Planet Middle School

By Nikki Grimes

Joy's world shifts as friendships change and a mysterious crush emerges. What will she do to capture his attention?

3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,404 ratings

160 pages· 9,536 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

Twelve-year-old Joylin's life is upended when her best friends start acting differently, and a mysterious new boy, Santiago, catches her eye. As her once-simple world of basketball and friendship becomes complicated, Joy must navigate the chaos of adolescence and first crushes. Will she change herself to win Santiago's attention, or find a way to stay true to who she is? Through a series of heartfelt and humorous poems, Joy's journey explores the challenges and excitement of growing up.

From the publisher

New York Times bestselling author of One Last Word and Coretta Scott King award-winning Bronx Masquerade Nikki Grimes offers fresh novel in verse story about young heartbreak and hope. 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, heart-tugging story.

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