Surviving middle school

The branching choices make this a read-and-decide experience: a reader can consider what matters to a character, then see consequences within the chosen path.

The scenarios touch on peer conflict, body-image discomfort, parental limits around shaving and social pressure. These are the clearest topics to check in with a reader about.

When a choice has a social cost, what would you want the character to weigh before deciding—and would your answer change if a friend were involved?

Read together or independently, pausing at decision points to talk through possible choices. If useful, compare different paths and how each decision changes what follows.