About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is starting to push back against daily expectations or seems overwhelmed by the typical 'growing pains' of puberty. It is an ideal choice for the pre-teen who feels like the world is constantly making unfair demands, providing a safe space for them to see their own frustrations reflected with humor rather than judgment. Through the diary of twelve-year-old Dean Matthews, the story explores the shift from childhood to adolescence, touching on changing family dynamics and the awkwardness of early social life. Jan Alford perfectly captures the voice of a boy who is trying to find his footing while feeling slightly embarrassed by everything his parents do. While the book is centered on a male protagonist, its themes of self-discovery and the 'chore' of growing up are universal for any child aged 10 to 14. It is a lighthearted yet honest tool for normalizing the mood swings and identity shifts that define the middle school years, ultimately showing that everyone feels a little out of place sometimes.
