Synopses & Reviews
Moving is tough. Being the new kid in school is even tougher. But the hardest thing of all about the move that Doreen "Dodo" Busseys family is making is that she suspects it might be because of her. She got into trouble at her last school.On the drive to their new home, her mother gives Dodo a blank notebook, which she uses to chronicle the move, the first days in a new city, and the ups and downs of starting a new school and making new friends. In the process, she reinvents herself as the Doodlebug. Her little sister seems to adjust to everything so easily—so why is it so hard for Dodo?
Review
"For kids wanting more books like Jeff Kinneys “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series." -- School Library Journal
"A finely crafted work . . . the format might recall a certain wimpy kid, but the content is better compared to the middle-grade novels of Kate Klise." -- Booklist
Praise for Stuck in the Middle (of Middle School):"Young has a gift for capturing Doodlebugs scattered but perceptive outlook—'Permanent,' she writes (in permanent marker), 'is a word that doesnt seem to have anything to do with my family so far'—both in her writing and her authentically childlike illustrations."
“We can only hope that this amusing and touching title will soon have a sequel so that we can once again share in Dodo Doodlebugs world.” -Through The Looking Glass Childrens Book Reviews
“Like Melissa Moss Amelia books, Young presents the story as if it is Doodlebugs notebook, incorporating drawings, graphs, and different kinds of lettering that are an integral part of the story and make this insightful look into a middle-graders life a pleasure to read.” -Booklist
“This novel's graphic format, showcasing narrator Doreen's clever doodles, will fascinate readers. They also will admire Doreen's spunk, honesty and problem-solving skills.” -The Topeka Capital-Journal
“It is sure to inspire creativity in children and teach them they can overcome obstacles that they may encounter.” -The Kansas City Star
“Young provides an engaging story about how Dodo reinvents herself as the Doodlebug in her new school, tracking her year in an illustration-filled notebook.” -Scripps News
“An engaging, original heroine, a satisfying story and lots of great pictures…Charming and thoughtful.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews
Review
"A finely crafted work . . . the format might recall a certain wimpy kid, but the content is better compared to the middle-grade novels of Kate Klise." -- Booklist
Praise for Stuck in the Middle (of Middle School):"Young has a gift for capturing Doodlebugs scattered but perceptive outlook—'Permanent,' she writes (in permanent marker), 'is a word that doesnt seem to have anything to do with my family so far'—both in her writing and her authentically childlike illustrations."
“We can only hope that this amusing and touching title will soon have a sequel so that we can once again share in Dodo Doodlebugs world.” -Through The Looking Glass Childrens Book Reviews
“Like Melissa Moss Amelia books, Young presents the story as if it is Doodlebugs notebook, incorporating drawings, graphs, and different kinds of lettering that are an integral part of the story and make this insightful look into a middle-graders life a pleasure to read.” -Booklist
“This novel's graphic format, showcasing narrator Doreen's clever doodles, will fascinate readers. They also will admire Doreen's spunk, honesty and problem-solving skills.” -The Topeka Capital-Journal
“It is sure to inspire creativity in children and teach them they can overcome obstacles that they may encounter.” -The Kansas City Star
“Young provides an engaging story about how Dodo reinvents herself as the Doodlebug in her new school, tracking her year in an illustration-filled notebook.” -Scripps News
“An engaging, original heroine, a satisfying story and lots of great pictures…Charming and thoughtful.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews
Review
"For kids wanting more books like Jeff Kinneys “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series." -- School Library Journal
"A finely crafted work . . . the format might recall a certain wimpy kid, but the content is better compared to the middle-grade novels of Kate Klise." -- Booklist
Praise for Stuck in the Middle (of Middle School):"Young has a gift for capturing Doodlebugs scattered but perceptive outlook—'Permanent,' she writes (in permanent marker), 'is a word that doesnt seem to have anything to do with my family so far'—both in her writing and her authentically childlike illustrations."
“We can only hope that this amusing and touching title will soon have a sequel so that we can once again share in Dodo Doodlebugs world.” -Through The Looking Glass Childrens Book Reviews
“Like Melissa Moss Amelia books, Young presents the story as if it is Doodlebugs notebook, incorporating drawings, graphs, and different kinds of lettering that are an integral part of the story and make this insightful look into a middle-graders life a pleasure to read.” -Booklist
“This novel's graphic format, showcasing narrator Doreen's clever doodles, will fascinate readers. They also will admire Doreen's spunk, honesty and problem-solving skills.” -The Topeka Capital-Journal
“It is sure to inspire creativity in children and teach them they can overcome obstacles that they may encounter.” -The Kansas City Star
“Young provides an engaging story about how Dodo reinvents herself as the Doodlebug in her new school, tracking her year in an illustration-filled notebook.” -Scripps News
“An engaging, original heroine, a satisfying story and lots of great pictures…Charming and thoughtful.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis
In Stuck in the Middle (of Middle School) by Karen Romano Young, Doreen and her family had to move because of her once she got kicked out of school. Shes vowed to make her new middle school work for her, but its still a challenge, given her ADHD, her younger sisters growing popularity, and tensions between her parents, as they all adjust to a new city and new jobs. Add to that a lot of homework, a talent show, and her first [gulp!] school dance, and youll agree that Doreen needs to work extra hard to stay focused. Good thing she has her doodle-journal!
About the Author
Karen Romano Young is the author of over a dozen books for children, both fiction and nonfiction, including The Beetle and Me: A Love Story, which has won several state awards, received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly, and earned her a "Flying Start" in Publishers Weekly. She lives in Bethel, Connecticut, with her family.