Get to Know Us!

Is it us, or does it smell like tween spirit?

We are the zany "authors" of Lucy and CeCee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School.  We will put your freak-out on pause as we give helpful hints, scary switch solutions, and lingo lessons on how to navigate middle school.  Our solemn promise is to to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth - so help us good fairy of popularity.


Full Name: Lucy Anne Pringle

Biggest Dream: To be popular and have a boyfriend with a one-syllable J name like Jim, Jake, or Joel; to be invited to Kandi Klass’s annual birthday sleepover party*

Favorite Word: Ew!

Favorite Color: Bubblegum pink

Biggest Fear: Being ignored

Siblings: Older sister, Lilly (sixteen years old and thinks she’s all that), and younger sister, Lacey (six years old and soooo annoying!)

Three Words to Describe Self: Bouncy, spazzy, chatty

Thing I Love about Self: Kinda cute toes

Thing I Hate about Self: Eyebrows are bordering on a unibrow but too scared to pluck

Birthday: April 23

Most Valued Possession: My faux Coach purse

Three Things I’d Take on a Deserted Island: My faux Coach purse, autographed picture of Justin Bieber purchased on eBay, Taylor Swift CD

Obsession: Astrology and my less-than-perfect complexion making me feel like Zit-zilla

Biggest Annoyance: Being perpetually grounded to the Tower of Pringle

Secret: I’m 99.9 percent positive everyone at Madison Heights thinks I’m a dork

Bestest Bestie: CeCee Cruz

Luv Her Cuz: She has great specs appeal

Favorite Book: Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham

Favorite Movie: The Princess Diaries (reminds me that dreams do come true)

Hobby: Going to the mall; reading Seventeen, Teen Vogue, and CosmoGIRL

Favorite Food: Cinnabons and Taco Bell (not together, but wouldn’t be opposed)

*Kandi Klass is the VIP queen bee of Madison Heights Middle School. She is the standard by which all other MHMS girls are measured and both my idol and the bane of my existence. Her birthday is April 2—the day of her annual birthday sleepover party. It’s my absolute dream to be invited. If only she knew I existed …

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Full Name: Cecelia Elena Cruz

Biggest Dream: To seek the truth and see that good conquers evil (Okay—I’m an over-the-top fantasy geek)

Favorite Word: Tolkienesque

Favorite Color: Magenta

Biggest Fear: Failure to achieve my middle school* scholastic quest

Siblings: Older sister, Cora (fifteen and a sophomore in high school)

Three Words to Describe Self: Quiet, brainy, trendsetter**

Thing I Love about Self: Astute observer of the human condition

Thing I Hate about Self: I hiccup when I get nervous (the superloud kind)

Birthday: August 28

Most Valued Possession: My Lady of Guadalupe locket from my great-grandmother

Three Things I’d Take on a Deserted Island: My Lady of Guadalupe locket, iPod, family photo

Obsession: In lieu of any magical crystal amulet, I shall never be without my Blistex

Biggest Annoyance: People who don’t use the gifts bestowed on them and who are mean for no reason

Secret: I have a belly ring (Shhhhh …)

Bestest Bestie: Lucy Pringle

Luv Her Cuz: She makes me laugh and reminds me not to take myself so seriously

Favorite Book: Lord of the Rings

Favorite Movie(s): The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King

Hobby: Editor of school newspaper

Favorite Food: Twizzler Nibs


*Middle school is kind of like Middle-earth. It’s a magical journey filled with elves, dwarves, hobbits, queens, kings, and a few corrupted wizards. Word to the wise: pick your traveling companions well. Ones with the courage and moral fiber to persevere. Ones who wield their lip gloss like magic wands when confronted with danger. This way, when you pass through the congested hallways rife with pernicious diversion, you achieve your desired destination—or at least your next class.

**Irony alert—I’m a class-A brainiac, but my clothes are way fetch! (Take that, Gretchen Wieners!)

http://www.amazon.com/Cecees-Survive-Thrive-Middle-School/dp/1462039669

The Big Project

An Excerpt From the Award-Winning Tell-All 

Lucy and CeCee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School

Lucy: Some teachers have BPS (Big Project Syndrome).

CeCee: BPS teachers just love, love, love the big projects. They love creating them, assigning them, talking about them, and grading them.

Lucy: Big projects either make or break you. Speaking from past experience, I can only vouch for being broken.

CeCee: So when you are assigned one, especially a long-term big project, it’s best to do your bestest because it’s very easy to get overwhelmed with the big project. And when you’re overwhelmed, it’s very easy to procrastinate. And when you procrastinate, it’s very easy to blow it off.

Lucy: And when you blow it off, it’s very easy to fail.

CeCee’s Tips on Acing the Big Project

♥ Really understand the assignment. If there is a rubric or criteria chart, be sure to follow it. Ask questions if you are unsure about something.

♥ Make an itemized list of all materials you will need, including poster board, markers, and so on. Buy all your supplies early on so you’re not panicking the night before.

♥ Organize and calendar all due dates, especially if there are multiple deadlines.

♥ If the project includes research, seek help from the information master herself—the school librarian. When she’s not shhhhhing, she can be very helpful in helping you find the appropriate resources.

♥ Break up project into small parts or tasks. Make a little schedule or have a daily check-off list.

♥ Project should be superneat. No typos, ripped edges, or messy writing. Always word process it if you can. When it’s time to submit it, make sure to write your teacher’s name, class, and date on a title page—along with your name, of course.

♥ Set a date to finish a few days before it’s due. If possible, show the teacher, and ask if you’re on the right track so he or she will know you care.

♥ If the teacher allows, do something extra cool—like a video or PowerPoint.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  

Life Science, Mr. Kragler       
October 5
Period 3

Science project notes on electricity experiment (and love analogy) by Lucy Pringle

Objective: To demonstrate static electricity using cereal, my hair, and a comb.

Materials used:
*Plastic comb    
*Twelve-inch piece of thread
*Hair (dry, not wet)   
*Tape
*Puffed rice cereal

Process:

1) Okay, first, I tied this piece of puffed rice cereal to one end of a twelve-inch piece of thread. Then, I taped thread to the edge of my mother’s dining room table. (She got a little trippy about the tape taking off the finish, but I explained it was helping me pass science.)

2) Next, I washed my comb to remove all my hair oils and dried it well.

3) Then, I charged the comb by running it through my hair several times.

4) After that, I brought the comb near the hanging cereal piece and noticed it swung on its own in order to touch the comb. I held it still for a few seconds until the cereal jumped away by itself.

5) Knowing the cereal jumped away because of Mr. Kragler’s spellbinding lecture on the dynamics of electricity, I tried touching the comb to the cereal again. As expected, it moved away as the comb approached, sort of like I do when I see Lyle Whitehurst coming down the hall.

Explanation:
Okay, so the act of combing my hair jacked up these electron thingies because the comb has a negative static charge. And then, the neutral cereal was attracted to it but only at first. When they actually touched, the electrons moved from the comb to the cereal, making them all spazzy. Because both objects had the same negative charge, the cereal was repelled and then voilà—electricity!


Reflection:
This was a supercool experiment and reminded me of when I liked this BMOC, Josh Land, who I thought was the polar opposite of me: cool, attractive, and wildly popular. Anyway, it turns out he had this serious negative charge because he thought he was all that (and wasn’t) and liked this other girl, Kandi Klass (who eventually wanted to kick my butt). As it turns out, this negative charge had a negative effect on me. And yeah, it took a while, but eventually, I got repelled by him and now can’t even stand to look at him—mostly because his feelings were never reciprocal and his girlfriend still sees me as hate bait, but we won’t even go there … cuz now I like a new boy named Eddie—and guess what—he likes me! (IDTBC—Impending Drama to be Continued!)
  
Anyway, who would have thought Life Science was so much like real love? This experiment rocked, Mr. K.!


An excellent analogy, Ms. Pringle.
Grade—A+

http://www.amazon.com/Cecees-Survive-Thrive-Middle-School/dp/1462039669

Download Your Cybersmartz

An Excerpt From the Award-Winning Tell-All 

Lucy and CeCee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School

Let’s face it.  It’s a cyber world out there.  Here’s a quick list on how to be savvy on the internet and download your cybersmartz.:

♥ Don’t plagiarize from the Internet.  Besides the fact it’s cheating, teachers are getting wise to this and chances of getting busted are excellent.

♥ Don’t get in email or text wars.

♥ Keep the peace at home and talk to parents about rules and guidelines for going online.  Agree to keep up with homework and that websites should be age-appropriate.

♥ Never meet anyone online without telling a parent or checking with them first.

♥ Nix the webcam.  Overall, not a good idea.

♥ Don’t T.M.I. on myspace or other websites.  Before you know it, your overshare will go viral and you’ll be e-famous for all the wrong reasons.

♥ Don’t be duped by those misleading banner ads.  Put the blinders on and ignore them.

♥ Show good netiquette and never cyber-dump anyone.

♥ Most cell phones are portable computers, so apply the same rules with your phone as online.

♥ Blog rages may be all the rage but are tiresome to read.  Whatever you write can and will be held against you.

♥ Think before you post.  Today’s friend can be tomorrow’s enemy.  And once something is sent, you can’t command Z it.

♥ Keep all passwords private and don’t give away any personal information about yourself.

♥ To avoid e-gret, play nice online.  If you don’t have anything positive to say, it’s probably best you don’t say anything at all.

♥ Know your school cell phone policy.  Even if it’s loose, it’s best to keep your cell in your  backpack turned off along with your iPod.  Otherwise, there is a high risk of getting it stolen.

♥ NEVER, EVER, EVER sext.  Remember, cyberspace lasts forever.

♥ Don’t ever use cell phone to cheat.

♥ Don’t let anyone text and drive.

♥ Don’t believe everything you read online.

♥ If you’re being cyber-stalked or harassed – get help immediately from an adult.

♥ Don’t ever take or post pictures of people without their permission or knowledge.

♥ Downtime is healthy; turn off your cyberworld and read a book or call a friend.

Cyber acronyms are cool to use when texting, emailing, or IMing.  Here are the basic ones to know and love:

 BFF – Best Friend Forever
 BTW – By the way
 FYI – For your information
 G2G – Got to go
 IDK – I don’t know
 IDC – I don’t care
 IMHO – In my honest opinion
 IMNSHO – In my not so honest opinion
 L8R - Later
 LOL – Laugh Out Loud
 PIR – Parent in room
 POS – Parent over shoulder
 PAL- Parents are listening
 PAW – Parents are watching
 ROFL – Rolling on floor laughing
 TMI – Too much information
 TTFN – Ta Ta for now



TEXTS FROM CECEE TO LUCY AND LUCY TO CECEE


Hi Luce.  I miss u.  Want 2 hang out
tonight?  S.S. for everything.  You’re
right - should have told u about Kandi’s
invite.  Can u forgive and absolve me
for my horrible-ness?
C.



Hey CeCee.  Missed u 2.  Can’t hang
out 2-night.  Have 2 work on science
project or Kragler’s going 2 totally fail
me.
L.
P.S.  I was wrong 4 telling u not 2 publish
about the uniform thing.  S.S.



Want help on your project?
C.



Thx.  But have 2 do this 1
on my own.  Got myself
n-2 this mess.  How bout the
mall this wkend?
L.



4 sure.  R we still B.F.F.?
C.



Of course.  Luv u!  ☺

http://www.amazon.com/Cecees-Survive-Thrive-Middle-School/dp/1462039669

Musings on the Guidance Counselor, a.k.a. Tween Whisperer

 An Excerpt From the Award-Winning Tell-All 

Lucy and CeCee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School

In middle school you will be assigned a guidance counselor who is sort of like a “tween whisperer.”  Guidance counselors take on a sympathetic view of the adolescent by providing academic and emotional support.  You see, we tweens are going through a difficult time (as if you needed reminding).  Changes are rapidly taking place physically, psychologically, and emotionally, and sometimes we need the ear of someone older and wiser who’s not a parent and or teacher.  Enter: The Middle School Counselor

You will probably meet with your guidance counselor at least once or twice a year.  Sometimes more, if you are having academic troubles or personal problems.  Either way, be open and honest during your one-on-one sessions.  Your guidance counselor is there for one reason and that is to support you.  Tell them what’s going well and what isn’t.  They’ve taken a lot of adolescent psych courses and know a lot about helping tweens.

Counselors provide support in a variety of ways.  You can use them to discuss or receive support both individually or in a small group setting.  Some of the things counselors can help with are:

♥ Academic skills support
♥ Test-taking skills support
♥ Time-management and organizational skills
♥ Career options and planning
♥ Habitual discipline issues
♥ Class schedule changes
♥ Dangers of substance abuse, like drinking and drugs
♥ Peer relationship support and mediation if needed
♥ Counseling for stressful situations, such as tragedies, loss, or suicidal thoughts
♥ Counseling for dramatized students who have trouble dealing with the stress of middle school

Dear Diary ~

After thinking about it all weekend, I wrote a request 2 see Ms. Clark about the whole cyberbully sitch becuz everyone knows cyberbullying is no joke.  Basically she had me show her all the text messages and took lots of notes.  Then she left 2 go talk 2 Mr. Payne.  Long story short, they traced the calls 2 Kandi Klass’s phone (big shocker) and now she’s N uber trouble with her parents and school police and may even get transferred 2 another school.  Imagine Madison Heights Middle School without Kandi Klass?

So after all the drama, Ms. Clark got all C.S.I. on me and started asking questions on how my year went and what she could do 2 help me succeed.  That’s when I just started telling her EVERYTHING that was buggin’ me.  Including that I’m flunking Life Science, lost my B.F.F., and totally getting stalked by Lyle Whitehurst.  Ms. Clark listened, nodded a lot, and then explained that seventh grade can be a confusing time but that I still need 2 control the chaos and focus more on my studies.  I knew that lecture was coming but somehow it sounded different coming from her.  She also suggested I stop racking up so many tardies (26) and detentions (5).

 Finally when I was about 2 leave, she asked who my B.F.F. was and I said CeCe Cruz.  She said, “Well, I hope you and CeCee make up. She’s a great girl.”  Then she smiled and said, “Keep it posi, Lucy.”

 And I said, “Okay, Ms. Clark.  Later.”

Hearts and sunshiny days ahead,

Lucy

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Dear Diary,

Today Ms. Clark summoned me during sixth period.  At first I thought it was something academic, like tutoring or picking up my awards from the assembly last week when I was home sick.  But I was wrong!  She wanted to get all intimate and personal, which isn’t my cup of Earl Grey.  So of course I was very guarded but then she hexed me with her adolescent psychological voodoo tricks - and it was like my private vault of secrets opened up for all the world to examine – or at least Ms. Clark.

Basically I confessed that I went to the doctor who said I have a predisposition to an eating disorder.  He said it was common among adolescent girls - especially ones who put a tremendous amount of pressure on themselves, like yours truly.  I told her Mama is having me see a counselor to help deal with it.  Ms. Clark said she was relieved I went to the doctor and suggested I also meet with a support group of girls with eating disorders starting next Thursday, period 3.  I told her I’d be missing algebra and worried about falling behind but she said my health comes first.

That’s when I turned on the waterworks and started bawling like a baby.  I was completely mortified but then I didn’t even care because it felt so good to let it all out.  I told her I’m a second-rate, dishonorable friend with monstrous tendencies who lies by omission and doesn’t share anything with her B.F.F.  And then I told her I feel positively dreadful about my B+ in algebra and need to make straight A’s because I want to make everyone happy – most especially myself.  And then I came clean about Chase and how I was completely smitten but felt way over my head.

She listened really intently, nodded a lot, and then said I have oodles (yes, she used the word “oodles”) of time for guys and not to complicate my life in seventh grade with a serious boyfriend.  She also said to embrace the chaos of life and not try to control it so much.  There’s nothing wrong with a B+ now and then.

So when I was about to leave she asked who my B.F.F. was and I answered Lucy Pringle, and then she said, “I hope you and Lucy become friends again.  She’s a great girl.”

 “Me, too,” I answered.

P.S. I’ve never been one for confession-sessions, but overall, it was an enlightening experience.  And I have to give it to Ms. Clark.  Adolescent psych voodoo aside, she’s very wise - kind of like Gandalf without the staff and beard.

CeCee

http://www.amazon.com/Cecees-Survive-Thrive-Middle-School/dp/1462039669

It's That Time of Year...Teacher Types

An Excerpt From the Award-Winning Tell-All

Lucy and CeCee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School 

teach• er |ˈtē ch ər|
noun
(official definition) – a person who teaches, esp. in a school; an adult role model who indoctrinates the younger generation intellectually, morally, and socially; one who helps others learn, as by example.

teach• er |ˈtē ch ər|
noun
(middle school student’s definition) – an adultish type person who slugs coffee, wears bad ties, frumpish jumpers, and who decided (due to his/her  own scarred teenage existence) to torture kids by inducing parental groundings through frequent phone calls home to report defective grades and deplorable behavior. Resulting outcome: avoid and ignore efforts; torture whenever possible.

Okay, J.K.!!  Teachers should be respected.  After all, most educators enjoy working with kids and some actually have something to teach us.  They are a guiding force in the molding of us adolescents and essentially our guardians from 8 to 3, Monday through Friday.  However, there ARE exceptions.  And the thing about middle school is you will have several teachers to deal with – not just one like in elementary school.  However, baring a few things in mind, you should adapt just fine.  

The first thing to realize about middle school teachers is there are certain types.  Nice and mean, right?  Actually it’s more complicated than that.  There are as many teacher types as there are personalities.  There are teachers who are nice, friendly, lenient, strict, dumb, smart, scary smart, funny, so-funny-they-should-be-a-comic-funny, boring, so-boring-they-put-you-in-a-coma-boring etc.  We’re going to focus on three basic types you will certainly come across in middle school, the telltale identifiable signs, and tips on how to deal with them to your advantage.


The Taskmaster Control Freak/You-Ain’t-Doin’-Nothin’-in-My-Class/Lecturer
These types of teachers became teachers so they could hear themselves talk. The truth is that they have no interest in you or what you have to say. You’ll know them by the classroom arrangement, which consists of unyielding vertical rows with their bully pulpit lectern front and center. Don’t even think about asking to use the bathroom or going to your locker, as the hall pass is simply an accessory for the Taskmaster (i.e., not to be used). And, don’t get sick in their classrooms because you ain’t leaving! Their stock answer for everything is “No!” They have no sense of humor and no sense of mercy. We advise lying low in their classes, as their tolerance for any kind of adolescent shenanigans is nonexistent. Hand in your homework on time and keep a low profile. Cheating, passing notes, and otherwise acting up are unheard of in the Taskmaster’s classroom.


The Fossil/I-Had-Your-Grandmother-and-Will-Have-Your-
Children’s-Children-and-Never-Ever-Retire Teacher
The Fossil tends to linger in the math and science departments. They are well known throughout the local community—and for good reason. They’ve been around forever, and as a result, they have built a solid reputation. They’ve been around so long that their “Just Say No” antidrug posters from the ’80s have an inch of dust caked to them. They use the same old lesson plans, projects, and activities they’ve had since college. Basically, they do their jobs on cruise control and aren’t apt to press the accelerator anytime soon.


Mr./Ms. Good Time/I-Want-to-Be-Liked Teacher
Mr. and Ms. Good Time are usually young and fresh out of college, and their entire educational philosophy is based on being liked. These teachers tend to be easy graders and give less homework (with the exception of a deep fondness for projects) than the others. Their strength is creativity and working outside the textbook (think complete opposite of the Taskmaster). The best thing to do in Mr. and Ms. Good Time’s class is to get them off topic by asking some real-world questions. Also, convince them that a once-a-week party is academically beneficial and aligns perfectly with the standards. Other things to try are having them take you outside, watching teen angst movies, and throwing Game Day because it promotes personal development and self-esteem.

So good luck as you start middle school.  We know you will get "a handle" on those teacher types soon enough, but this should give you the jumpstart needed as you head to that first class.

Until next time...Hearts and Sharpies!
Lucy and CeCee

http://www.amazon.com/Cecees-Survive-Thrive-Middle-School/dp/1462039669

Back to School Author Signing

Join me for a special Back to School Author Signing, Sunday August 3rd from 11-3 p.m. at Hastings Book Store, Murfreesboro, TN - featuring the award-winning Lucy and CeCee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School.  

http://www.nowplayingnashville.com/event/detail/441861401

How to Be Popular

An Excerpt From the Award-Winning Tell-All

Lucy and CeCee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School 

Okay, CeCee and I are just going to lay it out there.  EVERYONE wants to be popular!  And while some people are just born popular, like Kandi, Kassi, and Kalli, most of us have to work at it (very hard, I might add).  Now, CeCee and I haven’t lied to you, and we’re not going to start now.  We’d like to be a lot more popular than we are.   Oh sure, people know us and we’re not like uber-nerds or anything but we’re not A-crowd either.  That said, we’re working on it.  Meanwhile, we do know what a popular girl looks like, sounds like, and acts like.  So here goes...

Do’s and Don’ts on How to be Popular:

♥ DO - join lots of clubs to meet new people.  Join a sports team; try out for cheerleader; run for student council.  Don’t worry if you make it or not.  Just go for it!  You’ll meet lots of cool people along the way.

♥ DO possess confidence.  Walk down the hall like you’re important and people will think you’re important.  Make eye contact and smile, smile, smile.

♥ DO flaunt a positive attitude.  No one likes a Grumpie Gretchen.

♥ DO go to all the dances and after school social events.

♥ DO go to parties when you’re invited and get your social on.  Sometime during the year (maybe around your birthday) throw your own epic party.  Invite everyone, including the popular kids.

♥ DON’T ever be mean to other kids and DON’T gossip.

♥ DON’T over do it.  No one likes a desperate wannabe.

♥ DON’T ever drink or do drugs to be popular.*  You’ll just get the wrong reputation.

♥ DON’T do things with guys just to be popular.  Again, you’ll be popular but in the wrong way.  Remember: a reputation can follow you all the way into high school.


*Peer Pressure
If someone does try to get you to drink or do drugs, you can say “no” and still be cool.  Here are some ways to deal with peer pressure:


Situation – Patty Peer Pressure comes up to you and says, “Hey, you should take a drag of this cigarette.  It would make you look so fly.”
You can:

♥ Come up with an alternate idea.  Example: “No thanks.  Let’s go chat it up with Stacie instead.”

♥ Be nice but firm.  Make it clear you don’t want to smoke now or in the future.  In other words, don’t say, “Maybe next time,” or “Maybe tomorrow.”  Say, “I’m not really into that scene.  I try to be really healthy.”  If she persists, walk away.

♥ Hang with people who share your same beliefs and values.

♥ Remember a true friend will always respect your wishes.


BEWARE: Popularity is flimsy.  You can be popular one day and not so much the next.  In other words, it’s way more important to find a group of friends you like and vice-versa.

http://www.amazon.com/Cecees-Survive-Thrive-Middle-School/dp/1462039669

Lucy and CeCee's Sensational Summer Read List

Okay...as you know, I'm not much of a reader.  That's CeCee's terrain.  Even so, I might manage to finish a book or two over the summer.  After all, you can only Facebook so many hours of the day, right?  Anyway, CeCee and I made up this cool list of books.  So, come on tweens - get your read on!!!

1) The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky

2) The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

3) The House on Mango Street - Sandra Cisneros

4) The Fault in Our Stars - John Green

5) Monster - Walter Dean Myers

6) Divergent - Veronica Roth

7) The Outsiders - S.E. Hinton

8) The Best of Roald Dahl - Roald Dahl

9) Shiver - Maggie Stiefvater

10) The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger

11) Witch & Wizard - James Patterson

12) The Truth About Forever - Sarah Dessen

13) Mrs. Peregrin's Home for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs

How to Fake Sick

Lucy: Let’s face it. Sometimes, you just can’t make it through a whole day of school.

CeCee: Maybe your hair is misbehaving, you have a test you didn’t study for, or you’re just not up to playing Keep-Away Frisbee in gym.

Lucy: What you’re coming down with is a severe case of schoolitis, and there are a few things you should know.

CeCee: First, you can’t do this all the time. The habitual fake out will only come back to haunt you, causing your teachers and parents to eye you with suspicion when you really are sick.

Lucy: In other words, only do this when you really need to. (No more than 8–10 times a semester.)

L&C’s How to Fake Sick Tips

♥ If you know you’re going to fake sick, toss out the bait early. The morning of, tell your parents you’re not feeling well but that you don’t want to miss any school. Tell them you’ll try to make it through the day and go to bed right when you come home. (This way when the nurse calls, there are no surprises.)

♥ Go to your first class looking a little haggard. Don’t wear any lip gloss, mascara, or blush. Mess up your hair a little. Put your head down on the desk, and don’t interact with anyone until your teacher asks what’s wrong. When she does, give the impression that you’re disoriented. Tell her you just can’t concentrate and feel funny—like you might be sick. (Note: this scares the chalk dust out of most teachers, and he or she will immediately send you out. No teacher wants you doing Technicolor yawn on the classroom floor.)

♥ Score! Now it’s time to hit up the nurse. This takes a little skill, as nurses are very adept at dealing with fakers. It’s always best to keep your symptoms nagging but vague. Nothing too specific. Good adjectives to use are queasy, achy, hot and cold. If you combine symptoms, make sure they go together. Case in point, earache and nausea don’t go together and scream faker! Whereas stomach and headache, earache and sore throat, and dizziness and nausea all have the ring of truth.

♥ Never suggest the nurse call your parents, but ask if you can lie down and close your eyes. Cover face with both arms and moan periodically. Speak as if really exhausted by dragging each word out.

♥ When the nurse finally suggests she call your parents, act bummed. Say something like, “But I don’t want to miss any school. I have a test today. Do you think I could get my homework first?” This should seal the deal.

Beware: When in the nurse’s chambers, keep the drama in drama class. Don’t go overboard and fake a seizure or pretend to pass out. Nurses have been to nursing school and know when someone is really conscious or not. Also, they could call for an ambulance.

 How to Be Sick by Lucy

Yay, you did it! Now, how to be sick. Both CeCee and I have our own idea of how to burn a sick day.

Here’s mine:

♥ Dance in the living room.
♥ Text your friends and give them updates on your “illness.”
♥ Text your BFF every period and begin each text with “I guess you’re in period ___ now. Meanwhile, I’m watching _______________ (insert cool television show or movie here).”
♥ Call your parent at work and moan as if really sick. Ask for more DVDs and puzzle books.
♥ Sleep.
♥ Make a blanket fort.
♥ Snoop in your sister’s room. Read her diary. Call her boyfriend and hang up.
♥ Call and order a pizza. Ask for a large with pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, green pepper, olives, onions, anchovies, double cheese, and extra sauce. Hang up. Five minutes later, call back and say you changed your mind.
♥ Play with the dog.
♥ Play with the dog, and film it with your cell phone camera. Submit dog video to YouTube. Watch other dog trick videos and convince self yours is the best.
♥ Play computer games.
♥ Go through your mom’s closet, and write out fashion suggestions. Send them to her anonymously.
♥ Try on all your mom’s jewelry, and talk as if you’re out to dinner with your father. Practice her mannerisms in the mirror.
♥ Write poems and e-mail them to people.
♥ Take a hot, lavender-scented bubble bath.
♥ Take a picture of yourself sleeping and send to friends.

How to Be Sick by CeCee 

♥ Call the school informing them of your respective infirmity and request all homework.
♥ Complete homework.
♥ Calendar projects.
♥ Clean and systematize closet.
♥ Read.

Tip: Don’t forget to have your mother write an illness excuse note. You don’t want a truancy on your record.

http://www.amazon.com/Cecees-Survive-Thrive-Middle-School/dp/1462039669

Passion for Fashion

Chapter Written Solely by CeCee

I’m as shy as they come, but when it comes to my day-to-day threads, I’m a bold, fearless fashionista.  I guess you could classify my look as boho-chic laced with a few punked out accessories.  I know, I know – it totally goes against the bespectacled nerd girl concept, but that’s the brilliant thing about fashion – it expresses the wild child within and makes my gear buzz-worthy!  (I actually attribute my edgy trend tastes back to my Catholic school days, when the required oxford blouse, plaid skirt, and rosary beads forced me to think outside the box.)

Now the thing about fashion is you really don’t have to break the bank to be swank.  Except for the occasional baby-sitting or tutoring job, I don’t have a big cash stash myself but still manage to throw together clever little ensembles.  Sure I shop at Abercrombie and Gap like the rest of the masses, but I also find a lot of spunky stuff at the Good Will and other thrift stores, like belts purses, military jackets, etc.  So yeah – it’s okay to get a little daring – especially when it comes to the trimmings.  And yes, you’ll get an occasional eye role or a mumbled snarl from a S.M.G. (Super Mean Girls), but they’re probably just jealous because you’re rockin’ it and they’re not.  After all, no one respects an Aberzombie clone who’s just following the trendies!

How to Rock It Hip Tips:

♥ Accessories rule
♥ Pair a pair of Chucks with a scarf
♥ Layers, layers, layers
♥ Try a low slung chunky belt
♥ Enhance any outfit with vintage jewelry and/or dangly chandelier earrings – love that stuffy Victorian bling!
♥ Mix and match colors and patterns but sparingly
♥ Try a flowy skirt with leggings and flats

FASHION DON’T’S – I don’t believe in the fashion police but there are a few no-no’s everyone should adhere to for the sake of mankind and world peace.  In my honest and humble opinion, the following are universal fashion flubs i.e., not a good look for anyone:

♥ Acid washed jeans
♥ Ruffles
♥ Heels you can’t walk in
♥ Black Lipstick
♥ Yellow
♥ Too low low-riders
♥ Fishnet
♥ Shoulder pads
♥ Thong Peek-a-boos
♥ Hairy legs with skirts or shorts


Remember:
1) Stay clear of sheer
2) If it don’t fit, it’s gonna split
3) Too bright ain’t right
4) If you wear it, rock it!


CeCee’s Back to School Shopping List

1. Black Leggings
2. Platforms in any color
3. Flared denim jeans
4. Black skinny jeans
5. Faux leather tote
6. Mary Janes
7. Denim vest
8. Burgundy glam punk blazer
9. Neon pink Chuck Taylors
10.  Strategically ripped vintage concert tees
11.  Gypsy broom skirt
12.  Chandelier and hoop earrings
13.  Lace up combat boots
14.  Gold and silver bangles
15.  Purple knit beret
16.  Black trapeze dress
17.  Flannel tunic
18.  Granny cardigan

(The trick is to strike a balance between the trends and classics, sprinkled with your own personal touches.)


SCARY SITCH BY CECEE – Know your fashion limits and the school dress code policy.  Once during my Catholic school days, I tied my white oxford into a navel knot halter a la Britney Spears, got five demerits, three Hail Mary’s, and a lecture from Sister Eugenie on the virtues of modesty.  YIKES!

http://www.amazon.com/Cecees-Survive-Thrive-Middle-School/dp/1462039669

How to Survive the Super Mean Girl

An Excerpt From the Award-Winning Tell-All

Lucy and CeCee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School 

Just like there are S.M.T.’s (Super Mean Teachers) in middle school, there are S.M.G.’s – (Super Mean Girls).  (Pssst, some S.M.G.’s even grow up to be S.M.T.’s.)  We can pretty much guarantee you will probably have to deal with an S.M.G. in middle school.  This is because the social hierarchy intensifies.  Cliques get clique-ier, which means girls get meaner.  But what you have to understand is the “mean factor” stems from a desire to feel powerful.  We know that doesn’t make it any easier to accept, but to understand why girls can be mean may help you deal with it.

Before moving on, let’s contrast girls with guys.  Of course there are S.M.G.’s (Super Mean Guys), too.  But they are an entirely different breed.  At their worst, guys will just call each other some unmentionables, have a fistfight, only to throw hoops and be friends an hour later.  With girls, it’s much more sinister, covert, and under the table.

Enter the S.M.G.:  She’ll roll her eyes at you, smirk, and whisper something to her B.F.F. as you walk by.  Then she’ll laugh.  You brush it off and think it’s just happenstance.  Maybe she’s talking about someone else.  But the next time you see her at lunch she mutters, “Nice clothes.  Where do you shop, the Good Will?”  She’ll continue bashing you to her friends by cutting down your clothes, hair, and overall personality, only to finish with an “Am I mean?”  And you can’t really tell an adult because 1) tattling is considered really lame in middle school and 2) she hasn’t done anything super bad.  Still, you feel terrible and want to cry.  Why?  Because S.M.G.’s never took Kindness 101.  She’s a Super Mean Girl and she’s getting to you, which is exactly what she wants to do.

 So – here’s how to deal:

♥ First, confront the S.M.G. when she’s alone and without her entourage.  Ask what you did to upset her.  This will probably get her to stop.  Most S.M.G.’s don’t expect or like to be confronted.

♥ Every mean girl group has an alpha or a queen bee, who’s like the ring leader.  If you befriend the alpha queen bee, her followers will most likely leave you alone (unless it’s the alpha who’s being the S.M.G.).

♥ If the S.M.G. is talking about you with her S.M.G. clique, you have a few options.  You can 1) ignore them, 2) laugh it off, or 3) stare them right in the eyes.  Whatever you do, look super confident (head up, shoulders back) so not to appear intimidated.  Don’t look at the ground or act schlumpy.  Always appear poised and in control, and never resort to physical violence!

♥ It’s hard but try not to cry.  If the S.M.G. sees peer-tears, she knows she “has you,” which is what she wants – power and control.

♥ Know that chances are the S.M.G. will get tired of picking on you and stop.  She rarely sticks with one victim and you probably aren’t her only target.  Just remember that you’re awesome and she’s obviously jealous of something you possess (beauty, brains, personality, all three).  Stick with your own group of friends who love you.

THE CYBERBULLY

S.M.G.’s are bad, but there is a world of difference between her and the cyberbully.  With just the click of a mouse, a cyberbully can ruin someone’s life – permanently.  It’s a serious offense and in a few extreme cases has even led to suicide.

 First, know what a cyberbully is.  A cyberbully:

1. Pretends they are someone else online in order to trick or obtain information
2. Spreads lies and rumors about other people
3. Sends or forwards hurtful messages or texts
4. Posts pictures of others without their consent or in embarrassing situations, like changing in the locker room.

This is nothing to fool around with.  If you come across a cyberbully, identify them and block all communication.  Go and report it to an adult immediately, such as a teacher, counselor, or parent.  And never, ever retaliate with your own cyber attack.  For more information, there are helpful websites such as Stopcyberbullyingnow.com

http://www.amazon.com/Cecees-Survive-Thrive-Middle-School/dp/1462039669/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395344923&sr=8-1&keywords=lucy+and+cecee%27s+how+to+survive

How to be a Great B.F.F.

An Excerpt From the Award-Winning Tell-All

Lucy and CeCee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School 

If you’re lucky enough to have a B.F.F., you should value and treasure her.  Someone you can laugh and cry with, dream and gripe with, who loves you at your best and accepts you at your worst is a gift under ordinary circumstances.  In middle school, it’s a blessing.

On the other hand, if you don’t have a B.F.F., don’t stress.  Friendships take time to foster and grow.  Here are some ways to get and keep a B.F.F.:

♥ Be true to yourself.  Don’t ever act like someone you’re not or compromise your principles.

♥ Listen as much as you talk.  Give advice only when asked for or when necessary.

♥ Be trustworthy.  Keep secrets secret.

♥ Spend time together.  Like a plant, friendships need to be tended to or they die.

♥ Find activities you both like to do together, whether it be shopping, scrapbooking, or cochillin’ on the biPod.

♥ Praise her for her accomplishments and she should do the same for you.  Be each other’s secret cheerleaders.

♥ Don’t be overly competitive.

♥ Avoid jealousy.  Obviously your friend is going to have some qualities you find admirable or you wouldn’t be friends with her.  Nonetheless you shouldn’t envy those things.  If you are the jealous type, work on your own self-esteem and be grateful for what you have.

The B.F.F. Tiff

All B.F.F.’s squabble once in a while.  When you do have an argument, give your B.F.F.  some time and space to reflect about the situation.  Then talk it out and really listen to her concerns and ask that she do the same for you.  In the interim, don’t bad mouth or start rumors about her.  If you both respect the relationship, your squabble should blow over and you’ll be B.F.F.’s again before you know it.


SECRET THOUGHTS BY LUCY:
 CeCee and I have been B.F.F.’s since our sandbox days.  Sure we get into little tiffies, like the time she wouldn’t let me copy her homework.  But we get over it.  We’ll be B.F.F.’s for a long time I’m sure, although lately I worry that she could get into the Kandi Klass Club.  I see Kandi trying to talk to her like she’s someone really cool.  It freaks me out and makes me all crazy with jealousy.  Also, CeCee is so pretty, it’s scary - especially when she takes off her glasses.  I curse the day she gets contacts.

SECRET THOUGHTS BY CECEE:
Lucy is the quintessential best friend.  Okay, maybe she’s not as principled as I would like and her morality can be a little slippery, but she means well and has a good heart.  Also, her loyalty is off the charts.  The girl would fight off a swarm of soul-snatching sorceresses for me without so much as a thought.  I just fret that sometimes that she could be accepted into the popular A-crowd and forget about me.  She’s so gregarious and I’m such a social clodhopper, it’s bound to happen.  But I have to believe she’s better than that.  After all, trustworthiness is most important when it comes to B.F.F.’s and Lucy has never proven traitorous in any circumstance.  Hence, Lucy’s the ultimate!!

HOW TO MAKE A B.F.F. SCRAPBOOK

Lots of B.F.F.’s keep a scrapbook of their memories.  It’s a cool way to celebrate your friendship.  Here’s how:

♥ Buy a big photo album and blow up a picture of you and your best friend for the cover page.  Decorate the page with drawings, sparkles, and stickers.

♥ Have a B.F.F. dedication page where you each write everything you love about your best friend.

♥ Decorate pages with pictures and make captions.  Examples: trips to the mall, sleepovers, getting ready for school dances, etc.

♥ Write on topics that interest you both, such as school, family, crushes, dreams, fears, etc.

Warning: Make sure your scrapbook stays private and out of the hands of bratty brothers, snooping sisters, and prying parents.  Decide on a place where you will keep the scrapbook - hopefully under lock and key.

http://www.amazon.com/Cecees-Survive-Thrive-Middle-School/dp/1462039669/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395344923&sr=8-1&keywords=lucy+and+cecee%27s+how+to+survive

Feeling a Little Dingy? What's With All Those Bells?

An Excerpt From the Award-Winning Tell-All

Lucy and CeCee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School 

The first thing you have to get used to in middle are all the bells.  On average, you will probably hear 15-20 bells a day.  Some portend doom and gloom, like that first bell of the day; some portend joy and freedom, like the last bell of the day; and some just mean, Get your butt in gear and hurry up already!  It’s enough to make anyone feel a little ding-y, but you’ll get used to it.  The trick with bells is to use them to your advantage and not be late or tardy, as it’s called in middle school.

Being perpetually tardy is a bad habit to get into.  We know – it’s tough!  Especially when you only have five minutes to make it across the school when the halls are teeming with PDA’ers, stop-n-chatters, and hall huggers.  And top that off with having to use the restroom and going to your locker???  It’s impossible, right?

Actually it’s not.  Here’s how NOT to be tardy:

♥ Before school, plan accordingly.  Have your clothes laid out and take your shower the night before to save time – especially if you’re prone to hitting Snooze in the morning.

♥ There are four pivotal times you must go to your locker: in the morning before school, before lunch, after lunch, and after school.  Going to your locker between your other classes is up to you, but we don’t recommend it because it wastes time.  Try to prepare for two-three classes at a time so you don’t always have to stop.  If you do stop at your locker, try to keep it super organized so you’re in and out quickly.

♥ It’s hard, but dodge the stop-n-chatters and hall huggers.

♥ Try to pack up your things a little early in each class.  Don’t always wait for the bell.

♥ If possible, try to get a seat by the door in each of your classes so you can bizounce the second the bell rings.

♥ Walk briskly and assertively in the hallways.  Don’t do the turtle crawl.

♥ Don’t cyber check between classes.  It’s a bad habit that’s sure to slow down your stride.

♥ If you have to go to the bathroom, do it quickly and between classes where distance is the shortest.

♥ Try to find shortcuts to your classes.  You’d be surprised how cutting through the library or taking a certain stairway can shave minutes off your time.

♥ If you ARE tardy, walk in quietly and don’t make a big production of it.  Maybe you’ll luck out and the teacher won’t notice.

http://www.amazon.com/Cecees-Survive-Thrive-Middle-School/dp/1462039669

Breaking Up Is Hard to Do

An Excerpt From the Award-Winning Tell-All

Lucy and CeCee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School

Breaking up is hard to do.  Sometimes you’re the dumper; sometimes you’re the dumpee.  Either way, it’s no fun to break up.  So here are some tips on how to make the inevitably painful – painless (or at least with a shot of Novocain).

WHEN YOU’RE THE DUMPER-

Don’t put it off.  If you know it’s not going to work or you’re crushing big time on someone else, then by all means – break up.  Remember:

♥ You don’t need an audience to call it quits.  Break up in private to maintain his dignity.

♥ Keep it short and sweet.  Don’t go into little details as to why he didn’t measure up.  Pssst – Guys have fragile egos.  Be gentle!!

♥ Although it’s a cliché, tell him you want to remain friends.  (This may have to wait a while if the guy is really into you.  A bruised ego takes time to heal!)

♥ If you’re breaking up because you’re crushing on someone else, be sure not to flaunt your new dude in front of him.  Ouch!!

♥ When you do the actual deed, take a deep breath, look him in the eye, and just tell him you don't think it’s going to work.

♥ Break up in person, face-to-face.  Breaking up via Myspace, email, AIM, and Twitter show a lack of class and character.  If you can’t see him in person, tell him on the phone. Most importantly, don’t have a friend do it for you.  YOU went out with him - YOU should break up with him.

♥ Don’t take the easy way out and just blow him off.  If you’re not into him, be up front and honest.  And don’t ever bash him to your friends afterwards, especially if he cries.  Warning: guys cry.

WHEN YOU’RE THE DUMPEE-

Of course what comes around goes around, and you will in fact some day be broken up with.  It’s all part of playing the game of love.  Here’s how to keep the tears from flowing:

♥ Allow yourself to be sad but not for too long.  A couple days of shutting the shades, playing sappy music, and reading old notes should do it.  After that, you just become a burden to yourself and those around you.

♥ Reinvent yourself!!!  Get a new pair of jeans, a haircut, or a mani-pedi.  Feel good about yourself.

♥ Although it may seem otherwise, realize that it's not the end of the world.  Next time you’ll meet someone better who will appreciate you for you (flaws and all).  Remember you’re young.  You still have the rest of your life to find your soul mate

♥ Crush on a new crush.  The great thing about love is your bound to love again.

HELPFUL HINTS:
Don't try to make the person you broke up with jealous. You'll only look disparate and needy.

http://www.amazon.com/Cecees-Survive-Thrive-Middle-School/dp/1462039669

The Locker (Your Home Away From Home)

Your locker is a pretty big deal in middle school.  In addition to it being your home away from home, it’s where a lot of action takes place.  At the lockers is where you’ll dodge hall huggers, hear gossip, and have your own locker chitchats.

For the incoming sixth grader, the locker can be a source of stress.  Thoughts like, “Oh no!  I forgot my combo,” “What if I can’t open my locker?” and, “What if someone stuffs me in my locker and no one finds me until June,” may consume you at first, but after about a month it’s just a normal part of your day, like brushing your teeth.

So, first things first – how to open your locker.  Locker padlocks take a little practice but can easily be conquered.  Here’s the deal in being a locker pro the first day of school (so you don’t look like a scrub):

1. Spin the dial to the right a few times to clear it.
2. Turn right to the first number.
3. Turn left PAST zero, and the stop on the second number.
4. Turn right to last number and Voila!

REMEMBER:
NEVER, EVER, EVER GIVE YOUR LOCKER COMBINATION TO ANYONE!!!  THIS ONLY LEADS TO MAJOR PROBLEMS!!!

(Because CeCee’s locker is freakishly neat, and mine looks like a federal disaster area, she’ll be the one to tell you how to stay organized.)

Thanks, Luce!

Okay, so organization is extremely key to succeeding in middle school.  The first thing I like to do is affix my class schedule on the locker door and arrange my books and folders in order from first period to last.  I prefer a vertical stack because this gives me way more scope and latitude.  By always keeping my materials in order, I don’t have to fritter away precious seconds thinking about what I need.  It’s all right there in front of me.

I also utilize those locker hook thingies for my gym bag, purse, and jacket (if I brought one).  Additional plastic hooks can be procured at any drug or supply store.  Remember, whatever you do, don’t be a crammer (someone who just randomly crams things into their locker and shuts the door hoping the locker fairy will somehow organize their shambolic chaos before their next class).  Crammers never stay organized and seldom earn righteous grades.  Also, try to clean out your locker once a week, just to make sure it stays tidy and organized.

Garnishing your locker with decorations and personal heraldry is a lot of fun.  Some girls choose to have a motif, like flowers or rainbows, whereas most guys go for the hero-worshiping array of sports dudes and rappers.  When it comes to interior decorating, I’m more of a feng shui-ist, but a couple of items are absolutely locker-essential: a mirror for facial and food-between-teeth checkups and photos of your most principled friends and/or fave celebrities.  Along with lifting your spirits, photos can be a definite conversation piece.

HELPFUL HINTS FROM LUCY: Have a secret emergency compartment with a few unmentionables.  You never know when you’re little friend might show up.  (Just sayin’!)  Also, never leave food in your locker for long periods of time.  Once I left a carton of milk and some Cheetoes over holiday break.  It was an ant fest when I got back and major nast!!!  Oh yeah, I try to hang up lots of pictures of random cool looking people so as to appear popular.  Resulting outcome: pending.

STUFF YOU’LL NEED:

♥ A locker/lock
♥ A mirror
♥ Magnets
♥ Cute boy pics
♥ Celebrity and band pics
♥ Tons of B.F.F. photo ops.  (Take a day and pose with your B.F.F.  Then choose which pics you should display.)
♥ Magnets/Tape

Unicorns and Rainbows,
Lucy

http://www.amazon.com/Cecees-Survive-Thrive-Middle-School/dp/1462039669

Who Are You? Surviving Cliques and Labels

Lucy: Cliques are social groups of tight-knit circles with characteristics often defined by attitude, clothes, and music. Common ones throughout the ages are preps, goths, emos, oddballs … what else, C.?

CeCee: Hipsters, delinquents, VIP popular kids, couples, loners, geeks, band people—

Lucy: Bookworms, nerds, punks, skaters, drama people, choir people, nonconformists—

CeCee: Who, by virtue of nonconforming, are, in fact, conforming—irony alert!

Lucy: Tomboys, jocks, grade repeaters, cheerleaders, wannabes—

CeCee: I think that about covers it, Luce.

Lucy: So, CeCee—why do you think there are cliques to begin with?

CeCee: Because it’s a universal law that everyone wants to belong and feel a part of something. In this respect, cliques are normal and healthy.

Lucy: Are you implying that some cliques are abnormal and unhealthy?

CeCee: Absolutely! Cliques can squelch individuality, promote exclusivity, and frown on clicking outside the clique. This is not normal and healthy.

Lucy: Rightsies.

CeCee: So when choosing a clique, make sure to find a group of people who embrace who you are as a person—

Lucy: And let you pick your own peeps. You don’t want a clique that’s all exclusive and controlly.

Lucy and CeCee: Because cliques are a big part of middle school and only get more intense in high school, we’ve taken five basic ones and analyzed them.

WARNING: These analyses are based on general stereotypes that should not be applied to individuals. They are merely personas, like what you see in movies and television shows. That said, there may be tiny hints of truth to each, so really think about who you are before committing to a clique.

Punky Goth Types
Distinguishing Trademarks: Rockin’ the black fishnets, Manic Panic hair dye, loads of eyeliner, combat boots, multiple piercings, and anarchy tattoos. Punks and goths are more distinguished in high school, whereas in middle school, they pretty much run together. The basic difference is punks are more political and rebel against authority. Goths are into fantasy, Victorian/vampire-y things, and shop at Hot Topic.

Why They’re Cool: Punky goth types have a strong sense of self and don’t really care about what others think. Since they relish in being atypical, they are immune to silly trends and rages.

Downside: A little too gloom and doom. They experience a lot of “black flack” from parents who don’t understand the whole “what’s the point of life” attitude. Some PGs suffer from a gothier-than-thou syndrome and are very tiresome to be around.


Nerds
Distinguishing Trademarks: Pants pulled up high with a belt, shirt neatly tucked in, hair slicked back and gelled, and, of course, the thick-framed tortoiseshell glasses. They say things like “nifty” and “neato.” These number crunchers are always on the honor roll, into sci-fi marathons, and sometimes persecuted for their superior intellect.

Why They’re Cool: Nerds are walking encyclopedias who don’t answer to anyone but their computers. They have bright, productive futures that include graduation from MIT, inventing something “nifty,” and getting filthy rich like no one’s business. Also, they’re the only clique with a candy named in their honor.

Downside: Nerds aren’t exactly known for their fun side, and some would argue with the exception of D&D parties, they have a nonexistent social life. Some nerds fall victim to wedgies, swirlies, and other pranks.


Cheerleaders
Distinguishing Trademarks: Superperky, glossified, flirt-in-a-skirt types. They do herkies for no particular reason, talk with tons of emotion, and sprinkle their conversations with lots of words like “totally,” “soooooo,” and “OMG.”

Why They’re Cool: Cheerleaders are always happy, hyper, and superflexible. They make pep rallies and games entertaining and don’t mind living up to their stereotypes.

Downside: Cheerleaders are hypercompetitive and not known for their astronomical IQs. Occupational hazards include twists, sprains, and breaks.


Preps
Distinguishing Trademarks: Always clean, neat, and well groomed with classic, soap opera-y names like Amanda, Charlotte, Walker, and Blake. They wear shirts with little alligators and polo dudes on them. Preps are superconfident, ambitious, and image conscious.

Why They’re Cool: They see “preppiness” as a lifestyle choice, not a clique. They are classy, refined, and smell nice. Most preps are very friendly.

Downside: Some are money obsessed and snobby but will attempt to hide it for the lower classes so not to appear impolite.


Jocks/Sporties
Distinguishing Trademarks: Physically large and muscular; hair is styled in a crew cut. Since they tend to be BMOCs, jocks/sporties walk with an arrogant strut. Like their female counterparts (cheerleaders), they dwell at the top of the social ladder. They listen to the coach like he’s god and act like there is no point to life but sports.

Why They’re Cool: These able-bodied athletes are also natural-born leaders. When you have them on your team in gym, you will most likely win.

Downside: These “muscle heads” are supercompetitive and act like it’s the end of the world when they lose. Some may be mean to their polar opposite persona—the nerd.

To find out more about surviving cliques and labels, read Lucy and CeCee's How to Survive (and Thrive) in Middle School…

 http://www.amazon.com/Cecees-Survive-Thrive-Middle-School/dp/1462039669