What They Didn’t Tell You About Middle School, by Ishan Khire, offers a fresh, insightful look into the rollercoaster ride that is adolescence. Following Ishan’s journey as he enters middle school, faces the challenge of older students, moves to a new country, and grapples with online learning, the book is filled with humor and authenticity. Khire’s writing captures the emotions and concerns of middle schoolers, delivering a relatable and engaging read. As a young author, Khire skillfully reflects on his own experiences without ever talking down to his audience, making this a compelling read for both students and adults curious about this transitional phase.

One of the standout features of What They Didn’t Tell You About Middle School is its mature and thoughtful approach to middle-grade storytelling. Unlike many books in this genre, which rely on exaggerated humor and illustrations to carry the narrative, Khire’s work puts the focus on wit, clever insights, and real-life experiences. The sparse illustrations complement rather than overpower the text, letting the writing shine and offering readers a deeper connection to the story’s themes. The book’s greatest strength lies in its respect for its young audience. Khire addresses real, relatable issues—like changing schools, managing peer relationships, and adjusting to virtual learning—with honesty and depth. He treats his readers as intelligent individuals, which is often missing in other books aimed at this age group. As a middle schooler himself, Khire brings a unique level of authenticity that resonates, making the story both personal and universally relatable to those navigating similar challenges.

While aimed at middle-grade readers, What They Didn’t Tell You About Middle School offers plenty for adults, too—particularly parents and teachers. The themes of change, growth, and adaptation are handled with a balance of humor and emotional depth that will speak to readers of any age. Khire’s ability to explore complex emotions without oversimplifying them makes this book a rare find in its genre. Overall, What They Didn’t Tell You About Middle School is an honest, thoughtful, and refreshingly genuine take on growing up, and it will resonate with readers far beyond its target audience.

Pages: 144 | ASIN : B0CHKPT5VW