How I Survived Middle School
Encyclopedia
How I Survived Middle School is a series of children's novels by Nancy E. Krulik
, set in an American middle school.
Jenny and Addie have been best friends all through elementary school. But when middle school rolls around Jenny finds out that Addie has found a new group of friends over the summer and dumps her for The Pops (pops as in popular): Addie, Dana, Maya, Claire and Sabrina. Jenny is basically trying to fit in on her first few weeks of middle school. Jenny is friends with Felicia and Rachel but they do not have the same lunch period as them so she finds herself sitting in new lonely places at lunchtime. Soon she meets Chloe and her friends: Liza, Mark, Josh, Marilyn and Carolyn. Jenny soon forgets about Addie and tries to ignore her mean comments about Jenny and her friends.
Madame President
Jenny McAfee never thought of herself as a leader, but then again, Jenny had also never thought that her best friend, Addie Wilson, would ditch her.
When Jenny's friends hear that Addie is running unopposed for sixth grade class president, they know they have to do something … and that means convincing Jenny to put her name on the ballot. If Jenny and her friends can't keep Addie from winning, the Pops will officially run the school. But can Jenny really stop Addie and the Pops?
I Heard a Rumor
Are you the go-to girl when your friends have a secret to share? Can you be trusted to keep the info under wraps, or are you known for your loose lips? The debut of the Madame X gossip column has turned Joyce Kilmer Middle School upside down. Whoever Madame X is, she's got her finger on the pulse of the school … and the power to turn friends against one another by spreading rumors. Now that Madame X is dishing about things only Jenny and her friends could have known, Jenny is sure of one thing … Madame X must be one of her friends- or is there more to this Madame X than there seems...
The New Girl
Joyce Kilmer Middle School is holding a fundraising carnival, and Jenny and her rival Addie make a bet that each girl will raise more money than the other. The loser will have to wear her pajamas to school! The competition gets even hotter with the arrival of a stylish new girl from England. Will she join Addie's group, The Pops, or will she help Jenny and her friends? Someone's going to be wearing pajamas and bunny slippers to school. The question is, will it be Jenny?
Cheat Sheet
It's the annual statewide history test challenge, and Joyce Kilmer Middle School has never had a finalist—until now! This year, there are two finalists, and they're both Jenny's friends. But one finalist isn't known for finishing at the top of the class, and The Pops figure someone must have cheated. The next day, the word is out all over the school! Could it be true? Is one of Jenny's friends a cheater?
P.S. I Really Like You
Jenny has been getting gifts, cards, and notes from a secret admirer. Who could the mystery boy be? While Jenny is dealing with her admirer, Rachel and Felicia stop speaking following a basketball game in which Rachel refused to pass the ball to Felicia, and then missed the winning basket. Felicia called Rachel a ball hog in front of everyone. Now the girls are both trying to get their friends to choose sides! Will Jenny figure out who her secret admirer is? And more importantly, will her friends ever speak to one another again?
Who's Got Spirit?
It's fall spirit week at Joyce Kilmer Middle School, and the Pops have established their own exclusive "pep squad," complete with matching outfits! Jenny's friends decide to fight back by forming a rival group with their own uniforms, will they win or lose. Things heat up even more when a costumed lion mascot appears on the scene. No one knows who's inside—is it a Pop... or not?
It's All Downhill From Here
It's wintertime at Joyce Kilmer Middle School, and everyone is thrilled when school is closed because of a huge snowstorm. Everyone except Jenny, that is! Addie's mom has to work, so Addie's spending the day at Jenny's house. Jenny's stuck hanging out with her former BFF while her friends all go sledding. To make matter's worse, during Addie's stay on Jenny, Addie ends up playing a mean trick on Jenny. Thinking about the upcoming school-sponsored ski trip helps get Jenny through the day, but will Addie ruin that for her too?
Caught in the Web
Jenny's friends start their own webcast and it becomes an instant hit at Joyce Kilmer Middle School. Of course the Pops have to get in on the action, so they start their own rival show. Suddenly, a webcast ratings war is raging! Things heat up as the two shows compete to be at the top of the heap. It all boils down to the two biggest contests ever—the Pops' fashion show versus Jenny's friends' karaoke contest. Who will win?
Into the Woods
The sixth and seventh graders at Joyce Kilmer Middle School are spending a week at Camp Einstein, a science camp in the woods. Jenny can't wait—this will be even better than sleepaway camp, since her friends will be there, too! Unfortunately for Jenny, she, Chloe, and Sam have to share a cabin with Pops Addie and Dana. Things go from bad to worse when Jenny is paired with Addie for trust exercises. How will Jenny and her friends survive their night hike with the Pops?
Wish Upon a Star
It's time for the annual winter dance. As part of the student council, Jenny and Addie are on the planning committee. But since it's going to be held in the school gym, no one's excited about the dance. What everyone is excited about is superstar pop singer Cody Tucker's tour. It turns out Addie's dad's company is one of the tour sponsors, and Addie says she can get Cody to perform his new hit single at the dance! Suddenly, ticket sales skyrocket. There's just one problem: Addie was totally bluffing. Now it's up to Jenny to help Addie save face—and the dance!
How the Pops Stole Christmas (Special Edition)
Winter Break is approaching, and everyone at Joyce Kilmer Middle School is in the holiday spirit. Everyone except the Pops, that is! Jenny can't wait for the holidays, but her good mood quickly evaporates when she picks Dana as her "Secret Snowflake" in English class and finds out that her friend Sam is heading home to England for the holidays. Things go from bad to worse when Jenny doesn't get invited to her friend Marc's New Year's Eve party. What's going on? Is Marc angry with Jenny about something she did? Or could the Pops have something to do with it?
I Thought we were Friends!
It's Career Day at school, and Jenny's favorite aunt, the art director at a greeting card company, comes to speak. When her aunt takes interest in Jenny's friend Liza's artwork, Jenny is thrilled. But when her aunt wants to use Liza's artwork for a new line of cards, Jenny suddenly finds herself feeling jealous of her friend! Jenny isn't the only one who is green with envy. The Pops can't believe that Liza is getting more attention than they are! Will Jenny stand by her friend, or will she succumb to her own jealousy too?
The main character of the series: Jenny McAfee is a sixth grade girl who attends Joyce Kilmer Middle School. Former best friends with Addie Wilson, Jenny was ditched by Addie the summer before middle school. Jenny, a bright girl, is described in the books to be a brunette with green eyes. She is a good listener and was voted sixth grade class president in the 2nd book, Madame President. She and Addie will never be friends again, she is often tricked when Addie uses their previous friendship to make Jenny do certain things. Jenny's favorite website is www.middleschoolsurvival.com, which is often referred to during the books, for advice, quizzes and recipes.
Addison 'Addie' Wilson
Addie Wilson is a sixth grade girl who attends Joyce Kilmer Middle School. She was best friends with Jenny McAfee, but ditched her for the most popular kids in the school, known as the "Pops". In the books, Addie is described as being a smart girl with blue eyes and curly blond hair, she sometimes straightens it. After her break-up with Jenny, Addie became best friends with Dana Harrison, the only other sixth grade Pop whom Addie becomes friends over the summer. In most of the series, Addie acts like the bad one and often creates trouble for Jenny and her friends. She is to always look perfect and wears make-up even though she's not allowed to. Addie lives two blocks away from Jenny and they take the same bus. She always sit in the middle of the bus alone, since there are no other Pops on her bus. Addie is very competitive and has a great sense of style. She also is the sixth grade vice president for student council.
Chloe Samson
Chloe is a sixth grade girl who attends Joyce Kilmer Middle School. She became one of Jenny's best friends, and wears funny t-shirts. She likes to make the Pops fall out of their spotlight and get all the attention. She is described to be tall, have black hair, and has brown eyes. She loves to sing, dance, and act. She hopes someday to become a singer/actress. She can also knit things and is a problem solver with a can-do attitude. She enjoys talking and is very loud. She is not afraid of the Pops and not afraid to talk back to them. She was the understudy for the school play, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" and had a solo. On the book covers, it is discovered that she is African-American. She is on covers 8, 9, 10, and the special edition.
Marc Newman
Marc is a seventh grade boy who attends Joyce Kilmer Middle School. He met Jenny when Chloe introduced them. He lives next door to Chloe. He loves to film things with his camera, in fact, he's making a movie about middle school life, it's described in the books to be like MTV's "The Real World". He has yet to appear on a cover.
Marilyn & Carolyn
Marilyn and Carolyn are identical twins with long blond hair, pudgy cheeks, and blue eyes. They are seventh grade girls that attend Joyce Kilmer Middle School. They sometimes switched so one of them could take the other's tests. They are very close and often finish sentences for each other. They are both on Book #7, Who's Got Spirit?, on the left side.
Joshua "Josh" Eisen
Josh is a sixth grade boy who attends Joyce Kilmer Middle School. He is described to have dark hair and wire frame glasses. He takes seventh grade pre-algebra, because he is so smart. He also has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Josh is also a part of the school Mathletes. His girlfriend is Felicia. He is on Book #9 Caught In The Web with Chloe in a box.
Felicia Liguori
Felicia is a sixth grade girl who attends Joyce Kilmer Middle School. She has been friends with Jenny and Rachel since kindergarten, and Addie until she ditched them for the Pops. Unlike the others, she has 4th period lunch with Rachel. She is described to be tall, and is on the basketball team, like Rachel. She is Josh's girlfriend. She has yet to appear on a cover.
Rachel Schumacher
Rachel is a sixth grade girl who attends Joyce Kilmer Middle School. She is described to have straight red hair, she has been friends with Jenny and Felicia since kindergarten, and Addie until she ditched them for the Pops. Like Felicia, she has 4th period lunch. She is on the basketball team. Rachel has an unusual sense of humor and always tells bad jokes. She has yet to appear on a cover.
Liza Marks
Liza is a seventh grade girl who attends Joyce Kilmer Middle School. She is described to have short brown hair and big brown eyes. She is really smart, but has a learning disability. Liza is really good at art, but very modest and shy. Along with Josh, she also went to the state finals. She designed the school play. She is on the 6th Book cover, P.S. I Really Like You, and the 12th Book cover, I Thought We Were Friends.
Samantha "Sam" Livingston
Sam is a sixth grade girl who attends Joyce Kilmer Middle School. She wasn't in the series until the fourth book. She moved to America from England. She was part of the Pops until Addie convinced the other Pops that Sam wasn't cool. Sam always has a color streak in her hair, it's usually pink. She is described to have dark brown hair, a very cool sense of style and a British accent. Sam is on the covers The New Girl and Into the Woods.
The Pops
They are Addie Wilson, Dana Harrison, Sabrina Rosen, Elena Ross(in I Heard a Rumor), Maya, and Claire. The boys they hang out with are Jeffery Alderman and Aaron. Addie is the leader even though she is only in sixth grade. Addie and Dana are sixth graders, Maya, Claire, and Elena are seventh graders, and Sabrina is an eighth grader. At lunch every day, all the Pops go to the girls bathroom to gossip and put on make-up. They are the enemies of Jenny and her friends. They are named "The Pops" because they are popular. On the book covers, some Pops, other than Addie, were drawn on book #3, I Heard a Rumor (Claire or Dana it is unknown who), #7, Who's Got Spirit (Maya), on the right side, and #8, It's All Downhill From Here (Sabrina and Maya), in a ski chair.
Spencer Marks
Spencer is Liza's little brother. He is a 3rd grader and is Jenny's secret admirer. He likes spying and snooping around when Liza brings friends over.
Sandee Wind
Sandee is the eighth grade class president. She's the head of student council, and she likes trying to be official. Addie and Jenny sometimes compete, who will impress Sandee.
John Benson
John is the eighth grade vice president.
Ethan James
Ethan is the seventh grade vice president.
Kia Samson
Kia is the seventh grade class president.
Nancy E. Krulik
Nancy E. Krulik is the author of more than 150 books for children and young adults, including three New York Times bestsellers. She is best known, however, for being the author and creator of the How I Survived Middle School and Katie Kazoo, Switcheroo book series...
, set in an American middle school.
Books
Can you get an F in lunch?Jenny and Addie have been best friends all through elementary school. But when middle school rolls around Jenny finds out that Addie has found a new group of friends over the summer and dumps her for The Pops (pops as in popular): Addie, Dana, Maya, Claire and Sabrina. Jenny is basically trying to fit in on her first few weeks of middle school. Jenny is friends with Felicia and Rachel but they do not have the same lunch period as them so she finds herself sitting in new lonely places at lunchtime. Soon she meets Chloe and her friends: Liza, Mark, Josh, Marilyn and Carolyn. Jenny soon forgets about Addie and tries to ignore her mean comments about Jenny and her friends.
Madame President
Jenny McAfee never thought of herself as a leader, but then again, Jenny had also never thought that her best friend, Addie Wilson, would ditch her.
When Jenny's friends hear that Addie is running unopposed for sixth grade class president, they know they have to do something … and that means convincing Jenny to put her name on the ballot. If Jenny and her friends can't keep Addie from winning, the Pops will officially run the school. But can Jenny really stop Addie and the Pops?
I Heard a Rumor
Are you the go-to girl when your friends have a secret to share? Can you be trusted to keep the info under wraps, or are you known for your loose lips? The debut of the Madame X gossip column has turned Joyce Kilmer Middle School upside down. Whoever Madame X is, she's got her finger on the pulse of the school … and the power to turn friends against one another by spreading rumors. Now that Madame X is dishing about things only Jenny and her friends could have known, Jenny is sure of one thing … Madame X must be one of her friends- or is there more to this Madame X than there seems...
The New Girl
Joyce Kilmer Middle School is holding a fundraising carnival, and Jenny and her rival Addie make a bet that each girl will raise more money than the other. The loser will have to wear her pajamas to school! The competition gets even hotter with the arrival of a stylish new girl from England. Will she join Addie's group, The Pops, or will she help Jenny and her friends? Someone's going to be wearing pajamas and bunny slippers to school. The question is, will it be Jenny?
Cheat Sheet
It's the annual statewide history test challenge, and Joyce Kilmer Middle School has never had a finalist—until now! This year, there are two finalists, and they're both Jenny's friends. But one finalist isn't known for finishing at the top of the class, and The Pops figure someone must have cheated. The next day, the word is out all over the school! Could it be true? Is one of Jenny's friends a cheater?
P.S. I Really Like You
Jenny has been getting gifts, cards, and notes from a secret admirer. Who could the mystery boy be? While Jenny is dealing with her admirer, Rachel and Felicia stop speaking following a basketball game in which Rachel refused to pass the ball to Felicia, and then missed the winning basket. Felicia called Rachel a ball hog in front of everyone. Now the girls are both trying to get their friends to choose sides! Will Jenny figure out who her secret admirer is? And more importantly, will her friends ever speak to one another again?
Who's Got Spirit?
It's fall spirit week at Joyce Kilmer Middle School, and the Pops have established their own exclusive "pep squad," complete with matching outfits! Jenny's friends decide to fight back by forming a rival group with their own uniforms, will they win or lose. Things heat up even more when a costumed lion mascot appears on the scene. No one knows who's inside—is it a Pop... or not?
It's All Downhill From Here
It's wintertime at Joyce Kilmer Middle School, and everyone is thrilled when school is closed because of a huge snowstorm. Everyone except Jenny, that is! Addie's mom has to work, so Addie's spending the day at Jenny's house. Jenny's stuck hanging out with her former BFF while her friends all go sledding. To make matter's worse, during Addie's stay on Jenny, Addie ends up playing a mean trick on Jenny. Thinking about the upcoming school-sponsored ski trip helps get Jenny through the day, but will Addie ruin that for her too?
Caught in the Web
Jenny's friends start their own webcast and it becomes an instant hit at Joyce Kilmer Middle School. Of course the Pops have to get in on the action, so they start their own rival show. Suddenly, a webcast ratings war is raging! Things heat up as the two shows compete to be at the top of the heap. It all boils down to the two biggest contests ever—the Pops' fashion show versus Jenny's friends' karaoke contest. Who will win?
Into the Woods
The sixth and seventh graders at Joyce Kilmer Middle School are spending a week at Camp Einstein, a science camp in the woods. Jenny can't wait—this will be even better than sleepaway camp, since her friends will be there, too! Unfortunately for Jenny, she, Chloe, and Sam have to share a cabin with Pops Addie and Dana. Things go from bad to worse when Jenny is paired with Addie for trust exercises. How will Jenny and her friends survive their night hike with the Pops?
Wish Upon a Star
It's time for the annual winter dance. As part of the student council, Jenny and Addie are on the planning committee. But since it's going to be held in the school gym, no one's excited about the dance. What everyone is excited about is superstar pop singer Cody Tucker's tour. It turns out Addie's dad's company is one of the tour sponsors, and Addie says she can get Cody to perform his new hit single at the dance! Suddenly, ticket sales skyrocket. There's just one problem: Addie was totally bluffing. Now it's up to Jenny to help Addie save face—and the dance!
How the Pops Stole Christmas (Special Edition)
Winter Break is approaching, and everyone at Joyce Kilmer Middle School is in the holiday spirit. Everyone except the Pops, that is! Jenny can't wait for the holidays, but her good mood quickly evaporates when she picks Dana as her "Secret Snowflake" in English class and finds out that her friend Sam is heading home to England for the holidays. Things go from bad to worse when Jenny doesn't get invited to her friend Marc's New Year's Eve party. What's going on? Is Marc angry with Jenny about something she did? Or could the Pops have something to do with it?
I Thought we were Friends!
It's Career Day at school, and Jenny's favorite aunt, the art director at a greeting card company, comes to speak. When her aunt takes interest in Jenny's friend Liza's artwork, Jenny is thrilled. But when her aunt wants to use Liza's artwork for a new line of cards, Jenny suddenly finds herself feeling jealous of her friend! Jenny isn't the only one who is green with envy. The Pops can't believe that Liza is getting more attention than they are! Will Jenny stand by her friend, or will she succumb to her own jealousy too?
Characters
Jennifer 'Jenny' McAfeeThe main character of the series: Jenny McAfee is a sixth grade girl who attends Joyce Kilmer Middle School. Former best friends with Addie Wilson, Jenny was ditched by Addie the summer before middle school. Jenny, a bright girl, is described in the books to be a brunette with green eyes. She is a good listener and was voted sixth grade class president in the 2nd book, Madame President. She and Addie will never be friends again, she is often tricked when Addie uses their previous friendship to make Jenny do certain things. Jenny's favorite website is www.middleschoolsurvival.com, which is often referred to during the books, for advice, quizzes and recipes.
Addison 'Addie' Wilson
Addie Wilson is a sixth grade girl who attends Joyce Kilmer Middle School. She was best friends with Jenny McAfee, but ditched her for the most popular kids in the school, known as the "Pops". In the books, Addie is described as being a smart girl with blue eyes and curly blond hair, she sometimes straightens it. After her break-up with Jenny, Addie became best friends with Dana Harrison, the only other sixth grade Pop whom Addie becomes friends over the summer. In most of the series, Addie acts like the bad one and often creates trouble for Jenny and her friends. She is to always look perfect and wears make-up even though she's not allowed to. Addie lives two blocks away from Jenny and they take the same bus. She always sit in the middle of the bus alone, since there are no other Pops on her bus. Addie is very competitive and has a great sense of style. She also is the sixth grade vice president for student council.
Chloe Samson
Chloe is a sixth grade girl who attends Joyce Kilmer Middle School. She became one of Jenny's best friends, and wears funny t-shirts. She likes to make the Pops fall out of their spotlight and get all the attention. She is described to be tall, have black hair, and has brown eyes. She loves to sing, dance, and act. She hopes someday to become a singer/actress. She can also knit things and is a problem solver with a can-do attitude. She enjoys talking and is very loud. She is not afraid of the Pops and not afraid to talk back to them. She was the understudy for the school play, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" and had a solo. On the book covers, it is discovered that she is African-American. She is on covers 8, 9, 10, and the special edition.
Marc Newman
Marc is a seventh grade boy who attends Joyce Kilmer Middle School. He met Jenny when Chloe introduced them. He lives next door to Chloe. He loves to film things with his camera, in fact, he's making a movie about middle school life, it's described in the books to be like MTV's "The Real World". He has yet to appear on a cover.
Marilyn & Carolyn
Marilyn and Carolyn are identical twins with long blond hair, pudgy cheeks, and blue eyes. They are seventh grade girls that attend Joyce Kilmer Middle School. They sometimes switched so one of them could take the other's tests. They are very close and often finish sentences for each other. They are both on Book #7, Who's Got Spirit?, on the left side.
Joshua "Josh" Eisen
Josh is a sixth grade boy who attends Joyce Kilmer Middle School. He is described to have dark hair and wire frame glasses. He takes seventh grade pre-algebra, because he is so smart. He also has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Josh is also a part of the school Mathletes. His girlfriend is Felicia. He is on Book #9 Caught In The Web with Chloe in a box.
Felicia Liguori
Felicia is a sixth grade girl who attends Joyce Kilmer Middle School. She has been friends with Jenny and Rachel since kindergarten, and Addie until she ditched them for the Pops. Unlike the others, she has 4th period lunch with Rachel. She is described to be tall, and is on the basketball team, like Rachel. She is Josh's girlfriend. She has yet to appear on a cover.
Rachel Schumacher
Rachel is a sixth grade girl who attends Joyce Kilmer Middle School. She is described to have straight red hair, she has been friends with Jenny and Felicia since kindergarten, and Addie until she ditched them for the Pops. Like Felicia, she has 4th period lunch. She is on the basketball team. Rachel has an unusual sense of humor and always tells bad jokes. She has yet to appear on a cover.
Liza Marks
Liza is a seventh grade girl who attends Joyce Kilmer Middle School. She is described to have short brown hair and big brown eyes. She is really smart, but has a learning disability. Liza is really good at art, but very modest and shy. Along with Josh, she also went to the state finals. She designed the school play. She is on the 6th Book cover, P.S. I Really Like You, and the 12th Book cover, I Thought We Were Friends.
Samantha "Sam" Livingston
Sam is a sixth grade girl who attends Joyce Kilmer Middle School. She wasn't in the series until the fourth book. She moved to America from England. She was part of the Pops until Addie convinced the other Pops that Sam wasn't cool. Sam always has a color streak in her hair, it's usually pink. She is described to have dark brown hair, a very cool sense of style and a British accent. Sam is on the covers The New Girl and Into the Woods.
The Pops
They are Addie Wilson, Dana Harrison, Sabrina Rosen, Elena Ross(in I Heard a Rumor), Maya, and Claire. The boys they hang out with are Jeffery Alderman and Aaron. Addie is the leader even though she is only in sixth grade. Addie and Dana are sixth graders, Maya, Claire, and Elena are seventh graders, and Sabrina is an eighth grader. At lunch every day, all the Pops go to the girls bathroom to gossip and put on make-up. They are the enemies of Jenny and her friends. They are named "The Pops" because they are popular. On the book covers, some Pops, other than Addie, were drawn on book #3, I Heard a Rumor (Claire or Dana it is unknown who), #7, Who's Got Spirit (Maya), on the right side, and #8, It's All Downhill From Here (Sabrina and Maya), in a ski chair.
Spencer Marks
Spencer is Liza's little brother. He is a 3rd grader and is Jenny's secret admirer. He likes spying and snooping around when Liza brings friends over.
Sandee Wind
Sandee is the eighth grade class president. She's the head of student council, and she likes trying to be official. Addie and Jenny sometimes compete, who will impress Sandee.
John Benson
John is the eighth grade vice president.
Ethan James
Ethan is the seventh grade vice president.
Kia Samson
Kia is the seventh grade class president.
External links
- Swon Library Review of first two in series
- Nancy Krulik at scholastic.com