Yes, there are cool things about middle school, like more independence, new friends, and new activities. But there’s baffling stuff too, like gossip, the whole “popularity” thing, and, of course, drama. With fun illustrations and choose-your-own-adventure-style scenarios, Middle School – Safety Goggles Advised will help you deal with the drama and define who you are when things get, well, weird.
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOOK RESOURCES
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
- 2023 PURPLE DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARD WINNER – School Issues Category
- 2023 COLORADO BOOK AWARD FINALIST
- FIVE-STAR REVIEW BY Kids Book Buzz
- STARRED REVIEW BY ETrain Talks Book Review
- FEATURED IN DAILY MOMS 18 Winter Books To Help Spread Holiday Cheer

MIDDLE SCHOOL RELATED VIDEOS & ARTICLES
About the Book
This video with Moms of Tweens and Teens explores Middle School – Safety Goggles Advised and how parents can support their kids through these years.
Navigating Middle School #1
Feeling judged or fearing judgment by peers is difficult, especially during adolescence when fitting in and being accepted are at a high point. . Full blog post
Navigating Middle School #2
Friendship changes can be hard at any age, especially during the preteen and teen years. Full blog post
Navigating Middle School #3
When I asked preteens to share the “tricky” parts of middle school, one of the most frequent comments I heard was “popularity.” Full blog post
Navigating Middle School #4
Students shared that “crushes and dating” are awkward and fuel a lot of gossip in middle school Full blog post
Navigating Middle School #5
Navigating“cliques and groups” can be complicated, especially in middle school. Full blog post
Navigating Middle School #6
There are several reasons students gossip in middle school. Here’s what I learned. Full blog post
Navigating Middle School #7
Whether a student is on social media or not, it’s hard to avoid its impact in middle school. Full blog post
Navigating Middle School #8
Understanding the difference between mean and bullying behaviors helps students and schools know how to respond. Full blog post
Navigating Middle School #9
Peer pressure – As friends gain importance in adolescents’ lives, they also gain influence over behaviors in positive and negative ways. Full blog post
Navigating Middle School #10
Stress can also feel overwhelming at times, especially for kids and teens. Full blog post
MIDDLE SCHOOL – SAFETY GOGGLES ADVISED
BOOK REVIEWS
“New friends, new activities, more independence, odd behaviors, drama… sounds a little like middle school. And this is perfect guidebook to help understand what’s going on, to deal with the drama, and to navigate when things get weird. Insights from hundreds of students, amusing artwork, and pick your own adventure scenarios are bound to make any child ready for the halls of middle school.”
Midwest Book Review
“Jessica Speer’s latest book, Middle School – Safety Goggles Advised, is an absolute treasure and must-read for middle school students and those who love them. Based on the insights of hundreds of students, Speer sheds light on topics of real interest to kids—from social media and changing friendship groups, to navigating conflict, dealing with drama, managing stress, and surviving the harsh judgments of their friends. With a funny, engaging voice that keeps it interesting and the perfect amount of science that keeps it real, Middle School – Safety Goggles Advised is the kind of book that kids will read, re-read, bookmark, and study. I can’t wait to use it with my own students!”
Signe Whitson, Author of 8 Keys to End Bullying, The 8 Keys to End Bullying Activity Book, and Friendship & Other Weapons
“Jessica Speer’s latest book, Middle School- Safety Goggles Advised, is a must-read! An empowering resource for middle school students and a refreshing resource for adults alike. This book is a great guide to help navigate social situations, inspire students through self-reflective activities, and promote self-awareness and self-advocacy skills.“
Emily Schenk, Middle School Counselor CRC
“A stellar book for middle schoolers, parents, and educators. Kudos to author Jessica Speer for offering uplifting, humorous insights that can help children and adults alike move through the rocky realm of middle school with greater awareness and healthier skills. A must-read!”
Dr. Carly Manly, Clinical Psychologist and Author of Date Smart, Joy From Fear and Aging Joyfully
“This book is both wildly entertaining and helpful for all kids trying to navigate the ins and outs of middle school. Middle School: Safety Goggles Advised addresses the heart of what challenges kids at this age in their own words. Speer writes in a way that educates and empowers kids to come up with their best solutions to different scenarios with her gentle guidance, humor, and empathy. This book is a life-saver for parents whose middle schooler says, “You just don’t get it!”
Janice Scholl, Speaker and Podcast Host of Raising Middle School Girls