Borgenicht David - Middle School

The
WORST-CASE SCENARIO
Survival Handbook:
Middle School

By David Borgenicht, Ben H. Winters, and Robin Epstein
Illustrated by Chuck Gonzales

A WORD OF WARNING: Its always important to keep safety in mind. If youre careless, even the tamest activities can result in injury. As such, all readers are urged to act with caution, ask for adult advice, obey all laws, and respect the rights of others when handling any Worst-Case Scenario.

Copyright 2009 by Quirk Productions, Inc.

A QUIRK PACKAGING BOOK.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Worst-Case Scenario and The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook are trademarks of Quirk Productions, Inc.

Illustrations by Chuck Gonzales.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Borgenicht, David.
The worst-case scenario survival handbook : middle school / by David Borgenicht,
Ben H. Winters, and Robin Epstein ; illustrated by Chuck Gonzales.
p. cm.
eISBN: 978-0-8118-7296-6
1. Middle school studentsLife skills guides. 2. PreteensLife skills guides.
3. TeenagersLife skills guides. 4. Middle schoolsHumor. I. Winters, Ben H.
II. Epstein, Robin, 1972 III. Title.
LB1135.B66 2009
373.18dc22
2008052603

Chronicle Books LLC
680 Second Street, San Francisco, California 94107

www.chroniclekids.com

The publisher, packager, and authors disclaim any liability from any injury that may result from the use, proper or improper, of the information contained in this book.

CHAPTER 1
The School Day

CHAPTER 2
After School

CHAPTER 3
The Social Scene

CHAPTER 4
For Boys Only!

CHAPTER 5
For Girls Only!

Sometimes being in the middle gets a bad rap. But if youre in the middleor about to start the middleof your school career, theres actually a lot to look forward to... if youre prepared.

This handbook is your very own insiders guide to the unique world that is middle school. Its kind of like getting a sneak peek at the teachers edition of your math book. It doesnt have all the answers to your next test, but it does have all the tips and secrets you need to make the most of that oh-so-special time in the middle.

So, what exactly is so special about middle school? One word: CHANGE.

Middle school is one of those times in life when a whole lotta change happens in a pretty short time. In those middle years, people get taller, they get new interests, their social lives change, and their minds start thinking in more and more sophisticated ways. Its one big chapter of change.

And its not just about what happens during middle schoolthe chapter begins with a big whammy of a change, too. When you start middle school, youre fresh out of elementary school. Back there, you were old and wise. You knew the ropes. You knew the rules. There were plenty of short people around to make you feel tall. But then, along comes middle school and suddenly, BANG! Youre in opposite land. Youre a newbie. A youngun! Lots of things are differentthe way your classes are set up, whats expected of you, the way your friends act, everything!

This book is here to help you navigate that sea of change. Itll help prepare you for the choppy watersand sharks!so youll have plenty of time for smooth middle-school sailing. Heres how this handbook can help:

Nervous about the school dance? We have the moves to get you through.

Prepping for a big test? Youll find plenty of tried and true studying hints in here.

Have a sinking grade? We toss you a lifeline.

Dealing with a bully or mean girl? We give you the upper hand.

Being crushed by a crush? We show you how to read the signs.

Growing apart from your best friend? We help you deal and make new friends.

Whether youre a middle-school rookie or a seasoned pro, the tips, tricks, and secrets youll find inside this handbook will help you have an amazing year (or two, or three). Now, its time to dig in and get to the juicy middle of things!

David Borgenicht, Ben H. Winters, and Robin Epstein

If middle school were a game, the first day would be like the championship. Heres how to be in it to win it.

1 Conduct an investigation.

Does your school have a website? Check it out! Can you tour the school in advance? Do it! Know kids who already attend? Ask them for insider information! If you know what to expect, youll keep the pre-game jitters at bay.

2 Look great, feel great.

Take your first-day clothes for a test drive a few weeks beforehand to make sure they look and feel right. You can even host your own fashion show by asking your best bud for an opinion. Knowing you look your best will help you have the confidence you need.

3 Buddy up.

Find out whos in your homeroom, who you can walk to gym with, and whose fries you can borrow in the cafeteria. Plan ahead to maximize friend time.

4 Map quest.

If you dont have a map of your school, make one. Add crucial information like a route from gym to math that takes you past a water fountain.

5 Imagine success.

See yourself being happy, making friends, and feeling great. Dont let yourself imagine an uncomfortable you. The better you visualize your day, the better you can make it.

The Locker Lowdown

Think of your locker as your home base, your fortress, your space to decorate or mess up as you see fit!