Jamie Grimm is a middle schooler on a mission: he wants to become the world's greatest standup comedian, even if he doesn't have a lot to laugh about these days. He's new in town and stuck living with his aunt, uncle, and their evil son Stevie, a bully who doesn't let Jamie's wheelchair stop him from giving Jamie a good pounding every once in awhile.

Emma is excited when she is asked to be a junior bridesmaid, but worries that she will not be able to work enough jobs to earn the money for the dress.

"Bree can't wait for her first day at her new middle school, Enith Brigitha, home to the Mighty Manatees--until she's stuck with the only elective that fits her schedule, the dreaded Swim 101. The thought of swimming makes Bree more than a little queasy, yet she's forced to dive headfirst into one of her greatest fears. Lucky for her, Etta, an elderly occupant of her apartment building and former swim team captain, is willing to help"--

For Merci Suarez, eighth grade means a new haircut, nighttime football games, and an out-of-town overnight field trip. At home, it means more chores and keeping an eye on Lolo as his health worsens. It's a year filled with more responsibility and independence, but also with opportunities to reinvent herself. Merci has always been fine with not being one of the popular kids like Avery Sanders, who will probably be the soccer captain and is always traveling...

"Who's afraid of middle school? Not Katie Brown. After all, it can't be that different from elementary school. But, boy, was she ever wrong! After her best friend ditches her for a new group of friends called the Popular Girls Club, Katie is left alone and starts to wonder if there's an Unpopular Girls Club she can join. Luckily, Katie finds her way with a great new group of friends and together they form their own club. Four friends plus cupcakes...