The Secrets to Ruling School (Without Even Trying)

July 13, 2015
Straddling the line between guidebook and graphic novel, Swaab’s heavily illustrated how-to works on the generally held assumption that middle school is torturous, and learning to minimize that torture is key to survival. Max Corrigan serves as narrator and ambitious “life coach” for readers, who are placed in the role of new student, with the advertised goal of helping them avoid an existence as sad as that of Eugene Leach, who is so pathetic “even his imaginary friend’s embarrassed to be seen with him.” Narrators from classic social groups, from band geeks to jocks, pop up as guest voices interspersed with Max’s advice, but the deals they attempt to negotiate with readers—the main thread of the story—can be hard to follow amid long, tangential asides like “How to get out of gym class without breaking a sweat” and “How to ditch class like a ninja.” The jaded tone of the first-person narration and the frequent moments of gross-out humor might not please adults, but they are sure to hit the mark with middle schoolers in the trenches. Ages 10–14. Agency: Shannon Associates.

July 15, 2015
Middle school newbies concerned about fitting in could do worse than fall for this breezy sales pitch from self-appointed "life coach" Max Corrigan. Probably. So sure is Max of his skills that he guarantees potential customers that he can have them click with all the cliques-Jocks, Nerds, Preps, Band Geeks, Artists, Tough Kids, and Class Clowns-in the first week of school. Addressing anxious readers as those customers, Max glibly steers them into a series of quid-pro-quo deals while offering samples of stand-up-comic styles, artspeak jargon, conversational icebreakers ("What's the most number of times you've vomited in one day?"), a lunchroom seating diagram, money-raising scams, and other useful skills. Interspersed with Wimpy Kid-style cartoon punch lines, threats from the angry principal, and comments from a broad range of typecast schoolmates, Max's chatter masks a plotline in which the unseen client/reader squeaks through a series of nerve-wracking encounters that ultimately lead to a riot at a school assembly, the total humiliation of a rival "coach," all bargains fulfilled, and a tantalizing lead-in to the next episode. Max's proposed campaign and Swaab's oblique storytelling style are equally engaging, though the latter definitely tends to work better. (Graphic/fiction hybrid. 10-12)

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September 1, 2015

Gr 4-7-Seventh-grader Max Corrigan breaks the fourth wall and assumes that readers are potential clients who need his advice about how to rule the middle school scene. Max is a slick huckster who claims no problem is too big or too small-make friends, destroy enemies, get teachers off your back, hack the school's network, and more! Just step right into his office (toilet stall), and pay no mind to the gaseous permanent resident of the stall next door. This central conceit will only work if said readers buy into all of the schemes Max hatches as each attempt fails. Max is nothing if not persistent. He has an arsenal of excuses and zero insight. He's also an equal opportunity offender. Part of his plans rely on readers/clients infiltrating most of the school cliques. Each clique is portrayed stereotypically, but Max really seems to have it in for the principal. What's meant to be subversive, ironic fun becomes mired in meanness and cynicism. The pace is frenetic as Max races to achieve his promises in five school days. There are tons of sidebars with lists and tips as well as commentary from students. VERDICT This series starter may find readership where demands for books with "Wimp-appeal" is high.-Brenda Kahn, Tenakill Middle School, Closter, NJ

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