She’s surviving middle school, one mortifying disaster at a time.
Katie Kirby’s The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks is a hilarious diary-style novel that perfectly captures the anxieties of middle grade life for readers aged 9-12. The story follows 11¾-year-old Lottie, who is convinced her life is officially over as she starts secondary school. Her best friend has moved away, she’s worried about being flat-chested, and her attempts to appear cool and confident crumble into embarrassing misadventures. Lottie navigates the challenges of making new friends like Jess, dealing with popular girls Amber and Poppy, and nursing a crush on Theo, all while her family announces a new baby is on the way. Her journey is a candid and funny exploration of friendship, family, and the awkwardness of being a tween.
This book is an excellent choice for educators looking to engage all types of readers. Kirby, who also illustrates the novel, breaks up the text with expressive stick-figure drawings and doodles on nearly every page. For a visual learner or a student with reading difficulties, these cartoons are a huge help; they clarify Lottie’s emotions and punchlines, making the story much more accessible. The diary format offers short entries with simple sentence structures, mirroring how young people actually think and speak. This makes the 432-page book feel manageable. While it tackles mature themes like puberty, social anxiety, and body image, its 710L Lexile score ensures the text itself is not a barrier. The book’s selection for Puffin’s 85th Anniversary Collection alongside classics like Matilda highlights its quality. Lottie Brooks is a fantastic bridge read that uses humor and a relatable format to connect with students, giving them a book that reflects their own emotional lives in a way they can successfully read and enjoy.
