“The Math Teacher.” “The Assistant Principal.” “The Huggers.” “Your Old Best Friend’s New Best Friend.” “The Teacher Who Thinks She Knows You Well.” Gus describes her first year of middle school for her younger sister, Lou, through encounters with 47 people over the course of a year that sees her move from social insecurity and uncertainty to slowly growing confidence and greater maturity. Gus’s social interactions—for better and worse—play out against a backdrop of changing family dynamics: The girls’ parents recently separated and Gus hates moving back and forth between two homes. Gus gets in trouble a couple times at school—once for something she did, once for something she didn’t do—and she realizes the only time her parents are together is in the principal’s office; she hates that, too. Although likeable, Gus, white, is realistically self-centered, and part of her growth is realizing her sister, too, is hurting. It’s also in her burgeoning confidence as she makes new friends, and as they challenge sexism—in the dated Sadie Hawkins dance, and in the behavior of a boy who gooses female students. The title suggested a lighthearted novel, and there is plenty of humor, but also welcome depth. (Ages 9–12)

Getting ready to start middle school? Well, you'll need to know what to expect. Get to know every person you'll meet and how they can help (and who to stay away from!).

"Mahoney authentically captures the universal indignities of middle school, the challenges of self-discovery, and the joy of making true friends." --Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

Dear Lou,
You've been asking and asking about what middle school is like, but I just thought they were annoying-younger-sister questions. Even though I am almost done with my first year, I can still remember when I thought middle school was a mystery, so I'll try to give you a leg up. I know middle school is a lot to figure out. But since I still haven't worked it all out yet, I'm happy to help as much as I can. That's what big sisters are for.
Love, Gus

Discover the ins and outs of middle school in this guide from an older sister to her younger sister. From tackling a new building to meeting new people like the assistant principal, the class pet, the Huggers, the renegade, the tomato kid, your old best friend's new best friend, this is a must-read for everyone starting middle school.

With wit and warmth, Kristin Mahoney, author of Annie's Life in Lists, delivers heartwarming, pitch-perfect advice, ideal for anyone nervously approaching middle school.