MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTERS: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond--and How Parents Can Help

I was highly anticipating this book after reading several of the author's parenting articles in The Washington Post and several blogs and other places online. The topics she's written about are so timely and important to me as a parent of teenagers and also as a school counselor. Every single article has left me with something really useful or important to consider and keep thinking about... It seems she's put it all together in Middle School Matters. This excellent book is FULL of anecdotes, advice from experts,, and guidance to help parents feel they're making the right choices. It is not preachy or the outdated parenting book of the past. It is full of real stories and practical tips. I have just sat and read this book for hours but I anticipate coming back to specific chapters later as necessary. There is guidance here on everything from homework to raising kids to be resilient and kind. It's called Middle School Matters, but I would really suggest this for parents (and educators) of kids in upper elementary on through high school. I will be recommending it to family members, friends, and parents of students I work with.

Phyllis does an amazing job of outlining the challenges and opportunities that middle school students face in the modern era. Whether it's dealing with friendships, insecurities or finding ways to express creativity, there are strategies for how to address these topics in ways that will spark independence and assurance for young minds that are first encountering awkward and overwhelming challenges.What I love most about the book are the real-life examples in each chapter detailing the stories of students, parents, and educators. They do an amazing job of bringing her advice to life and allow readers like myself to find relatability in the questions from students they may encounter or be asked. I found myself highlighting so many quotes and techniques Phyllis mentions as well as amazing resources to organizations and websites that expand on what she talks about.If you're a teacher, a counselor or an educator like myself (I am a motivational speaker for teens focused on teaching the values of confidence, mindfulness, and compassion which are ALL covered within this book!) this is a must-read. Thank you so much Phyllis for your amazing work, I will definitely be sharing what I learned with all of my parent and educator friends as well as with the students I speak to online!

I loved this book. The tone was informative, anecdotal, easy to follow, honest and not preachy. I plan to to purchase a copy for our school counselor and middle school director (if they don't have it already). My only personal regret is that I wish I had it sooner as my youngest is now 14; but I still found such useful, applicable wisdom well researched by my new go-to counselor, Phyllis Fagell. I wish I could give it 6 stars. A really wonderful, satisfying, albeit sometimes painful and cringeworthy read. Middle school is hard; Phyllis Fagell's book can help make it better for all adults and tweens/teens involved. Hurry up and order your copy!

I am so impressed with this book and this woman. I wish every MS had her. My son is in a private school and the ONE counselor is for K-8. She is very bubbly and good with young children, but CAN'T relate to MS-ers. It is such a shame. So I am reading this book to try and learn what MS-ers are like and what I can do as a mom.

If you parent, teach, or are around middle schoolers, grab this book! It’s practical, approachable, and thorough. Love the conversation starters at the end of each chapter!!