It can be the best of times. It can be the worst of times, too.

Middle school happens at that tumultuous time in life when one's not a teenager and not a little kid. Middle school means being a middle-aged kid. Expectations—from teachers, parents, friends, siblings—can all change dramatically, causing worry and concern even for the most laid-back student.

The Middle School Survival Guide

covers every issue, inside school and out, from the most trivial concerns to the most serious issues that middle school students face today. Arlene Erlbach has assembled a teen advisory board of 200 kids between fifth and tenth grade who give advice about topics from cracking a locker combination, to dealing with multiple teachers, to sex and dating.