"Middle School"- just the mention of those two words might make your face break out again and palms get all sweaty! Memories of high hair, braces and glasses come flooding back to your mind. You remember those awkward days.

Now comes an even scarier time... being the parent of a middle schooler! Do you ever wonder what is going on in the mind of your middle schooler? The authors of this book have spent countless hours researching and communicating with middle schoolers to help parents and teachers to better understand this age group.

The book is broken down into section which is helpful to the reader. Part One covers the physical differences between the middle schooler and other children. The authors discuss that awkward phase and what is typical for kids in that age group.

Part Two is written for Parents of middle schoolers. The chapters in this section cover communication, relationships, values and discipline in the home.

Part Three is covers the problems middle schoolers encounter with friendships and other relationships. The authors also discuss other "red flag" areas such as depression, eating disorders and bullying.

Part Four covers the middle schooler in the school environment. Since I am a middle school teacher, I enjoyed this section the most. The authors covered learning styles and how parents can help their middle schooler succeed in school.

I would recommend this book for parents of middle school students and for parents of students entering that middle school age. It would be ideal for parents to read this book BEFORE your kids enter the dreaded middle school years. I would suggest reading this book when your kids enter the 3rd-5th grades.

My only criticism of the book, is that the book made no mention of praying for your middle schooler. The book was published by a Christian Publishing Company for Focus on the Family so I expected it to be a Christian resource. There was no mention of the Bible in the book. I was surprised that there was not a chapter dedicated to praying over your child, especially when they are in middle school!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Tyndale House Publishing Company in exchange for an honest review.

Parents on the verge of the middle school years will find in Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuña's new book, Middle School: The Inside Story, the help and hope they need to make it through those roller coaster years with early teens.

Middle School: The Inside Story is organized into four sections: Changes, Parenting, Friends and Other Problems, and School. Throughout the book, Tobias and Acuña help parents understand what goes on in middle school minds, how teens deal with all the changes, and how to parent during these turbulent years. Some of the best advice in the book comes early on when the authors say, "These are critical years; teens who don't have good relationships with their parents during middle school are going to have a very tough time in high school, when it's almost too late to establish the trust and rapport necessary to stay connected."

Additionally, the authors help parents understand that the middle school years signal the start of the detachment process in which parents slowly begin to let go and release teens to more and more responsibility as the years go by—all in preparation for young adulthood. Tobias and Acuña suggest that parents take on the role of consultant rather than manager, steering their teens toward wise decisions with good questions and gentle suggestions as well as natural consequences for irresponsibility and not-so-good decisions.

Scattered throughout the book, readers find testimonies and quotes from teens and parents as well as teachers, giving accurate pictures of various stages and issues. These enhance the reader's understanding and sensitivity for dealing with their own teens.

I also appreciate the numerous lists and charts throughout the book that help readers more easily digest so many facts and ideas. For example, chapter three highlights a list of middle schoolers' common fears—both hidden and unhidden. Chapter four includes a chart of a middle schooler's basic needs. In chapter seven, there's an oh-so-helpful "no-no" list for communication with early teens. Reasonable expectations for chores are outlined in chapter eight. And, in chapter sixteen, parents find a quick list of learning style characteristics.

All in all, Middle School: The Inside Story is an easy-to-read but highly relevant book, filled with helpful information. If you're looking for a book to help you navigate the middle school years with a teen in your life, this book is just what you need. My husband is a youth minister and plans to recommend the book to parents of middle schoolers in our church and community.

About the Authors

Cynthia Ulrich Tobias is founder and CEO of Apple St. (Applied Learning Styles) and the best-selling author of 11 books, including The way They Learn and Every Child Can Succeed.

Sue Acuña has loved being a middle school teacher for over 20 years—and her students openly and honestly share their world with her every day.

* Note: I received a copy of the book from Tyndale Blog Network for this honest review. However, the opinions expressed are my own.

I purchased this book when my daughter was preparing to enter middle school. It addressed so many of our struggles while providing perspective and practical advice. The book has been so helpful that I ordered a copy for my mother, followed by another copy for a friend. My "hat is off" to Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuna for such a helpful, informative resource. It's a must-read for anyone with middle school-aged children.

Although my son had already completed his first year of middle school I wanted to read this book! I am so glad I did! The best part is discussing what I read/learned with him and getting his thoughts.

This book was huge in helping me understand the life of my two middle schoolers. I'm a single mom with twin boys (my only children) and I had no idea I was a control freak until they started middle school. I'd always known where they were and who they were with 24/7. now it was different. This book has given me great tools for letting go but also great insight into setting safe boudaries for them. Their dad is not a Christian and yet has agreed to read this book so we can use it to jointly guide our boys through this time.