A is for Awkward: A Guide to Surviving Middle School

Rising high school senior Aryelle Jacobsen’s book, A is for Awkward, is a guide for middle schoolers. In the book, Jacobsen alphabetizes the complications of adolescence and how to deal with them. Each page features a concept—like “E is for Encouragement” or “O is for Optimism” – advice related to the topic and original art by local teens. She is also writing a curriculum to accompany the book to make it easier for educators to use it and interact with students.Jacobsen hopes the book will encourage younger students and help them develop an attitude of optimism and gratitude. Jacobsen also used the book for her Girl Scout Gold Award project, and she has been nominated for a National Young Women of Distinction award, a Girl Scout title that recognizes outstanding 10 Gold Award projects that address national or international needs.