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The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle School
Homework, hormones, heartache...middle school has no shortage of perils. Never fear, the authors of the best-selling Worst-Case Scenario series return with a survival guide for those who are facingor just about to facethis big transitional time in school and life. The handbook is packed with funny-but-useful tips for the trickiest situations that crop up in middle school, like taking charge of a too-busy homework schedule, dealing with a cold shoulder from a friend who has suddenly become just too cool, avoiding common e-mail and cell phone disasters, and more.
128 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2008
About the author
David Borgenicht
127 books18 followersDavid Borgenicht is the creator and co-author of the best-selling WORST CASE SCENARIO SURVIVAL HANDBOOK series. He is also the author of dozens of other books, including THE STAR TREK BOOK OF OPPOSITES and HOW TO CON YOUR KID. He is the president and publisher of Quirk Books (www.quirkbooks.com), Philadelphia-based publishers of entertaining, informative, and amusing fiction and non-fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 6, 2016
I love this book! I wouldn't recommend reading it if you aren't going into middle school. It has great advice and I loved it! Guys DO NOT READ THE GIRLS ONLY SECTION I repeat THE BOYS, DO NOT READ THE GIRLS ONLY SECTION. Just trust me only girls should read it like meeeeeee!
March 4, 2021
Given the target audience are middle schoolers, they give pretty cool "how to be chill in x (oh-no) situation" tips. I picked this book up because I'm pretty bad at managing, and i was hoping to learn something to sooth my awkwardness. Aids mine a bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book. it is helpful in some ways, but I have heard most of these tips before. This book is great to pick up when you need to pass some time.
April 16, 2026
This book is waaaayyyy below my reading level but I happened to pick it up and I thought it was funny! It is full of helpful information for younger kiddos headed for middle school.
February 7, 2010
Publisher's Summary: Homework, hormones, heartache...middle school has no shortage of perils. Never fear, the authors of the best-selling Worst-Case Scenario series return with a survival guide for those who are facing—or just about to face—this big transitional time in school and life. The handbook is packed with funny-but-useful tips for the trickiest situations that crop up in middle school, like taking charge of a too-busy homework schedule, dealing with a cold shoulder from a friend who has suddenly become just too cool, avoiding common e-mail and cell phone disasters, and more.
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I remember all too well the feeling of overwhelming fear and panic when I began junior high (in seventh, rather than in sixth grade due to a move). Already behind in the curve of middle school know-how, I felt unsure of myself and how to handle the various situations that kept bombarding me at every turn. Wanting to bridge that gap from elementary to junior high for the kids in my life, I am always on the lookout for titles that will speak to my readers and their changes.I ordered this advice book through Scholastic, thinking that it might prove to be helpful not only my student readers but my own son. My fifth grade students are headed to the middle part of their school career. "Oldest," the nickname he has been dubbed since he is one of three boys in our family, is currently maneuvering his way through the first (dare we say painful) year of junior high school. And so it was that I spotted the title and thought it timely.
The book is arranged to read swiftly since it is written for not only the newbie but the experienced junior high student in mind. Most every worry that Oldest had upon entering sixth grade is addressed: from possible social faux paux (being the shortest and steps to help the reader through a dance) to how to handle bullying and being popular. Written with a sense of humor but aimed at helping the pubescent crowd, this book will surely put to rest most of the fears that I hear whispered during recess. And if this particular survival handbook whets your appetite for more, never fear. Epstein's other survival series books should do the trick. Parenting and wedding survival look to be equally as informative and entertaining, although there is a wealth of other books ready for the picking.
Favorite passages:
"How to Survive the Locker-Room Change" (pgs. 32- 34)
"How to Survive Mean Girls" (pgs. 100-104)
There's no saying what turns a girl mean, though scientists have their theories.
*Theory #1 suggest that deep down, the girl is insecure and knows she's not as cool as she's pretending to be.
*Theory #2 proposes that a mean girl is like social spinach: She's been put here to make you stronger.
*Theory #3 states that she's mean because her jeans are too tight and they're cutting off the oxygen to her brain.
And my personal favorite since Oldest has this lingering issue:
How To Pack Your Backpack Without Cracking Your Back (pgs. 126-127)
*The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle School would make a great companion book for another book my girl readers and I read for a book club during lunch called Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf.
************************************************************************
I remember all too well the feeling of overwhelming fear and panic when I began junior high (in seventh, rather than in sixth grade due to a move). Already behind in the curve of middle school know-how, I felt unsure of myself and how to handle the various situations that kept bombarding me at every turn. Wanting to bridge that gap from elementary to junior high for the kids in my life, I am always on the lookout for titles that will speak to my readers and their changes.I ordered this advice book through Scholastic, thinking that it might prove to be helpful not only my student readers but my own son. My fifth grade students are headed to the middle part of their school career. "Oldest," the nickname he has been dubbed since he is one of three boys in our family, is currently maneuvering his way through the first (dare we say painful) year of junior high school. And so it was that I spotted the title and thought it timely.
The book is arranged to read swiftly since it is written for not only the newbie but the experienced junior high student in mind. Most every worry that Oldest had upon entering sixth grade is addressed: from possible social faux paux (being the shortest and steps to help the reader through a dance) to how to handle bullying and being popular. Written with a sense of humor but aimed at helping the pubescent crowd, this book will surely put to rest most of the fears that I hear whispered during recess. And if this particular survival handbook whets your appetite for more, never fear. Epstein's other survival series books should do the trick. Parenting and wedding survival look to be equally as informative and entertaining, although there is a wealth of other books ready for the picking.
Favorite passages:
"How to Survive the Locker-Room Change" (pgs. 32- 34)
"How to Survive Mean Girls" (pgs. 100-104)
There's no saying what turns a girl mean, though scientists have their theories.
*Theory #1 suggest that deep down, the girl is insecure and knows she's not as cool as she's pretending to be.
*Theory #2 proposes that a mean girl is like social spinach: She's been put here to make you stronger.
*Theory #3 states that she's mean because her jeans are too tight and they're cutting off the oxygen to her brain.
And my personal favorite since Oldest has this lingering issue:
How To Pack Your Backpack Without Cracking Your Back (pgs. 126-127)
*The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle School would make a great companion book for another book my girl readers and I read for a book club during lunch called Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf.
Read
April 7, 2016Borgenicht, D., Winters, B. H., Epstein, R., & Gonzales, C. (2009). The worst-case scenario survival handbook: Middle school. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.
Citation: Laura Faulkner
Type of Reference: Handbook
Call Number: Ref 373
Content/Scope: This 128 page handbook focuses on the gross topics and issues that middle schoolers are faced with along with humorous suggestions on how to survive. Topics include the social scene, bodily functions, hygiene, and pets. The book is geared to help students in grades 4 through 7 with the awkward transition from elementary to middle school.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: The three authors that collaborated have written multiple books including award winners. Authors represent both genders and they contribute appropriately.
Arrangement/Presentation: The handbook contains chapters and illustrations that will appeal to boys and girls. There are separate chapters “For boys only” and “For girls only”. Also includes an appendix with gross recipes.
Accessibility/Diversity: Both genders are represented in gross situations. The book is simply written and easily understood by middle school aged students.
Cost: $10.99
Professional Review: Reutter, Vickie. (2010). The worst-case scenario survival handbook: Middle school. School Library Journal. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.libsrv.wku...
Citation: Laura Faulkner
Type of Reference: Handbook
Call Number: Ref 373
Content/Scope: This 128 page handbook focuses on the gross topics and issues that middle schoolers are faced with along with humorous suggestions on how to survive. Topics include the social scene, bodily functions, hygiene, and pets. The book is geared to help students in grades 4 through 7 with the awkward transition from elementary to middle school.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: The three authors that collaborated have written multiple books including award winners. Authors represent both genders and they contribute appropriately.
Arrangement/Presentation: The handbook contains chapters and illustrations that will appeal to boys and girls. There are separate chapters “For boys only” and “For girls only”. Also includes an appendix with gross recipes.
Accessibility/Diversity: Both genders are represented in gross situations. The book is simply written and easily understood by middle school aged students.
Cost: $10.99
Professional Review: Reutter, Vickie. (2010). The worst-case scenario survival handbook: Middle school. School Library Journal. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.libsrv.wku...
Want to Read
December 2, 2012Borgenich, D (2009). The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle School. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.
By: Deron Breeze
Reference Type: Handbook
Call Number: x 301 B732 - ISBN-13: 9780811868648
Description: This handbook is an informative survival guide for middle school students who are facing or just about to face this big transitional time in school and life, Middle School.
Relevance and Relationship: This is for a middle school library which provides the guide for middle school students to survive. When the students are struggling in school with academics for peers they can reference this handbook for advice.
Purpose: This is to provide tips to middle school students in order to survive the day to day life of middle school from school work, teachers and their friends.
Validity: This one guidebook of many for students and is a best seller across the country. There is a whole series of worst case survival handbooks.
Format: Print, 128 Pages
Arrangement and Presentation: It has an introduction then is broken down into chapters. Chapter 1 is the school day, Chapter 2 is after the school day. Chapter 3 is the social seen, then chapter 4 is a chapter for boys only while chapter 5 is for girls only.
Diversity: Resource for all middle school students to survive middle school. This is good for girls and boys and shows way to survive in the classroom and most importantly to these children, socially.
By: Deron Breeze
Reference Type: Handbook
Call Number: x 301 B732 - ISBN-13: 9780811868648
Description: This handbook is an informative survival guide for middle school students who are facing or just about to face this big transitional time in school and life, Middle School.
Relevance and Relationship: This is for a middle school library which provides the guide for middle school students to survive. When the students are struggling in school with academics for peers they can reference this handbook for advice.
Purpose: This is to provide tips to middle school students in order to survive the day to day life of middle school from school work, teachers and their friends.
Validity: This one guidebook of many for students and is a best seller across the country. There is a whole series of worst case survival handbooks.
Format: Print, 128 Pages
Arrangement and Presentation: It has an introduction then is broken down into chapters. Chapter 1 is the school day, Chapter 2 is after the school day. Chapter 3 is the social seen, then chapter 4 is a chapter for boys only while chapter 5 is for girls only.
Diversity: Resource for all middle school students to survive middle school. This is good for girls and boys and shows way to survive in the classroom and most importantly to these children, socially.
Read
April 25, 2016APA Citation: Borgenicht, D., Epstein, R., Winters, B. H., & Gonzales, C. i. (2009). The worst-case scenario survival handbook: middle school. Chronicle Books.
Citation: Kayla Berg
Type of Reference: Handbook
Call Number: 373
Content/Scope: The reading level for this handbook meets the needs of students in grades 4-6 which encompasses most students entering middle school. The focus of the text is on life skills, middle school FAQs, and social skills with middle school peers.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: The three authors show no bias in this text.
Arrangement/Presentation: This is a single novel including both text and illustration to guide students in their knowledge of middle school.
Accessibility/Diversity: the fact that the reading level reaches all of the way down to a 4th grade level and our middle school students are 6th graders means that even those students reading below grade level will be able to access the information presented.
Relation: We have an older version of a similar text, but it has not been checked out in some time. Procuring an updated copy may encourage more reading of this volume.
Cost: $10.99
Professional Review: Miller, A. (2014). Middle School. Booklist, 111(3), 62.
Citation: Kayla Berg
Type of Reference: Handbook
Call Number: 373
Content/Scope: The reading level for this handbook meets the needs of students in grades 4-6 which encompasses most students entering middle school. The focus of the text is on life skills, middle school FAQs, and social skills with middle school peers.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: The three authors show no bias in this text.
Arrangement/Presentation: This is a single novel including both text and illustration to guide students in their knowledge of middle school.
Accessibility/Diversity: the fact that the reading level reaches all of the way down to a 4th grade level and our middle school students are 6th graders means that even those students reading below grade level will be able to access the information presented.
Relation: We have an older version of a similar text, but it has not been checked out in some time. Procuring an updated copy may encourage more reading of this volume.
Cost: $10.99
Professional Review: Miller, A. (2014). Middle School. Booklist, 111(3), 62.
April 22, 2011
I purchased this for my disorganized and under-achieving 7th grader. It has some decent advice, in particular for those facing the adjustment of newly entering middle school. Mine is halfway through, but I thought the homework and organization tips (and how to get on a teacher's good side!) would be useful. Some of the writing is cheesy, of the eyes-will-roll-further-back-in-the-head-than-one-ever-thought-possible variety, but overall it's a decent selection for sixth and seventh graders. Some suggestions I can't really imagine anyone trying -- at least not without resulting in some disastrous social spurning -- but most readers probably wouldn't take those suggestions seriously anyway. The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle School is written in a light humorous tone and offers (for the most part) some useful information and advice.
April 23, 2013
I have heard about this series, but have not read any of the ones written for adults. I did enjoy this version as it addresses the new and intimidating situations encountered by an adolescent by offering practical advice on how to handle them. There are illustrations, metaphors, slang, word play and other text features which keep the reader engaged. I also like the "Be Aware" callouts in some sections. Theses notes let the reader know that this advice may not work every time as some people are just miserable, and some situations you just have to live through (but you will live through it). The tone is positive and realistic and I would have no problem recommending this to a soon-to-be or new sixth grader who may be worried about the transition to a middle school or junior high environment.
August 22, 2014
This book is a quick read and has some good advice for middle schoolers. There are a few things I didn't agree with and I know my 6th grader is not mature enough to need some of the information this year. I also didn't really like that the book tried to teach boys how to talk to girls, but taught girls how to get the boys to leave them alone. All in all, I think this book could have helped me when I was in middle school so it is worthwhile to read.
May 20, 2015
I am not going to lie, I have read almost this entire series. For kids. And enjoyed it.
Okay, so maybe this book is directed for younger kids, but it's a really fun and fast read. There are tips and advice that I'd never thought of, and it got really funny at times. It was great to break up some of my heavier reads.
Okay, so maybe this book is directed for younger kids, but it's a really fun and fast read. There are tips and advice that I'd never thought of, and it got really funny at times. It was great to break up some of my heavier reads.
July 2, 2010
Not bad, but I was expecting more from this book. For some kids middle school might just be the worst-case scenario ever! This might be helpful for a incoming 6th grade, but some of the advice seems a little silly for 2010 (at least to me an an adult and middle school survivor!)
July 5, 2010
This book is totally awesome! I really liked how it tells you how to get your grades up, and everything about middle school!
Want to Read
May 2, 2012Good book
May 20, 2013
A fun little handbook on how to survive the first day of school, making friends, dealing with bullies, and being a part of school activities.
February 14, 2016
A little out dated, overall appropriate for S2S book list if more recent book isn't avail.
June 22, 2016
Okay but needs an update
This is a great book! But the authors need to add a few more things. But it is good. ☺
This is a great book! But the authors need to add a few more things. But it is good. ☺
Currently Reading
May 30, 2018its not like elementry schooland it helps you navigate thourgh midlle school.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews