Planet Middle School [Paperback]

For twelve years, Joylin Johnson's life has been just fine. A game of basketball with the boys-especially her friend Jake-was all it took to put a smile on her face. Baggy jeans, T-shirt, and hair in a ponytail were easy choices. Then, everything suddenly seemed to change all at once. Her best girl friend is now flirting with her best guy friend. Her clothes seem all wrong. Jake is acting weird, and basketball isn't the same. And worst of all, there is this guy, Santiago, who appears from . . . where? What lengths will Joy go to--and who will she become--to attract his attention?

In short poems that perfectly capture the crazy feelings of adolescence and first crushes, award-winning author Nikki Grimes has crafted a delightful, often hilarious, hearttugging story.

Nikki Grimesis aNew York Timesbestselling author and the recipient of the Laura Ingells Wilder Medal, the Virginia Hamilton Literary Award, and the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. Her distinguished works include the NAACP Image Award nomineePlanet Middle School; Coretta Scott King Award winnerBronx Masquerade; and Coretta Scott King Author Honor booksJazmin's Notebook,Talkin' About Bessie,Dark Sons,The Road to Paris, andWords with Wings, which was also named an ALA Notable book. She lives in Corona, California.
www.nikkigrimes.com
@NikkiGrimes9

The story is by turns touching and laugh-out-loud funny, and readers will appreciate the time they spend with Joylin, her family, and her friends as they live, grow, and learn as individuals and together. - starred review,School Library Journal

[Grimes'] accessible verse and clear themes of self-acceptance and open-mindedness ring true. A work that should help adolescent readers find the courage and humor to grow into the individuals thlâ