Control Freaks resonates with readers through its honest portrayal of academic anxiety and the witty banter between a team of mismatched middle schoolers. Doug’s sharp inner monologue captures the pressure of high stakes competition while finding humor in seven grade social dynamics. Books in this family share a fast paced narrative voice and complex protagonists learning to collaborate.
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the pressure of high expectations, whether from themselves or from home, and finds it difficult to trust others in group settings. Doug is a seventh-grade overachiever who thinks he must win a school-wide competition to avoid being sent to a sports camp he dreads. When he is paired with a group of outcasts, he must learn that true leadership means letting go of total control and valuing different perspectives. This witty and relatable story explores themes of collaboration, the stress of modern middle school, and the beauty of finding friendship in unexpected places. It is an excellent choice for kids who need to see that their worth is not tied solely to their trophies or grades.
