Berrybrook Middle School — by Svetlana Chmakova

Order	Book	Date	Rating
1	Awkward	Jul-2015	5
2	Brave	May-2017	5
3	Crush	Oct-2018	5
4	Diary	Nov-2019	0
5	Enemies	Oct-2022	5

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Series Premise

The series follows students at Berrybrook Middle School as they navigate typical middle-school experiences—friendship drama, social anxiety, bullying, crushes, family pressures, club competitions, self-esteem struggles, and the fear of standing out or fitting in. Each book spotlights a different main character facing a personal challenge, often tied to school events like club rivalries, fundraisers, or class projects.

In Awkward, new girl Penelope "Peppi" Torres accidentally offends quiet Jaime Thompson, sparking conflict between the art and science clubs, forcing Peppi to bridge the divide. Brave shifts to Jensen Graham, a boy who struggles with bullies and low confidence but finds courage through friends and standing up for himself. Crush centers on Jorge Ruiz, dealing with his first major crush, jealousy, and supporting his friends. Enemies explores Felicity and her circle learning about success, failure, communication, and what true friendship means amid sibling rivalry and competition. Diary offers short stories (e.g., time capsule reflections, new-girl experiences) plus interactive elements like stickers and sketch prompts.

The premise emphasizes that middle school is full of awkward moments, but kindness, communication, and bravery can turn "enemies" into friends, build confidence, and create supportive communities. Stories promote positive resolutions through empathy and small acts of courage.

The Berrybrook Middle School Series Characters

The series features a rotating ensemble of students, with recurring faces across books for continuity.



- Penelope "Peppi" Torres (Awkward protagonist): A shy new girl with social anxiety who loves art. She accidentally causes a feud between clubs but works to fix it, showing growth in confidence and empathy.



- Jaime Thompson (Awkward co-lead, recurring): A quiet, kind science-club member who becomes Peppi's friend after an awkward start. Gentle and supportive.



- Jensen Graham (Brave protagonist): A bullied boy who wants to be an astronaut. He learns to stand up for himself and others, gaining bravery through friendship.



- Jorge Ruiz (Crush protagonist): A tall, laid-back boy dealing with his first big crush, jealousy, and supporting his friends. Thoughtful and loyal.



- Felicity (Enemies protagonist): A driven girl learning about success, failure, communication, and true friendship amid competition and sibling dynamics.



- Recurring/secondary characters: Olivia (Jorge's best friend), Maribella (new girl in short stories), and various club members, bullies, or friends who add diversity and depth to the school community.

Setting of the The Berrybrook Middle School Series

Berrybrook Middle School is a typical suburban American middle school, depicted as a bright, bustling environment with hallways, lockers, classrooms, cafeteria, art room, science lab, gym, and outdoor spaces. The school hosts everyday activities like club meetings, fundraisers, talent shows, and class projects, plus occasional events like competitions or field trips.



The tone of the setting is sunny and familiar—clean hallways, colorful posters, crowded lunch tables, and after-school clubs—creating a relatable backdrop for tween experiences. Chmakova's detailed, expressive art makes the school feel alive: chaotic group projects, awkward hallway encounters, quiet moments in the art room, or tense club rivalries. The environment emphasizes community and shared spaces where friendships form and conflicts arise, reflecting real middle-school dynamics without heavy external threats.

Tone & Themes of the The Berrybrook Middle School Series

The tone is warm, gentle, humorous, and uplifting—sweet and wholesome middle-grade fiction with plenty of light-hearted awkwardness and feel-good moments. Chmakova handles serious topics (bullying, anxiety, self-doubt, exclusion) with sensitivity and realism but keeps everything age-appropriate and hopeful. Conflicts resolve through understanding, apologies, and growth rather than dramatic confrontations.

Humor arises from exaggerated facial expressions, relatable mishaps, sibling teasing, and cartoonish overreactions. The art style—expressive, manga-inspired with big eyes, dynamic panels, and vibrant colors—amplifies emotions and comedy. Messages about kindness, inclusion, and mental health are woven naturally without feeling preachy. Overall, it's comforting and empowering: middle school can be tough, but friends, effort, and self-acceptance make it manageable and even fun.

The Berrybrook Middle School series by Svetlana Chmakova is a delightful, heartfelt celebration of tween life through vibrant graphic novels that make middle school feel relatable and manageable. With rotating protagonists navigating friendship drama, self-doubt, crushes, and club rivalries, the books deliver gentle lessons about kindness, bravery, communication, and inclusion wrapped in humor and expressive art. The sunny school setting and lovable ensemble create a welcoming world where awkward moments lead to growth and stronger bonds. Perfect for middle-grade readers (and nostalgic adults), the series offers comforting, empowering stories that remind us everyone faces uncertainty—but with friends, effort, and a little courage, we can turn "awkward" into awesome. If you're seeking wholesome graphic novels with big heart and big laughs, Berrybrook Middle School is a standout choice that grows with its readers.