Middle School Survival Mode
Disaster levels: off the charts... Tips: still loading…
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The night before sixth grade, Zoe Carter and her best friend made pinky promises under the stars: they’d stick together, no matter what. But when Emily drifts toward the loud, glittery crowd, Zoe finds herself dodging both rubber balls in gym class and the sting of being left out.
Middle school is louder, meaner, and more confusing than she ever expected. Between a locker that refuses to open, cafeteria politics, and a crush that makes her forget how to breathe, Zoe starts to figure out what real courage looks like: showing up anyway.
With sharp humor, survival tips, late-night spirals, and a few unexpected allies, Middle School Survival Mode is for every kid who’s ever felt like they didn’t quite fit in.
Because even when it feels like the world’s against you, you’re not alone.
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About the Book
Middle School Survival Mode follows Zoe Carter as she battles dodgeball disasters, cafeteria politics, ghosted group chats, and the terrifying Puberty Unit, all while trying to figure out who she is when her best friend moves on without her.
Told through diary-style entries, “Disaster Levels,” survival tips, and honest reflections, this story captures the highs and lows of middle school, from awkward first crushes to the quiet power of finding real friends.
It’s a story for every kid who’s ever felt invisible, left out, or “too much.” A reminder that they’re not alone, and that even the toughest days don’t last forever.
About the Author
Theresa Neudecker holds an MBA and works as a project manager by day, but her true passion is creating stories that speak to the messy, wonderful, and sometimes overwhelming world of middle school. A dedicated mom, volleyball coach, and lifelong storyteller, Theresa writes to remind young readers that their feelings are valid and that they’re never truly alone. Her work is inspired by real-life experiences and a deep desire to spark courage, connection, and self-confidence in kids navigating their own journeys.