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. "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 

“What this novel’s target audience wants is reassurance, which Gus’s confused yet consoling voice provides in spades.” —NYT Book Review

"Smart, funny, and well paced." --School Library Journal

"A pitch-perfect must-read for tweens seeking comfort about growing up."--Booklist

"Highly recommended travelogue for those just entering uncharted territory. Amusing, enlightening, and ideal for a final read just before middle school." --Kirkus Reviews