.
I found a lot of my middle school struggles and successes popping up as I read the book. I would definitely recommend this book for middle schoolers as it reflects what they are experiencing but with the elements of humor.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Voracious readers and C.T. Walsh*
June 13, 2020
Austin Davenport has the brains, Derek Davenport, the athletic gifts. Austin wants to take Sophie Rodriguez to the Halloween Dance. Can he stay one step ahead of the Principal who's got it out for him? Will he save the dance in time? Will he wear a diaper on a stakeout? WHAT?
This book was okay. A little long, dragging in the middle. The humor was great. Getting into the mind of a middle schooler - equally great.
This book was okay. A little long, dragging in the middle. The humor was great. Getting into the mind of a middle schooler - equally great.
July 7, 2020
Middle school is the worst! I have said that for years- it was awkward, the kids were mean, the rules were ridiculous and absolute. C.T. Walsh set out to write a story that entertained and appealed to reluctant readers. Down with the Dance is laugh out loud funny. While it's not a literary masterpiece, it will keep young readers turning the pages. As a sixth grade English teacher, I will definitely be adding this one to my classroom bookshelf.
September 13, 2020
That. Was. Awesome!!!!!
Super funny, super quirky, a perfect read for middle schoolers who love Dav Pilkey, or James Patterson & Chris Grabbenstein, Etc. I laughed out loud so many times. It brought back so many memories and feelings. I will absolutely be handing this on to my own kids as well as seeking the following books. You won’t find a better light and fun read.
I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
Super funny, super quirky, a perfect read for middle schoolers who love Dav Pilkey, or James Patterson & Chris Grabbenstein, Etc. I laughed out loud so many times. It brought back so many memories and feelings. I will absolutely be handing this on to my own kids as well as seeking the following books. You won’t find a better light and fun read.
I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
July 21, 2021
Down With the Dance is a cute book covering the middle schooler's perspective. It gave me a few laughs, and I was able to immerse myself into Austin's life, even though I am quite a few years older than him. It was a reminder of how I felt in middle school, how my middle school students probably feel, and how my soon to be 6th grade son will be feeling shortly.
I received this book for free, and I am voluntarily writing this review.
I received this book for free, and I am voluntarily writing this review.
September 3, 2019
This was a wonderfully funny book It is aimed at boys in middle school but girls and older kids and adults will enjoy it too. It will keep your child interested and make them laugh, and you too, It will keep you on your toes as you wonder if Austin is going to manage to survive middle school.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2020
I got a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 3.75 Stars
What I liked:
- Great humour
- Likeable main character
- Awesome writing
- Quick read
- Original story
What I didn't like:
- I felt a little detached from the story but that's probably because I'm way older than the target audience
Rating: 3.75 Stars
What I liked:
- Great humour
- Likeable main character
- Awesome writing
- Quick read
- Original story
What I didn't like:
- I felt a little detached from the story but that's probably because I'm way older than the target audience
May 26, 2020
I got this book through Voracious Reader's Only.
It is definitely geared to preteen boys, and I am sure my boys would have loved it when they were that age.
It was well written and very creative.
I definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a quick read with a good dose of humor.
Shawna Wright
It is definitely geared to preteen boys, and I am sure my boys would have loved it when they were that age.
It was well written and very creative.
I definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a quick read with a good dose of humor.
Shawna Wright
May 30, 2020
Middle is not fun most of the time. What makes it worse? Bullies, bad food, detention, dodgeball and a principal who loves to ruin things for kids. This book is similar in style to the Captain Underpants books, but without the super dummy to save the day. It was a fun read.
I received a free copy from Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy from Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review.
July 4, 2020
Super funny. Definitely written for a younger audience, but if you like Diary of a Whimpy Kid, you will definitely like this one.
There were parts where I wish the story was a little more developed. Things happened really fast and it would have been nice to spend more time on various story elements.
There were parts where I wish the story was a little more developed. Things happened really fast and it would have been nice to spend more time on various story elements.
September 15, 2020
A fun and easy to read book that explores the life and mind of a middle school-aged boy. Through all of life's ups and downs, the main character is likable and looks for the (mostly) right way to go. As a parent and grandparent, I would recommend this to any middle schooler.
Received a free ebook to review via Voracious Readers Only.
Received a free ebook to review via Voracious Readers Only.
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