Middle School Confidential: a graphic novel series

The transition from childhood to adolescence and adulthood is tricky and full of potential pitfalls in the best of circumstances.  Kids with language and/or social challenges are at even higher risk as they transition to middle school, high school, and beyond.  Their language and social difficulties impair their ability to interpret situations, predict outcomes and consequences, understand the true meaning and intentions of what others say and do, and figure out how to navigate the highs and lows of growing up.

Annie Fox's graphic novel series, Middle School Confidential, is one tool parents and adults working with tweens and teens can use to open up a dialogue about sensitive, yet incredibly important life topics, such as bullying, telling the difference between true friends and "the other kind", feeling confident in oneself, dating, and more.  The books follow a group of 7th graders as they navigate changes at home, at school, and in their friendships.  You may want to pre-read them to gauge if your child is ready for certain topics (although we may be surprised at how young children are when they encounter various issues).  At the very least, reading them beforehand will prepare you for conversations that may come up or that you want to initiate.  Whether or not you completely agree with how a topic is addressed in the books, they provide a nice springboard to opening up conversations with your child about some difficult and/or uncomfortable topics.  Each chapter is a short "scene" covering a specific issue, so you can pick and choose topics that are most relevant, read and discuss one chapter at a time, or work through them however works best for you and your child.  For more information, check out Annie Fox's website.  While you are there, be sure to download the free Leader's Guide for more ideas on how to use the books!

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Book 1:  Be Confident in Who You Are    

[Kindle version]  [iPhone/iPad app]  [Amazon app]  (also on Goole Play/Nook)

Book 2:  Real Friends vs. the Other Kind    

[Kindle version]  [iPhone/iPad app]  [Amazon app]  (also on Goole Play/Nook)

Book 3:  What's Up with My Family?    

[Kindle version]     [iPhone/iPad app]

I have the iPad app versions of Books 1 and 2 and will say that I feel the topics are covered very briefly.  I was left feeling that the app can be used to introduce a topic, but that much discussion would need to happen after reading in order to fully benefit.  I do think the graphic novel presentation is great and helps the books appeal to a larger age range.  Book 2 incorporates "quizzes" to check a child's understanding of how to be a friend based on the information presented in that chapter.  I also really like that all the conversation and support displayed in the stories comes from peers.  The impression I get from researching the books is that the print versions may be more in-depth and include more.  App or paperback, I recommend you check them out if you have a child in late elementary school, middle school, or early high school. 

Disclosure: I obtained the apps for Books 1 & 2 in code drops on Facebook and received no compensation for this post.  The opinions are all mine.  This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.