If middle school were a game, the first day would be like the championship. Here�s how to be in it to win it.

1 Conduct an investigation.

Does your school have a website? Check it out! Can you tour the school in advance? Do it! Know kids who already attend? Ask them for insider information! If you know what to expect, you�ll keep the pre-game jitters at bay.

2 Look great, feel great.

Take your first-day clothes for a test drive a few weeks beforehand to make sure they look and feel right. You can even host your own fashion show by asking your best bud for an opinion. Knowing you look your best will help you have the confidence you need.

3 Buddy up.

Find out who�s in your homeroom, who you can walk to gym with, and whose fries you can �borrow� in the cafeteria. Plan ahead to maximize �friend� time.

4 Map quest.

If you don�t have a map of your school, make one. Add crucial information like a route from gym to math that takes you past a water fountain.

5 Imagine success.

See yourself being happy, making friends, and feeling great. Don�t let yourself imagine an uncomfortable you. The better you visualize your day, the better you can make it.

The Locker Lowdown

Think of your locker as your home base, your fortress, your space to decorate or mess up as you see fit!

��Memorize your combo with a little poem like, �47, 13, 4, that�s the combo I adore.�

��Do a once-a-month super-clean. Toss what you don�t need and organize the rest.

��Make sure dirty clothes don�t hang around�they have a way of �ripening� in small, dark spaces.

��Keep a little mirror for between-class hair fixes and to check for paint smudges on your cheeks after art class.

��Avoid storing food �for later,� which might turn into �for the roaches that have moved in and are now quite comfortable.�

Read this list, then close your eyes and repeat it: For first period, answer questions 12 through 27. For second period, read chapters 5 through 7. For third period, do worksheet 6. For fifth period, do problems 6 through 13, skipping 8 and 11.

If it was tough to remember that list now, it�ll be even tougher at the end of a school day, when your brain feels like a wet noodle. Enter the homework planner, a.k.a. your brain saver!

1 Save the plan-it!

Assignments and quizzes and tests, oh my! Avoid getting lost in the woods by making (or buying) a planner where you can jot down crucial class info. Choose a notebook that�s not too bulky�you�ll be carrying this baby everywhere. Set up each page in your planner like the example on the next page.

2 Love your planner.

Record everything in there�not just homework and tests, but also upcoming field trips, long-term projects, and friends� birthdays. (Who doesn�t like to be remembered on their birthday?!)

3 Get all the deets, all the time.

Make sure to record all the details as your teacher announces an assignment. If you�re going to do the work, you want to make sure you�re doing the right stuff.

4 Check, please!

As you pack your bag for the trip home, give your planner a final check so you can pack any books you�ll need to get your homework done. Leave the others in your locker so they don�t weigh you down.

5 Do one final prep.

The next morning, check that planner again. If you�ve got football practice, pack your helmet. If there�s a field trip, bring a snack. If it�s Saturday, don�t go to school!

Maybe it feels like you�re the only one who gets called out for being late. Maybe the one time you toss your friend a note, your teacher catches it. Or maybe you feel like he just has it in for you. If you sense that you and your teacher aren�t clicking, try pushing these buttons instead.

1 Find a time to talk� privately.

Politely ask your teacher if there�s a time when you two can speak privately, so you won�t feel rushed. Good times to talk: during lunch, after school. Bad times: as your teacher passes your desk while handing out homework, right before the bell rings.

2 Nod a lot.

Arrive to your meeting on time and start by saying something like, �I want to talk about what I can do to help us get along better.� You made the brave move of taking that first step. Now you gotta see it through�look your teacher in the eyes while he�s talking, and don�t squirm, slouch, or look at the clock!

3 Resist the urge to debate.

Every time you say, �I didn�t do that,� or, �He�s lying!� you keep the conversation in the past�and the past is the place where you kept getting in trouble. Try forward-looking statements like, �What can I do to succeed?,� or, �I�d love for us to have a fresh start. How can I make that happen?�

4 Make conversational extra credit.

Before you leave, make sure to thank your teacher for taking the time to talk to you. Expressing your gratitude lets you walk out with your best foot forward!

Your geography grade is sinking like it�s caught in quicksand in Morecambe Bay. (And if you weren�t tanking in geography, you�d know where that is.) You need someone to throw you a lifeline, quick� and here it is.

1 Hold a strategy session.

The learning process is like a game of tug-of-war. The more folks you have on your side, the better your chance to win. Feel like you�re getting pulled down? Recruit help! Let your teacher know you�d like to do better, and ask her to help you come up with a plan for success. Maybe she can recommend a tutor or fellow student who can help you out.

2 Twenty questions.

If a concept isn�t sinking in, ask a question. Still don�t get it? Ask another question. Then ask another person! Don�t give up till you find someone who can explain the confusing stuff in a way that makes sense to you.

3 Build your own A-Team.

Your friend�s a science whiz. You�re a budding Shakespeare. So, do like Billy S. himself, and �swappeth skills.� Have Mr. Wizard help you with your lab project, and you help him with his �book learnin�.�

4 Ask for an extra-credit card.

You never know until you ask, so don�t wait another minute: Ask your teacher if you can do something to score extra points. Maybe you can do another math worksheet? Write a short story using vocab words? Make a science poster explaining photosynthesis? It never hurts to make a suggestion!

You are the French master! You can conjugate �tre upside down and backward! So naturally, the one time you�re called on in French class is the one time you left your livre in your locker the night before. Anyone know the word for �help� en fran�ais?

1 Take a moment.

Getting called on by surprise can make you panic. Take control! You don�t have to answer right away, even though all eyes are on you. Take a deep breath, think back to your homework or your textbook, and give it your best shot. If you really can�t come up with anything, then�

2 Be honest.

Look right back at the teacher and say, �Sorry, I don�t know that one.� At worst, you�ll get reprimanded for not paying attention. At best, you�ll get points for being honest. Earn cred in a foreign-language class by saying �I don�t know� in the language that�s stumped you.

3 Tip it over to a smart pal.

If it�s a fraction you�re stuck on, and your pal is Miss Fractions, try a little alley-oop: �I don�t know, but I betcha Emily does.� Just be careful: If Emily�s knowledge is more fractional than you think, she�s going to be plenty peeved that you shifted the spotlight onto her.

4 Raise your hand when you do know the answer.

Just like people take vitamin C to help ward off a cold, you can prevent the dreaded �getting called on when you�re clueless.� Teachers just want to hear from you, so participate early and often when you do know the answer. That should reduce your chances of getting called on when you don�t.

They say that cheaters never win and winners never cheat, but how does that help you if someone�s trying to harness your brainpower?

You sacrificed watching your favorite TV show to finish your math homework. But when you get on the bus, a greedy homework hog asks to copy your work.

1 Just say no.

Don�t even listen to the cheater�s pleas for help. Say �no can do� to that h-work hog, pop in your ear buds, and take a seat. Simple as that.

2 Try a quick comeback.

If the cheater won�t buzz off, use one of these replies:

���I finished the assignment in school yesterday and already turned it in.�

���That�s so funny�I was just about to ask to cheat off you!�

���Actually, my dog barfed on it. You sure you want to touch it? I guess it doesn�t smell too bad��

SCENARIO 2

You studied like crazy for the history test and now know more about Columbus than C. C.�s mother did. But the test pest to your left is trying to steal the words right off your answer sheet.

1 Go on the move.

Ask for a different seat on the opposite side of the room. No need to tattle: Say your chair is squeaking or the sun�s in your eyes.

2 Play a little defense.

Block your paper with your forearm, or let your scratch paper just happen to cover up your answers.

BE AWARE ��Sometimes blocking your paper isn�t enough. If you still see those prying eyes, don�t hesitate to tell the teacher after class.

WORST NIGHTMARE

Yes, your eyes were wandering�they always do that!�but you truly weren�t cheating, honest! What if you�re falsely charged?

��Remain calm. Crying or getting angry only makes you look guilty.

��Offer to retake the test. If you can ace it again on the spot, you�ll prove your point.

��Talk yourself up. You turn in homework on time. You read independently. Basically, you�re too smart to cheat!

Maybe you were passing notes in class, running in the hallway, or listening to your headphones under your hood. It seemed worth it at the time, but now that you�ve been busted, you�re not so sure. You�re queasy, your hands are sweating, and the room is spinning before your eyes. Do you need the school nurse? Nope�you need to check out these miracle cures.

1 Tell the truth.

Here�s a simple formula you won�t learn in math: Getting in trouble + Lying about it = Much worse trouble. If you were texting in class, admit it and move on.

2 Don�t fight fire with fire.

You weren�t the only one peeking at the teachers� edition, but you can keep that information to yourself. Tattling on the others won�t lessen your punishment.

3 Keep your lips zipped.

Adults love it when you talk back, don�t they? (Yeah, about as much as getting a bee sting on the bohunkus.) Don�t be that bee! When you�re getting a �talking to,� maintain respectful silence so you won�t cause more trouble than you already have.

4 Think about next week.

Seven days from now, this will just be a bad memory. Your body may be sitting on that hard bench outside the principal�s office today, but in your mind you can already be playing video games or hanging out at the mall, with your punishment (way) behind you.

Five Ways to Pass the Time in Detention

With every minute stretching out in front of you like hot pizza cheese, detention can feel like it lasts a lifetime�unless you stop staring at the clock and try one of these sanity savers.

��If you�re a righty, try writing the alphabet with your left hand. If you�re a lefty, write righty.

��Test your ESP. Can you move an object with your mind? Can you influence someone else�s thoughts through yours? You will try it now�

��Think about what you did to get detention. Then try to figure out how you could have done it without getting caught.

��Make detention work for you. If you�re allowed to do your homework, get busy so you don�t have to waste precious free time slaving over it later.

Pants (and shirt!) off�in front of your classmates? Yikes! If just the thought of doing the costume change for gym class gives you stage fright, try a few of these tricks to ease your performance anxiety.

1 Face your locker instead of the crowd.

Stand as close to your gym locker as possible without actually climbing in.

2 Get all your gym clothes ready before the old ones come off.

Make sure you�ve got everything you need (from shorts to shirt to socks), so you�re not rooting around in your bag without pants on. As soon as everything is laid out in a clothing assembly line: presto-change-o! The process will fly by.

3 Dress in pieces.

Instead of getting fully undressed, approach it one article of clothing at a time. Take off your pants�then pull on your gym shorts. Next, replace your regular shirt with your gym shirt. Continue until you�re all suited up.

4 Be a speed demon.

Glance at your watch before you start undressing, and see if you can set a personal record for a clothing change. If you�re moving at the speed of light, no one can see a thing.

OPTION 2: Squeeze in your social hour.

Conversation is a natural distraction, so yak it up with your friends as you change. Talk about the crazy tricks your pets can do, the awesome gadget you want for your birthday, the class that�s driving you bonkers� whatever. Soon enough, you�ll be all changed without having to spend a minute thinking about it.

OPTION 3: Plain white Ts to the rescue.

You might feel less exposed if you wear a light under-shirt beneath your school clothes. That way, when you�re changing into your gym uniform, you can stay wrapped in a protective layer.

OPTION 4: Use the �stalling� technique.

If all else fails, head for a bathroom stall and do your thing in your own private dressing room. If anybody asks what you were doing in there, look at them like they�re crazy: �Uh, it�s a bathroom�what do you think I was doing?�

The worst part of running up a hill is when you�re at the bottom, just thinking about running up the hill. The same is true for homework, so stop the head games and just do it! Here�s how to gear up and ascend to success.

1 Feed your brain.

Before you get started, give yourself a �head� start on homework by snacking on �smart food� (nuts, fruit, veggies, popcorn). Healthy fuel will make your brain run better.

2 �X� marks the homework spot.

Seek out a super-comfortable, bright, quiet place to make your personal workstation. Decorate it to inspire you and remind you of your triumphs. If the homework spot is a place you like going to, the whole experience will improve. (You may even look forward to it!)

3 Distractions, keep out!

Turn off the TV. Put your phone in the cupboard behind the food you hate most. The faster you focus, the sooner you�ll get the job done.

4 Beat the clock.

Deadlines make adrenaline flow! If you know you need to finish a task by a certain time, your body will rise to the challenge. Set a realistic amount of time to finish, like, �I�ll finish my homework by 4 PM,� then set an alarm. Victory (a.k.a. completed homework) will soon be yours!

5 Break fast.

Every twenty to thirty minutes, take a break. Stand up, shake out your limbs, do whatever makes you feel human again. A short burst of movement gives your body a breather, so you can hit the remaining work like a hammer.

Finished Homework Rewards

Know what�s better than finishing your homework? Getting a reward for doing it! Promise to do something you love when you�re done and you�ll have extra incentive to finish fast.

1.�Ride your bike around the neighborhood knowing you�re free at last!

2.�Find the funniest clips online and laugh for as long as you want.

3.�Call your friend�and you don�t have to talk about homework!

4.�Try getting to the next level on your fave video game.

5.�If it�s sugar you crave, give yourself a little. You�ve earned it!

No one, but no one likes tests. Know why? �Cause they �test� you! It can feel like someone�s poking you in the head, squeezing your brain like it�s a melon at the market. Here are a few test-taking tips that�ll stop you from going bananas.

1 Pool brainpower.

Harness your friends� superpower smarts by studying together. Allison is the fractions master, but Raviv is an expert at prime numbers. You need �em both around to get an A on the killer math test.

2 Host a game show.

Change the mood from �ugh, test coming� to �we�re hanging out and having fun!� This will let your poor, stressed-out brain relax and absorb the material. Make a mic out of a hairbrush or spoon and take turns being the game-show host. See who can answer the fastest. If you�re stumped, just hearing the answer from your friends will help to stick it in your brain.

3 Transform into your teacher (only temporarily, don�t worry).

Ever wonder why your history teacher knows so much about history? It�s because teaching something is the best way to learn it. Once you get a section of the material cracked, teach it to one of your study buds, or unleash your wisdom on a family member.

4 Create your own mnemonic devices.

If you have to memorize a poem and present it to the class, put it to the tune of your favorite song. When it�s your day to present, sing each line in your head first, then say it out loud (unless you want to make it a truly memorable musical performance!). Even vocab words are easy to remember if you make up sentences like, �The hirsute old man looked like he was wearing a hair suit.�

Secrets of the Multiple-Choice Masters

The good news is that the answer is right before your eyes. All you need to do is choose it! Here�s how.

1.�Read the question twice. Read the question twice. Now you�ve probably already thought of the answer before looking at the options.

2.�Off with their heads! Immediately cross out the answers you know are wrong, then pick the best of the rest.

3.�If two choices are opposites, then one of them is probably completely, totally, and awesomely wrong, making the other�Bingo!

4.�Teachers rarely give �trick questions,� so don�t try to out-think the test-maker, or else your head might get twisted up in knots.

5.�Go with your gut. It lets you know when you�re hungry�trust that it�ll help guide you here, too!

If two heads are better than one, think how much higher the �better factor� goes when you get to work in a group. Applying multiple minds means work gets divided up and done faster, and chances are you�ll wind up doing the part you like or know best. Here are some ways to keep the team working like an elite crew of taskmasters.

1 Split skills.

Everyone should have a job and know her part. Pick (or elect) a leader if it makes sense to do so, then draft a list of names, roles, and due dates. The more organized you can be from the start, the faster you�ll get to the end.

2 Power to the people�

When discussing your group-project plans, let everyone speak. Some people are going to be quieter than others, but that doesn�t mean they don�t have interesting ideas. Encourage Silent Bob to speak up by going around the circle and getting everyone�s opinion.

3 There�s no such thing as a bad idea.

Especially during the brainstorming phase, let every idea flow. Avoid dismissing or criticizing suggestions, because that will make people clam up. An idea that might seem strange at the start may well be a stroke of genius�or could inspire one�if you allow yourself to ponder it.

4 Use the wisdom of crowds.

If your group disagrees on how to attack a problem or the best way to present an answer, be democratic and encourage a vote. Debate the issues, let each side have its say, then let the group decide. Your group motto? �Everyone has a voice.�

5 Take on slackers� positively

Sometimes a group member will avoid doing his fair share. Instead of getting mad at the person (which will only make him want to work less� if that�s even possible!), engage him in a positive way. Talk to him about the task he was assigned, then ask if he needs any help or if he would prefer to work on another part of the project. Focus on how the group needs his contribution, not on what he�s doing wrong.

BE AWARE ��Occasionally, no matter how much you encourage a certain teammate, that person might disappoint you, forcing you to step in and pick up some of the slack. If that happens, continue to involve Kid Slacker so he not only contributes something, but he also knows he owes you one!

The Leader of the Pack

Even the shyest person can become a great group leader. Here�s how.

��Come into the first meeting with a basic schedule. Make a plan, even if that might change down the line. People are likely to follow someone who seems prepared.

��Flattery will get you everywhere. Try lines like, �You�re such a good artist�it would be so cool if our very own Picasso could do this poster for us!�

��Be positive. Instead of, �That cover page is pathetic� try, �Great start. Why don�t we all think of ways to improve it?�

��Don�t get carried away. No matter how good a leader you are, the group is not going to clean out your locker, wash your gym uniform, or feed your fish.

After-school activities are great for making friends, blowing off steam, and showing off skills (and putting off homework!). But making the team or auditioning for the play can be intimidating. Here�s how to send those nerves packing and enjoy the ride.

MAKING THE TEAM

��Just as you train your brain for a test, you can give your body a boost before tryouts. Start exercising and practicing now to prepare.

��When the big day arrives, prove that you�ll make a great teammate by cheering for others, too.

NABBING A PART IN THE SCHOOL PLAY

��Before you arrive, look up the show online so you know as much as possible about it. If it�s a musical, find out if you�ll have to sing at the audition. Then be a rock star: Pick a song, memorize it, and practice your heart out!

��As you audition, pretend you�ve already made it. Think of the people in the room as your enthusiastic opening-night audience.

GETTING ON THE CHEERLEADING SQUAD

��Cheerleading is all about attitude. A big smile can be as valuable as a back handspring.

��Ask someone who�s on the squad to teach you a cheer or two so you can walk into the tryout one high kick ahead of the curve.

RUNNING FOR STUDENT OFFICE

��Campaigning is key, so arrive to school early during the week before the election and say �hey� to everyone coming into the building. Think of a memorable slogan, and use that theme in all your campaign materials. For instance, if you say, �Jimmy has the magic!� you could hand out playing cards with your name and campaign plans on them.

��During your speech, you could do a magic trick. Keep hitting that message: You have the power to get things done!

Worst Nightmare

Your buds made the team and now they�re busy doing the one thing you wish you could do. There are ways to make this major bummer better.

��Take note.

What moves did your friends make that got them on the team? Work on those for next year�s tryouts!

��Cheer �em on.

Instead of feeling left out, �join the team� in other ways. Sit in the front row of the bleachers when your pals are playing, and cheer louder than anyone else. Bonus: Being a good observer of the team�s strategies will reveal helpful tricks you can put to use.

��Try something else.

Maybe you�re not destined to be a star soccer player�what about being your school�s first-ever fencing champion? How �bout starting a comedy troupe? Ask an administrator how you can start your own group, team, or club�and make your own fun!

You did it! You did it! You kicked the ball right into the net! Except, uh, that�s the other team�s net, and you just scored a goal for the visitors. Or maybe you tossed a total air ball on your foul shot, or shouted at full volume when all the other cheerleaders were totally silent. Your extracurricular just got extra embarrassing, but it�s nothing you can�t handle.

1 Minimize the damage.

If you spaced on your big line in the play, make up something �in character� to say. If your pom-pom flew into the bleachers, keep cheering with the other one.

2 Fake it.

No matter how much you feel like collapsing in tears, keep playing (or cheering, or acting) with a smile. Freaking out will tell the world that this is a big deal. If you stay calm, they may never know.

3 Tease yourself first.

You know the jokes are coming, so get there first with one of these self-directed zingers.

���Just trying to keep things interesting.�

���So did everyone see my lesson on what not to do?�

���Well, let�s not run that play again.�

4 Learn from your mistakes.

Do you need to rehearse more? Practice a particular move? If your next performance is terrific, no one will remember the time you kicked the goalie instead of the ball.

Benched!

You�re on the team, but Coach never plays you. Or you�re in the play, but instead of leading lady, you�re Shrub #4. Here�s how to make the best of it.

��Be helpful: Hand out towels, pour water, or, while you�re waiting to rehearse Shrub #4�s scene, grab a brush and paint scenery. That way, you�re involved and useful.

��Branch out: After practice, work on your handmade-jewelry line or teach yourself to juggle. Once you find other stuff you�re good at, it won�t matter if you�re not so hot on the field.

You joined three teams, four clubs, pep band, and debate. When you�re debating whether to nap in social studies or math class, it�s time to drop out of something. Move the following assignment to the top of today�s list: Get Mom and Dad to give you the okay.

1 Pick the right time to discuss the drop.

This is not a conversation to have right after practice, when you�re worn out, grumpy, and irritated. That only hands Mom and Dad an easy response: �You had a rough day. Try again tomorrow.�

2 Make a list of pros and cons.

Write the list out twice, so each parent can have a copy. Note the benefits of staying involved with the activity to show your folks that you�re not only seeing negatives: You�ve thought it over and made a mature decision.

3 Arrive armed with answers.

Anticipate what your parents might say and prepare good responses in advance.

Parents:�You need to give field hockey more of a chance.�

You:�I talked to my coach about that, and she felt that three months was long enough to get a good sense of the sport.�

Parents:�Learning an instrument is important.�

You:�Having enough study time is even more important.�

Do not say:

�I�m so bad at the oboe, it just sounds like I�m farting!�

�Maybe if you got your lazy behind off the couch and practiced with me, I�d be better.�

�But you quit everything you start, Dad!�

Dirty little secret: People who think they belong to the �popular crowd� have it backward.

It�s not a �crowd� if it�s only a few people. Plus, true popularity means having lots of friends� not excluding them.

1 Be an inquiring mind.

Want to get to know someone new? Start with a question like, �What�d you think of that English assignment?� �Did you read that book?� �Cool (shirt/shoes/pants), where�d you get it/them?� �What�s for lunch?�

2 Show your interest.

As you get to know this new person, show interest in what he�s saying by listening well and asking follow-up questions. Delve deeper with �why� questions, like, �Why�d you decide to play trumpet?�

Middle school is like the next level up in a video game: You get a clean screen, new powers, and the chance to turn yourself into the person you�ve always wanted to be. Once you figure out who that is, follow through on the plan to make a brand-new you!

1 Have �em at hello.

Movie stars become famous by getting their faces out there. You can�t turn into �someone� until people see you, so introduce yourself and show them who you are. The more people you meet, the more interesting a �character� you become.

2 A better form of global warming.

Break the ice. Don�t know what to say? Ask people about their favorite subject�themselves! Then you don�t have to talk�they do. Other possible topics: school stuff (�What is up with Mr. Odenkirk�s hair?�); cultural stuff (�Can you believe what [crazy celebrity] did?�)�you get the idea.

OPTION 2: Be an A student.

1 Keep your eyes on the prize.

How many A�s do you want? Is there a subject you�re itching to ace, or do you want to see a perfect column of straight A�s on your report card? Write down your goal, and stick it where you�ll be reminded of it regularly.

2 Get in on the secrets.

Pssst�they�re all around you! Watch what the A students in your class do and follow suit. Here are a few grade-A habits you might consider picking up:

��Don�t stop for anything at homework time. Put the magazine away. Don�t IM till you�ve done your work. Your hair looks good, quit restyling it!

��Just do it. Do all your homework, all the time. Yeah, it may feel like busywork. Yeah, you may get some of it wrong. Big deal. Just put in your best effort and get �er done.

��If you can�t figure something out yourself, get help. Even top students get confused sometimes.

3 Don�t give up.

It can take more than one semester to make the transformation to star student, especially if you set your sights super high. Give it time, and keep taking steps�even little ones�up the grading alphabet.

How Not to Remake Your Rep

Watch out for these potholes on the road to the new You.

��Going over the top. You know those little dogs that don�t stop barking? They make you want to yell, �Shut it, yappy!� Never try so hard that you�re viewed as that pooch. Sometimes muzzling is a better strategy.

��Pretending to be what you�re not. When friends change, you might want to remake your image, too. But if you�re uncomfortable with the new and �improved� you, you can always switch back to the �classic� version.

��Ditching someone because they seem like a bad fit with your new image. One reputation you don�t want is �person who leaves behind her friends.�

OMG! LOL! Did you hear? This kid totally cut one in the middle of Spanish class yesterday! Isn�t that hilarious? Uh, yeah. Except, it isn�t true�and the kid everyone is talking about is you. Time to act fast, or spend the rest of the week (or more!) known as �El Gasso Supremo.�

1 Do some sleuthing.

Ask the person spreading the rumor who he heard it from, and then ask that person who she heard it from, and follow up with that person who he heard it from, until you find out who started the rumor mill turning. Then�

2 Take action.

No one wants to be known as the town gossip, so talk to Rumor Starter privately. Once he knows that you know he made up stories about your mom wearing earplugs while you play guitar, the jabbering will stop in a snap.

1 Start the chatterers chattering about the truth.

No, you did not beg, plead, or bribe your math teacher to give you a better grade on your test. And no, you did not curl up on the floor and start crying like a baby to get your way! But if you did have a question about your score and wanted to get it cleared up, don�t let rumor-mongers turn it into something else.

Spread the truth: Let the gossip girls�and boys�know that you were standing up for yourself. And just as you won�t let that not-so-great grade stand, you�re not going to let an untrue rumor about you linger around the halls, either.

Can you imagine life without e-mail? Most of the time, it seems like one of the best things in the world� until the day you accidentally forward a message to the wrong person or reply in a rage. These tips will help keep you from making that one click you wish you could un-click.

1 Follow the �To� rules.

Write your e-mail first, then type in the person�s address. That way, if you accidentally hit �send� partway through writing, it�s only road kill on the information super-highway, and you�re not the dead meat.

2 Delete the e-anger.

You know how in school, bad deeds go on your �permanent record�? Well, the same goes for e-mailing mid freak-out: The receiver has a permanent record of your meltdown. When steam is pouring out of your ears, chill till it�s all gone. Then write that e-mail.

3 LOL to the rescue.

Sometimes e-mail can be hard to read�and not just b/c u cn�t undrstnd the msg. An �obvs joke� to you isn�t always clear to someone else. An emoticon can be a quick way to show you�re kidding: ;), :P, :>), or just say you�re LOLing.

4 Step away from the computer.

If your e-blooper can�t be emoticonned away, pick up that crazy talking box known as the telephone and call your friend. Explain what you really meant, and apologize if she got the wrong idea.

Defending Your Inbox

You wouldn�t invite a vampire into your home, so don�t let an evil creep get into your inbox.

��Ban bullies. Exile nasty e-mailers to deepest cyberspace by using the �Block Sender� option. Or get yourself a new e-mail addy and only give it to your trusted friends. (You�ve wanted to change up that old addy for a while, right?)

��Keep it healthy. Unfamiliar e-mail addresses with attachments are almost always bad news. Trash those messages ASAP, and then empty your garbage bin to stop a lurking virus in its tracks.

��Shout it out. Your virtual privacy is important, but if you get an e-mail that�s extra weird, scary, or mean-spirited, show it to a parent or another adult.

When you were chasing the ice-cream truck last summer, your shorts split wide open. (Exactly the kind of story you don�t want anyone at school to know!) Luckily, the only person who does know is your older� uh-oh.

Having a brother or sister sharing the school hallways can cause some serious complications. But with the right strategy, you can make your sib work for you!

1 Make an �I won�t tell if you won�t� pact.

Your sister also wants to keep her reputation intact, so propose a contract: She doesn�t share the shorts story, and you�ll keep her fear of chickens under wraps.

2 What happens at school stays at school.

Tattle on your brother, and you�re just asking for him to tattle on you back. Don�t tell Mom he used the teachers� lounge soda machine today. That way he won�t mention the food fight you get in tomorrow.

3 Be relative-ly helpful.

Shocking but true�older brothers and sisters can be your secret weapon! Since they�ve been there and done that, they can provide inside info on tests, teachers, and what not to wear.

4 He�s small, but significant.

A younger sibling can be useful, too. Make a big show of helping your little brother carry his diorama into school. Friends, teachers, and crushes will be impressed with what a great big sib you are� even if you secretly want to strangle him.

WORST NIGHTMARE

Your sister was such a rock star at school, people have pictures of her in their lockers. Your brother won the academic decathlon, was class president, and led the football team to the championship.

But people don�t even bother to learn your name�they just call you �number two.� No matter what you do, it feels like you just can�t compare�

But guess what? You don�t have to. You�re your own person, so instead of living in your sib�s shadow, make your own mark. Show people your personality and talents, and soon they�ll just talk about your ability to shine.

And if one of your teachers keeps blah-blah-blahing about a certain someone in your house, have a private convo and let her know that you love your sib, but you prefer not to be compared.

Love songs make it sound great, but thinking about your crush makes you a woozy, sweaty, nervous wreck. How wonderful! Want to get from liking someone to actually talking to that person? Read on.

1 Play a game of Q&A.

When you see your crush, the only thing that usually comes out of your mouth is a string of drool. Instead of acting like a salivating puppy, ask your crush questions. They give you something to say besides, �Duh� uh� so� um�� and help you get to know the person better. Check these out:

��What�s your favorite flavor of gum?

��Can you blow a bubble inside a bubble?

��I just heard that the ability to roll your tongue is genetic�can you do it?

Knowing what your cutie�s into helps, too. Look for clues: Sneak a peek at your crush�s binder or bag�any stickers for bands you haven�t heard of? That�s a question waiting to be asked!

Someone says something mean. You yell right back. The words start coming fast, hard, and hurtful. Before you know it, a full-scale fight is in full-swing. But wait! Back up. It doesn�t have to be that way. Here�s how to step away from a scuffle before fists fly.

1 Take the temperature.

Before a fight explodes, you�ll usually see sparks. Look for these warning signs:

��Angry stares

��Sudden movements, like books slamming down or lockers shutting noisily

��A gathering crowd

��A kick, shove, pinch, or other dis that goes over the top

��Someone shouting, �Oh, it is so on!�

Everyone else has been doing some serious growing, but your body hasn�t gotten the message. Suddenly every boy in school towers over you�and so do some of the girls. Here are some tips to keep you from feeling shortchanged.

1 Learn some good short jokes.

Make up for what you lack in altitude with the right attitude. Even if it drives you crazy on the inside, never show that being short is a problem for you.

���I�m short on purpose. If the teacher can�t see you, he can�t call on you!�

���At least if I fall down, I don�t have far to go.�

���I�m not short, I�m just unusually not tall.�

���You just wait till the limbo contest, my friend� you just wait.�

2 Consider the advantages.

Take comfort in the good news from scientists: Short people live longer and break fewer bones. Plus, they�re less clumsy and have faster reaction times. So play point guard during basketball games or try out for soccer goalie, and show �em what �that short dude� can do.

FAST FACT ��Short people are often better at weight lifting because they don�t have to lift the weights as far!

Long on Accomplishment

Though short in stature, these guys stand tall in history:

��Roger Daltrey. Lead singer of The Who. Member of the Rock and Roll hall of fame. Five feet, seven inches tall.

��Napoleon Bonaparte. Ruled france. Conquered half of Europe. Five feet, six and a half inches tall.

��Salvador Dal�. Brilliant Spanish surrealist painter. Five feet, seven inches tall.

Gym class is the same every day: There are guys beating the school record in the 1,600-meter run, guys making perfect corner kicks, guys shooting hoops like they�re ready for the pros. And then there�s you: dropping every ball, doubled over to catch your breath. Before you throw in the towel, read on.

1 Practice makes perfect.

What makes most good athletes good isn�t a natural gift, it�s how much they practice. Find a buddy who�s more confident than you on the field and drill him about how he got that way. Does he play soccer in his neighborhood after school? Run around the track with his dad in the mornings? Do twenty push-ups before bed every night?

2 Incorporate sports into your daily life.

Run up the stairs instead of walking, and keep a record of your time so you can attempt to beat it tomorrow. When you have a milk carton to throw in the garbage, do it from across the room with a beat-the-buzzer jump shot. When you�re alone, make up goofy sports to practice, like Race the Dog or Hurdle the Patio Furniture.

3 Mix it up.

Playing sports doesn�t have to mean hitting a ball, so try something different. Hit the local pool on the weekend and swim some laps, dig your old bike out of the garage and zip around the neighborhood, or try out some new tricks at the local skateboard park. Finding one athletic activity that you�re good at�or at least not terrible at�will boost your confidence with sports in general.

4 Take a reality check.

The truth is that most guys aren�t super-amazing athletes, so not being Joe Sportsman only makes you (gasp!) normal.

Garden of Late Bloomers

Think you�re never going to be any good? Think again�these sports superstars didn�t start shining until they were practically old enough to retire.

���Big Bill� Tilden ended up as one of the best tennis players of the 20th century, but he wasn�t good enough to make his high-school squad.

��Hall of Fame pitcher Dazzy Vance didn�t win his first baseball game until he was 31.

��Sandy Koufax almost quit baseball to go into the electronics business at the age of 25. But Koufax decided to give it one more shot. By the end of the 1961 season, he was on his way to being one of baseball�s best pitchers.

��Super Bowl champion quarterback Kurt Warner didn�t even enter the NFL until he was 28.

A great haircut is like getting a whole new you. Unfortunately, a bad haircut does the same thing, except now, the New You looks like you got into a fight with a lawn mower� and the mower won. Here are a few tips to restore your hair to sanity.

1 Bust out the products.

Rock stars of both genders use gel, so raid your mother�s or sister�s supplies: styling gel, mousse, wax, modeling clay� whatever it takes. Then be sure to ask the product�s owner how to apply it, because you don�t want to go overboard with the �wet� look.

2 Start a fad.

Tell all your pals that your hideous, horrible hairstyle is the hot new �do. Let them know this is exactly how you wanted it to look because, yes, you are just that punk rawk!

He calls you names from the back of the bus. He trips you in the cafeteria. When he passes by with his posse of fools, they get all up in your grill. None of this is cool or acceptable, so here are ways to make it better� and to make it stop.

1 Poker-face it.

It�s like what dentists say about teeth: �Ignore them and they�ll go away.� Same here. By playing it cool and showing this bully that you�re not bothered by his antics, he might just decide you�re not worth his time and effort.

2 Launch a counterintelligence operation.

Secretly spy on the bully for a couple days, noting where he hangs out and when. The best way to steer clear is to know where he�s going to be�and not be there yourself!

Sure, science is rough, but the most confusing subject at school is easily girls. Not just girls�the Girl. She travels with her friends in a whispering and giggling pack, looking at you every once in a while, sometimes ignoring you, sometimes saying �hi� like it�s no big deal�. How can you decode her mysterious, mind-boggling ways? Here�s how to figure her out.

You know you like her, if you define �like� as being mesmerized by the way her hair bounces. But is it a two-way street? Look for these good signs.

She can�t stop twirling her hair.

She�s always fidgeting, flipping her hair, or scratching her nose while you�re having a conversation. Chances are her twitchiness is not an allergic reaction. It�s very possible she�s looking for something to do with her hands because she�s been attacked by a case of nerves. Why? �Cause she digs you and wants to make a good impression!

She talks to you for random reasons.

She makes fun of your outfit, no matter what you�re wearing. She wants help with the math assignment, even though she�s an A student and you can�t tell a prime number from a prime rib. She wants to use your pencil sharpener, but she�s using a pen.

She laughs at your lamest jokes.

If you say that six is afraid of seven because seven ate nine, and she cracks up�she either likes you or she�s got the worst sense of humor in the universe.

Avoid �playful� insults and jokes.

Instead, find out what interests her. Do you have any knowledge about her interests that you could share? If not, why not try to read up a bit? It�s a pretty cool way to gain friendship and IQ points.

Compliments are key.

By telling her how cool her locker decorations are or that you agreed with what she said in class, you let her know that she�s making an impression, and it�s a good one!

Take it online.

IMs and e-mail are perfect for getting to know someone without the stress of actual, in-person communication. So ask for her e-mail address and screenname, and chat away! Next time you see her in person, bring up the topic of your last online convo, so you have a bridge from the e-world to the real world.

There�s no saying what turns a girl mean, though scientists have their theories.

��Theory #1 suggests that deep down, the girl is insecure and knows she�s not as cool as she�s pretending to be.

��Theory #2 proposes that a mean girl is like social spinach: She�s been put here to make you stronger.

��Theory #3 states that she�s mean because her jeans are too tight and they�re cutting off the oxygen to her brain.

Whatever the cause, a mean girl�s nasty ways don�t have to get you down. Here�s how to deal with the most common species.

She tells you that she loves your outfit, wants to make plans with you after school, and agrees with everything you say�then she turns around and says the exact opposite to the girl she suddenly decides she likes more than you.

Don�t get hysterical.

Going bananas will only give this girl gossip fuel to report back to others. Talk to her with a cool head and calm heart instead.

Talk trust.

Tell The Mirror Has Two Faces that you know what�s going on. Then ask her to play it straight with you because you want to trust her.

Suggest �rep protection.�

Explain that people often think badly of folks who say one thing and then do another. Tell her you don�t want to see her become the girl whose word means squat.

�What are you wearing?!� she asks. Or she criticizes your favorite song and says you won�t �get it� when you ask what hers is.

Banish her bad-mouthing.

Now let her know that you�d appreciate it if she�d keep her negative thoughts to herself. Even better: laugh it off.

Blah, blah, blah� whatever!

First, get her voice out of your head! Feel confident about your strengths and tastes, and you�ll find her cutting comments actually mean less than a speck of glitter.

This friend crosses her heart, hopes to die, says she�ll stick a needle in her eye if she betrays you. Then, two minutes later, the banshee screams your secrets to anyone who will listen!

Zipherlip.

Remind Lady Overshare that you�re counting on her to stay silent, and if she blabs, you can�t trust her again.

Protect yourself.

If you�ve been burned more than once, you might have to accept that the girl�s got diarrhea of the mouth. Look for another person to tell the things you really want to stay between you and your confidante.

Though she�s nice to you, your good friend can be a witch on wheels to others. Since friends don�t let friends stay wicked, let her know it�s time to lose the �tude.

Girl down!

Tell Miss Mean Jeans that when she�s rude, it makes you feel bad. Let her know her words can come out harsher than she thinks, and you don�t want someone to get hurt unintentionally.

Model behavior.

Through your good example, show her that cruelty�s not cool. Behaving with kindness might not only help make her nicer, but it might also win you new friends.

You hung out all summer. You even helped her choose the great outfit she wore on the first day of school. And now she�s suddenly hanging out with new people, and you�ve been dumped like a dirty diaper. Whaddaya do?

1 I will survive!

First, understand that you�re not alone. This is one of those lame life things that everyone eventually endures. But endure it you will, and things will turn around.

2 Stick your neck out.

You may want to pull a turtle, but don�t retreat from the world! The sooner you open yourself up to new friendships with new girls�ones who might even share more of your interests than your old BFF�the sooner you�ll feel better.

3 Be a joiner.

Now�s the perfect time to try out for the soccer team. Or join yearbook. Or parlez fran�ais in French club. Think about it: You�ll already have something in common with the people in the group, so chances are you�ll meet some fun, new friends while doing something you enjoy.

4 Be bold.

Take a leap and ask someone new to the movies or another fun event. It may seem uncomfortable at first, but it�s really no big deal. You can even follow this script word for word: �Hi, [name]! I�m going to see [movie name] this weekend, and was wondering if you wanted to come?�

5 Be patient� she may come back!

If you haven�t already figured this out, middle school can be a time that�s �krazy� with a �k.� People change on a daily basis, both physically and mentally. Just because you aren�t feeling love from the BFF right now doesn�t mean all is lost. This could just be an ugly phase, so stay chill, keep living your life, and have fun. If your friend doesn�t realize what she�s missing, she might not be as smart as you thought she was.

Horribly Heinous BFF Breakups

��L8R LUZR! Your BFF dumps you via text message, and lets you know she never wants to talk to you again�with angry emoticons.

��You get uninvited to her birthday party� and she�s your identical twin!

��Her new BFF pronounces your name wrong, and your old BFF adopts the pronunciation.

��She IMs your mom, but not you.

��She �breaks up� with you, and then starts hanging out with your older brother.

Sometimes it�s hard to tell if the attention you get from a boy is because he really, really likes you or because he really, really dislikes you. (Boys remain very much like their cavemen ancestors in this way: �Me hungry! Me tired! Me bad at social interaction!�)

Since you can�t climb into a boy�s head to learn what he�s really thinking, let him know his bad behavior has got to stop.

1 Use �uh-uh, that ain�t cool� body language.

If you don�t want to talk to him, a gesture can be worth a thousand words.

2 Tell him straight.

How�s this for easy: Just say, �Hey, [boy�s name], please stop.� It�s short. It�s sweet. And it should let him know that you�re sick of his immature behavior. What happens if he keeps up with the baloney after you�ve told him to stop? Your next response is not to respond at all. That�s right: Freeze him out. Let him know he can take it down the road because you�re not buying anything he�s selling. Boys looooove attention, and if you stop giving it to them, chances are they�ll just go seek out another target who will.

3 Try the once-and-for-all.

Now, for a girl who wants to give Boy a little taste of his own medicine, she can try this line: �You sure are spending a lot of time and energy on li�l old me. Everyone knows it�s because you have a crush on me.� If you serve that one up, it�ll not only stop the boy in his tracks, it might even make him quake in his sneakers.

Middle school can be as cruel as that old saying about fashion: �One day you�re in, the next day you�re out.� If you�re no longer welcome at your old lunch table, or if you don�t get the call for the shopping expedition, it can make you feel like you�ve been �aufed.� (As in: �So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good-bye.�) Suddenly you�re an outcast, forced to wander the mine field that is the school cafeteria. What do you do?

1 Dopes mope.

Unfortunately, this sitch is not going to improve until you make it happen. Don�t sit around waiting for reacceptance. Even if you have to force yourself to smile, try it. Research shows that smiling actually makes you feel better. Truly. Give it a shot� no, don�t stop yet. You have to keep doing it. Uh-huh. Yes, that�s it. There you go�

2 Become a �Say cheese!� whiz.

Get involved in an activity that draws people to you. Everybody loves to have their picture taken, so join the school yearbook staff and start clicking. Or start a band if you play an instrument. If you like to cook, share samples of your best work at lunch. Local museums often offer courses, so take an art class in a fab new setting.These activities should not only be fun, but they�ll also boost your confidence and send some well-earned attention your way. And, yeah: Your old crowd will definitely realize what it�s missing!

3 One-on-one.

Though it�s nice to be part of a group, the best friendship moments often come when you�re doing something fun with just one good friend. Now�s the perfect time to �remeet� one of the chicas in your class that you�ve known forever but haven�t hung out with in a while (or ever!). Make a plan to do something fun together. Or imagine how thrilled the new girl who just moved to town would be if you invited her to the movies. Middle school is your time to explore all sorts of new things, and pairing up with a new friend is a great way to start.

WORST NIGHTMARE

It�s Saturday night and all of your friends are getting ready to go to the party of the year� to which you weren�t invited. How will you cope? You can have an equally great night! (Haven�t you ever heard of a �party of one�?)

First, fix yourself a healthy beverage (smoothie, anyone?), then head to the bathroom. Turn on some tunes, drop some bubble bath in the tub, and once the water gets thick with suds, climb in and relax. Soak until you�ve turned into a human prune, or until another family member starts banging on the door and demands you get out. Once you�ve dried off, file your nails, buff your feet, and apply polish to all twenty digits. By the end of the night, you�ll be completely chillaxed and gorgeous!

Oh. My. Gosh! You walked out of your house, got on the bus, and made it halfway down the hall to homeroom before you were clued in to the fact that your shirt is practically see-through, and everyone can see the bumblebee pattern on your bra! Or you sat on some paint in art class, and the whole school thinks you got your you-know-what.

Ugh! Ugh! Ugh! And it demands to be said again: Uuuggghhh!

Wardrobe disasters can make you want to crawl under your desk and stay there till the final bell rings. But if you remember these tricks, you�ll be able to hold your head up without wanting to barf all over your shirt (which would be another monstrous mishap).

1 Pinky promise.

Make a pact with one friend�your �go-to girl� who can be trusted completely�that you will tell each other if a funky stain ever materializes on your butt, or if your shirt is transparent. If your girl whispers, �Damage!� proceed to #2.

2 Locker up.

No, this doesn�t mean hide in your locker. It means that you were given a locker for just such emergencies, so keep an extra sweater or hoodie in there (or at the bottom of your book bag). Once you have that extra piece of clothing safely in hand, wrap it around your waist or over your shirt, and voil�! Problem solved!

3 Store secret supplies.

Someone you know (possibly even you) will get her period at school. Rather than being caught unprepared, do yourself a favor and keep some supplies in a non-see-through pencil case in your purse, book bag, or in the back of your locker. That way, if Aunt Flow visits you or your friend during the school day, you can minimize the mortification.

4 Presto, change-o!

A classic magician�s trick can also be of use to you: Distract attention! You never see a magician switching a coin from one hand to another because he has drawn your eyes elsewhere. Keep a candy necklace or big plastic ring in a supply box in your locker, and pop it on so that if people start staring, they�ll focus on the delicious candy around your neck, not the stain on your jeans.

5 Professional help.

If all else fails, the school nurse or a female teacher often has stuff that can help in a pinch. Since these pros have seen it all before, you can feel comfortable asking them for assistance if you need it.

Secrets can be tough to keep secret, especially if you share them in a public place where you can be (wince) overheard! If you find you�ve said too much at just the wrong time, here�s how to deal.

1 Don�t be �crushed.�

Your crush rolls up just as you�re confessing how much you like him. Whoops! After the color of your face downgrades from purple to pink, smile at him. Say something like, �Okay, so yes: I said you�re cute, because you are. That�s your compliment for the day. You may now feel free to compliment me anytime you�d like.� And with that, walk away. Ha-cha!

2 Request respect.

You can�t take your words back, but you can gently remind whoever overheard that the info is private. Tell them that you trust they�re good at keeping secrets.

3 Zip it up in the bathroom.

To avoid future secret spills, beware of talking privately in places where unseen listeners can lurk. Don�t assume you�re alone in the girls� room just because you don�t see anyone. Same goes for stairwells�you never know who�s on the next landing.