Following on the heels of the bestselling "Fires in the Bathroom," which brought the insights of high school students to teachers and parents, Kathleen Cushman now turns her attention to the crucial and challenging middle grades, joining forces with adolescent psychologist Laura Rogers.
As teachers, counselors, and parents cope with the roller coaster of early adolescence, too few stop to ask students what they think about these critical years. Here, middle school students in grades 5 through 8 across the country and from diverse ethnic backgrounds offer insights on what it takes to make classrooms more effective and how to forge stronger relationships between young adolescents and adults. Students tackle such critical topics as social, emotional, and academic pressures; classroom behavior; organization; and preparing for high school. Cushman and Rogers help readers hear and understand the vital messages about adolescent learning that come though in what these students say.
This invaluable resource provides a unique window into how middle school students think, feel, and learn, bringing their needs to the forefront of the conversation about education.

A spirited young pony named Foxy longs for adventure off the farm. Mr. B, an elderly horse, tries to explain the wisdom of honoring barn rules, but Foxy stubbornly refuses to listen. He believes the rule about horses staying inside the fenced pasture is just not fair. When someone accidentally leaves the gate open, Foxy gallops away, encountering dangers he had not foreseen. He learns the valuable life lesson that rebelling against authority can be very risky business. This whimsical book will delight young readers, especially those who enjoy horse stories.

Beautiful color illustrations Reading level 3rd/4th grade Character focus on making wise life choices