First published 2019
Max Crumbly and his friend Erin are stuck in a reeking dumpster after stopping some clumsy criminals at South Ridge Middle School. The two middle schoolers need to climb out without getting caught by the wrong people. Max records their ongoing troubles in his journal as he and Erin face both familiar enemies and fresh threats. The friends must stay hidden from detection while also avoiding school detention. They work to protect their middle school from bullies who terrorize other students and criminals who threaten the campus. Max and Erin navigate the daily challenges of middle school life while taking on dangers that most kids never encounter. Their friendship gets tested as they try to do the right thing without getting themselves into serious trouble with school authorities or worse.
Genres: adventure, contemporary, middle-grade
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: found-family, friendship
Setting: South Ridge Middle School
272 pages · Hardcover · Aladdin