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Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure
Take a large group of kids in puberty, send them to a new school, and add a generous dose of tests, homework, and hormones, not to mention diverse personalities, bland food, and unpleasant odors. That’s middle school, and it can be a little . . . weird.
Yes, there are cool things about middle school, like more independence, new friends, and new activities. But there’s baffling stuff too, like harsh judgment, the whole “popularity” thing, and, of course, drama. With insights from hundreds of students, this guidebook explores the halls of middle school, especially the odd behaviors that lurk in the shadows. Slip on your lab coats, because we’re going to dissect these behaviors one by one to understand what’s really going on. With fun illustrations and choose-your-own-adventure-style scenarios, Dissecting Middle School will help you deal with the drama and define who you are and how to navigate life when things get, well, weird.
Yes, there are cool things about middle school, like more independence, new friends, and new activities. But there’s baffling stuff too, like harsh judgment, the whole “popularity” thing, and, of course, drama. With insights from hundreds of students, this guidebook explores the halls of middle school, especially the odd behaviors that lurk in the shadows. Slip on your lab coats, because we’re going to dissect these behaviors one by one to understand what’s really going on. With fun illustrations and choose-your-own-adventure-style scenarios, Dissecting Middle School will help you deal with the drama and define who you are and how to navigate life when things get, well, weird.
- GenresNonfictionMiddle Grade
176 pages, Paperback
Published August 2, 2022
About the author
Jessica Speer
4 books40 followersJessica Speer writes books for kids and teens, including The Phone Book - Stay Safe, Be Smart and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand. Her first book, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends), was a finalist for the 2022 Kids Choice Book Awards. Her second book, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised was a finalist for the 2023 Colorado Book Award.
Blending stories, humor, and fun activities, her writing unpacks tricky stuff that surfaces during childhood and adolescence. Jessica has a Master's Degree in Social Sciences and a knack for writing about complex topics in ways that connect with kids. For more information, visit www.JessicaSpeer.com
Blending stories, humor, and fun activities, her writing unpacks tricky stuff that surfaces during childhood and adolescence. Jessica has a Master's Degree in Social Sciences and a knack for writing about complex topics in ways that connect with kids. For more information, visit www.JessicaSpeer.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 20, 2022
As the mother of a 7th grade child, I highly recommend this book! So many topics are covered in this fabulous middle school survival guide. The author has done a great job of making these topics both relatable and approachable. Not only is this book hugely helpful for all middle schoolers (or soon-to-be middle schoolers) but it’s also hugely entertaining and engaging.
August 22, 2022
This book has one word to describe it: AWESOME. I start Middle School tomorrow and I'm super excited/nervous, so wish me luck. This book has many great tips and advice. I read 2 other books on this topic but this is way better. Y'all better get it soon cuz SCHOOL STARTS TOMORROW. It does if you to SV. Anyways... This is a great book and MUST READ for Middle Schoolers! 😄
November 25, 2022
Have you ever wondered what others are thinking and wished you could read their minds? Jessica Speer offers middle school readers a peek into the confusing components of their world and gives them the closest thing to the ability to read minds. This book is broken up into small pieces that are approachable by all readers and include a variety of ways to learn, including bite-size sidebars with fun facts, quotes from actual middle-schoolers, quizzes, and choose-your-own adventure activities. Topics include friendship, gossip, popularity, social media, peer pressure, stress, and conflict. As a teacher of neurodiverse students, I'm confident in saying that this book is engaging enough for the most distractible of readers and specific enough for the most literal of thinkers. Many of my students who are on the autism spectrum will love this book because it provides direct, concrete information and tips to help navigate the confusing and overwhelming world of middle school. Highly recommended for all classrooms, homes, counselors' offices, and libraries!
December 13, 2022
Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised, is a lovely, hands-on guidebook to survived and thriving on the risky road of Middle School. Two of my children are currently on that wild ride, and I found Speer's handbook-style and format to be appealing and engaging. The topics she addresses are relatable and important. Middle school is a time when the world seems to be shifting under their feet, and talking through issue like popularity, crushes, grades, and evolving friendships is a bit of a god-send. Her examples about how we handle situations, what might happen in difference scenarios, and a little bit of a chooose-your-own-adventure style brings the topics to life for kids. Practical and helpful in navigating and understanding our changing emotions.
Read as a nomination in the nonfiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
Read as a nomination in the nonfiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
June 9, 2022
This is book every middle schooler needs! Written a fun, graphic style that reminded me a little bit of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," it candidly explores all the stresses of middle school: dating, social media, bullying, cliques, etc. It offers practical explanations and advice that kids can actually use, written in a style I think they will actually read. This would make a great gift for any student starting middle school.
February 1, 2023
This book is very well written. It’s filled with important topics including friendship, gossip and peer pressure. It will help middle graders navigate the many challenges they may encounter at school. This guidebook includes insights from students and fun facts making it easy for readers to relate to the content. The “choose your own adventure” feature allow readers to personalize scenarios. I highly recommended for all classrooms, libraries and homes.
November 19, 2022
This is a well-designed and written book in service to the growing young folks who populate middle schools. Ask yourself if our would choose to return to that time and palce in your life. If not, this book might have helped. Its benefits are many.
it is short.
It provides interactivity and choices.
It is nonjudgmental.
it is highly realistic and helpful- without preaching.
It can babe used/read independently or in a group.
It is nonthreatening and useful.
Know a middle school kid (or teacher)? Share this.
it is short.
It provides interactivity and choices.
It is nonjudgmental.
it is highly realistic and helpful- without preaching.
It can babe used/read independently or in a group.
It is nonthreatening and useful.
Know a middle school kid (or teacher)? Share this.
November 2, 2022
My advice? Grab a copy of Jessica Speer's latest book, Middle School- Safety Goggles Advised, for your middle-grader! Because as the intro warns: "This book dissects the weird stuff that happens in middle school, which can be messy.... Safety goggles and a sense of humor recommended. By the end of the
book, rest assured, you’ll have a better understanding of yourself, your fellow humans, and how to play a role in creating positive change." Each of the 10 chapters uses (loosely) the scientific method to "dissect" 10 common middle school experiences (ie harsh judgment, the whole "popularity thing") and includes hands-on activities to help kids consider their experiences and gain insights. Kids will feel comfortable exploring and finding solutions to dealing with these very real issues with author Jessica Speer's guide in hand!
book, rest assured, you’ll have a better understanding of yourself, your fellow humans, and how to play a role in creating positive change." Each of the 10 chapters uses (loosely) the scientific method to "dissect" 10 common middle school experiences (ie harsh judgment, the whole "popularity thing") and includes hands-on activities to help kids consider their experiences and gain insights. Kids will feel comfortable exploring and finding solutions to dealing with these very real issues with author Jessica Speer's guide in hand!
August 24, 2022
MIDDLE SCHOOL - SAFETY GOGGLES ADVISED is everything my book nerd heart loves! Clever advice, quizzes, and pick your own endings are all things middle-grade readers will love ❤️ I highly recommend!
July 27, 2022
A stellar book for middle schoolers, parents, and educators. Kudos to author Jessica Speer for offering uplifting, humorous insights that can help children and adults alike move through the rocky realm of middle school with greater awareness and healthier skills. A must-read!
July 28, 2022
I would have devoured this book when I was eleven! In MIDDLE SCHOOL: SAFETY GOGGLES ADVISED, Jessica Speer treats middle school like the science experiment it is, and the result is brilliant. It’s engaging (you can write in it) and practical (specific recommendations for effecting change), interactive (choose-your-own-ending scenarios) and funny (there are even miscellaneous and fun scientific facts that have nothing to do with middle school, which are perfect diversions from a topic that’s hard and personal). Speer digs into the facts behind important issues like changing friendships, crushes, gossip, and social media, and addresses each in a way that’s sure to appeal to kids who are trying to figure out how to recognize, avoid, and deal with middle school pitfalls. My thanks to the author and publisher for the eARC.
May 30, 2022
This is a great book that will help middle grade readers navigates the ins and outs of middle school. I love that the author isn't afraid to tackle difficult subjects, but she does it in a way that makes them feel accessible. She includes quotes from middle grade kids, and the book never veers toward the didactic. The pacing is also fantastic--this book moves along at a fast clip and contains so may different types of content (illustrations, scenarios, and fun facts) that even the most reluctant of reader will remain engaged. Highly recommended!
June 5, 2023
A must read for anyone approaching middle school or working with that age group. So much good advice and good reminders of what friendship looks like and how to navigate life with family, friends, and yourself.
June 14, 2022
“Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised” by Jessica Speer is a book I wish I’d had when I was a kid, and when I was the mom of a middle school kid. The book is fun, quick to read, and packed with useful information to help kids navigate the world of middle school and the confusion that often comes from having no idea why previously accepted childhood social norms no longer seem to apply. I still remember arriving home from school and earnestly asking my parents, “why?” during those years. If only I’d had this book ! - to read myself, to talk to my friends about, to discuss with my parents. Once again author Jessica Speer has written a book that broaches difficult topics in gentle ways. This book would be a useful addition to the bookshelves of families during the middle school years.
August 17, 2022
This book was just perfect for my soon-to-be middle schooler. Middle school has changed a lot since I was there! But the hormones and emotions remain. :) I'm so glad he'll have this guide to take him through the eternal problems of middle school (cliques, crushes, "coolness") and the best information about the newer stuff -- social media, phubbing, and FOMO. The fun format is perfect for both of us. I suspect I'll be turning to different chapters as crises emerge!
February 18, 2023
This book gives advice about how to navigate the difficulties of middle school. There are chapters about not judging others, bullying, friendships and cliques, trying to be popular, having a crush on someone, gossip, social media, and peer pressure.
My main problem with this book was that it didn't really go into WHY young people should avoid bad decisions and toxic behaviors. It didn't talk about honor or morality or modesty. It didn't talk about honesty or virtue. It just says lots of nice things about being kind to others, but the whole philosophy is very casual and lackadaisical. It even says at one point that "There are no correct responses." You can do whatever and make whatever choices and nothing is right or wrong. The entire attitude is very amoral and toxic.
There is one little paragraph about sexting that says that it is not a good idea to send nude photos to anyone because those photos might not end up being private. They could be shared or posted online, so it's a bad idea to sext anyone because you need to protect your privacy. But nothing is said about respecting yourself, respecting your body, having modesty, or reporting the person who asked you for nude photos or sent you nude photos. There are a myriad of reasons why sexting is a bad idea, but only one reason was mentioned. Nothing about how it is immoral and abnormal and should be reported.
Same thing with bullying, and peer pressure, and a lot of other serious topics.
The chapter on peer pressure just talks about not allowing yourself to be pressured into doing something that you don't want to do. It doesn't even go into why vaping, alcohol, and drugs are destructive and illegal in the first place. This book doesn't go enough into depth. It just scrapes the surface, but doesn't explain the full issues with these topics.
There is a lot of nice advice in this book, and the design is really attractive and fun. But I just couldn't get past the nonchalant morality and purposeless philosophy. It's like you are equipping children with tools to navigate serious issues in life, and when they get out there they realize that the tools you gave them are made of sand, and your philosophy crumbles into dust because it is not built on anything real or lasting.
I wish there were a book like this with strong morals, and real advice about right and wrong, and real solutions to ethical problems. I wish there were a book like this that championed truth and goodness and virtue, because those are the only tools that will actually help you in life.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
My main problem with this book was that it didn't really go into WHY young people should avoid bad decisions and toxic behaviors. It didn't talk about honor or morality or modesty. It didn't talk about honesty or virtue. It just says lots of nice things about being kind to others, but the whole philosophy is very casual and lackadaisical. It even says at one point that "There are no correct responses." You can do whatever and make whatever choices and nothing is right or wrong. The entire attitude is very amoral and toxic.
There is one little paragraph about sexting that says that it is not a good idea to send nude photos to anyone because those photos might not end up being private. They could be shared or posted online, so it's a bad idea to sext anyone because you need to protect your privacy. But nothing is said about respecting yourself, respecting your body, having modesty, or reporting the person who asked you for nude photos or sent you nude photos. There are a myriad of reasons why sexting is a bad idea, but only one reason was mentioned. Nothing about how it is immoral and abnormal and should be reported.
Same thing with bullying, and peer pressure, and a lot of other serious topics.
The chapter on peer pressure just talks about not allowing yourself to be pressured into doing something that you don't want to do. It doesn't even go into why vaping, alcohol, and drugs are destructive and illegal in the first place. This book doesn't go enough into depth. It just scrapes the surface, but doesn't explain the full issues with these topics.
There is a lot of nice advice in this book, and the design is really attractive and fun. But I just couldn't get past the nonchalant morality and purposeless philosophy. It's like you are equipping children with tools to navigate serious issues in life, and when they get out there they realize that the tools you gave them are made of sand, and your philosophy crumbles into dust because it is not built on anything real or lasting.
I wish there were a book like this with strong morals, and real advice about right and wrong, and real solutions to ethical problems. I wish there were a book like this that championed truth and goodness and virtue, because those are the only tools that will actually help you in life.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
November 5, 2022
This slim book is a workbook for tweens trying to negotiate all the challenges that puberty and middle school offers. I can almost see this as a textbook in a psychology class for students ages 10 through 13.
The book has multiple choice options for responding to thorny social situations as well as empty lines for writing short responses to these situations.
There are prompts about cliques, bullying, crushes and more. Looking through these hypothetical situations reminded me of the painful and complicated landscape I tried to negotiate as a tween. I had no older siblings, and I felt totally lost trying to accomplish a lot of tween tasks: friendship groups, finding my interest separate from what my parents told me were my interests, learning how to go to school where I switched classrooms, learning how to talk to people I thought were cute and interesting (that was a nightmare for me).
I feel as though a kid gifting this to another kid would work better. If my parents gave me a book about something I felt very vulnerable about, I would feel as though they were invading my space. Hmmm. Maybe if I were a parent, I would buy it and tell my kids that I am giving it to someone else, then maybe if I left it on the kitchen table for a month, my kids would "sneak" and read it!
There are a few illustrations in the margins, but the book is very text heavy. It's meant to mimic conversations, and it is supposed to be interactive. An interesting way to approach those awkward tweeny years!
The book has multiple choice options for responding to thorny social situations as well as empty lines for writing short responses to these situations.
There are prompts about cliques, bullying, crushes and more. Looking through these hypothetical situations reminded me of the painful and complicated landscape I tried to negotiate as a tween. I had no older siblings, and I felt totally lost trying to accomplish a lot of tween tasks: friendship groups, finding my interest separate from what my parents told me were my interests, learning how to go to school where I switched classrooms, learning how to talk to people I thought were cute and interesting (that was a nightmare for me).
I feel as though a kid gifting this to another kid would work better. If my parents gave me a book about something I felt very vulnerable about, I would feel as though they were invading my space. Hmmm. Maybe if I were a parent, I would buy it and tell my kids that I am giving it to someone else, then maybe if I left it on the kitchen table for a month, my kids would "sneak" and read it!
There are a few illustrations in the margins, but the book is very text heavy. It's meant to mimic conversations, and it is supposed to be interactive. An interesting way to approach those awkward tweeny years!
June 8, 2022
Middle school is bursting with weird stuff. But when these behaviors are dissected it’s clear that students are trying to fit in, be accepted, belong, gain status etc. Basically they are being human. Middle school is one big social experiment. This book tackles many of the things that middle schoolers deal with such as peer pressure, stress, popularity, crushes, social media and friendships. It does this in a non threatening way. This book gives readers information and then choose- your- own-adventure style scenarios, while gently guiding the reader to recognize things like dignity and self-worth.
I think this is an important book to share with students and have available to kids getting ready to enter middle school. It may help alleviate the fear and anxiety many kids might be feeling.
I think this is an important book to share with students and have available to kids getting ready to enter middle school. It may help alleviate the fear and anxiety many kids might be feeling.
August 4, 2022
Thank you Jessica Speer – “Middle School – Safety Goggles Advised” is a fresh, humorous, insightful and engaging read. Throughout the book, the importance of Dignity is well stated and well-received – the joy of dignity, the honor of dignity and the compassion of Dignity as a choice – and as a source of strength for navigating the many pitfalls and challenges of Middle School. A grand introduction (and reminder) to all readers of all ages – but especially well-suited for kids experiencing new life challenges within the complex halls of middle school… I highly recommend! And with my own daughter now exiting the merry (sometimes) circus of Middle School, I just hope the author’s next work will be delivered soon (i.e. High School? HELP!) ...
June 6, 2022
Buy two books! One for the middle schooler in your life, and one for their parents! The quizzes, quotes, and choose your own adventure stories help tweens and teens sort out their views and feelings while learning how to navigate social topics. It’s a book they may read cover to cover or refer to as needed. For parents, it’s a quick refresher on the social struggles of the middle school years, with a heads up on some new topics as you mentor your kids. The list of references in the back of the book is also great for more tools as needed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2022
"Middle School...Safety Goggles Advised" is a book I wish my daughter could have read in middle school. I appreciate how the awkward and sometimes ugly middle school realities are addressed in a way that is both accessible and useful. What makes this book extra-awesome? The anecdotes and insightful suggestions from middle-schoolers, the sense of fun and relaxed humor, informational tidbits, and engagement where middle schoolers have the autonomy to work through their own experiences and solutions. An excellent read.
October 7, 2022
This book reads a bit like a manual explaining and dissecting middle school behaviors, many of which are strange and were not apparent in elementary school and will not continue into adulthood.
It is interesting and kids who are worried and anxious about middle school and who would like to find explanations for all this behavior may find this book informative and reassuring. The book also provides a lot of scenarios that kids might find themselves in along with a variety of options they might choose to do when faced with such a scenario.
It is interesting and kids who are worried and anxious about middle school and who would like to find explanations for all this behavior may find this book informative and reassuring. The book also provides a lot of scenarios that kids might find themselves in along with a variety of options they might choose to do when faced with such a scenario.
November 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! It seems much more practical than many that I've read, and while it might not reach students who necessarily need it the most on its own, it could be used in advisory classes. I could visualize using the chapters bit by bit. Just having a way to have students to discuss different parts could make a difference. I think some of the situations and suggestions would stick with them. The summary in chapter 12 is pretty good in itself. I think its purpose is to hand it to middle school students to read themselves, and that could be successful, but I see expanding it.
July 27, 2022
This book is both wildly entertaining and helpful for all kids trying to navigate the ins and outs of middle school. Middle School: Safety Goggles Advised addresses the heart of what challenges kids at this age in their own words. Speer writes in a way that educates and empowers kids to come up with their best solutions to different scenarios with her gentle guidance, humor, and empathy. This book is a life-saver for parents whose middle schooler says, “You just don’t get it!”
October 25, 2022
With humor and understanding this survival guide explores the challenges of middle school--from harsh judgement to popularity, changing friendships, and crushes. Readers choose the ending they want for challenging situations, and gain perspective about themselves and their peers.
February 6, 2023
I love the play with scientific words to explain all the "weird stuff" going on in middle school. Being a middle school teacher myself, this book made me laugh so many times. Great job, Jessica Speer!
April 27, 2023
This is a fantastic book for any current middle school student or any student looking ahead to starting middle school. The format is fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate, and teachers and counselors will also find great content for use in lessons.
December 19, 2022
Advice for kids, well meaning and good, but definitely coming as an adult rather than a peer. I mean, it would do kids good to follow the advice but the kids who need it might not be looking.
September 13, 2023
A great introduction to many of the goings on of middle school, from cliques to crushes and grades to gossip. This is also a great read for a parent-refresher.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews