Drama defines middle school, especially for Jilly.
Not that she likes drama. She’d rather walk invisibly through the hallways than have any eyes turn toward her. But drama will always find Jilly. With Mom battling depression, and the family’s financial struggles, they move frequently. As the family bounces from town to town, Jilly changes schools… a lot! And there is nothing scarier than coming into a new school smack in the middle of the semester.
With her country accent… clothes that are far from cool… an odd, funny-to-pronounce family name (that earns her a terrible nickname)… Jilly feels like an outcast. A misunderstood misfit. Can she find a way to fit in while still being true to herself? Independent readers and middle school students will relate to the challenges and joys that Jilly and her schoolmates experience in this timeless tale about facing your fears, making new friends (and frenemies), and avoiding, as much as possible, those humiliating middle school screw-ups.
This story deals with some tough topics, so discussion points and tips are included at the end. The discussions can be lead by students in small groups, or led by an adult. 128 pgs.
Extend the learning with the accompanying 32-page Downloadable Activity Guide!!
About the Author
LEONA LUGAN spent 10 years working with victims of crime and family abuse. She currently provides grant writing services, ghost writing, and consultation to nonprofit organizations and small businesses. Her educational background in communication, sociology, and guidance counseling has given her a broad base from which to approach many topics affecting today's youth. Her personal experience growing up poor in the Midwest, frequently moving from town to town, inspired her to write Middle School Misfits.
Published by Boys Town Press
ISBN 978-1-944882-35-8
