Middle School & Other Disasters Books 1 & 2

I almost lost my librarian card the day I yelled “Wait a second! Has Heidi Heckelbeck been a witch this whole time?” Because someone recommended Worst Broommate Ever on a podcast I listed to, I looked at the cover, and thought “oh, this looks like a grown up Heidi Heckelbeck.” but you see, my only engagement with Heidi was shelving her many chapter books. And dear reader, Heidi Heckelbeck has been a witch this whole time, and Middle School and Other Disasters follows her to Broomsfield Academy, a boarding school for witches and wizards and some non-magical people and it’s adorable and perfect for readers who want the fun school stories, the big text and engaging line breaks of a Wimpy Kid and Heckelbeck series, but also like a little magical element!

Worst Broommate Ever

In this first book, we head to Broomsfield Academy with Heidi, who is excited to be a better witch, but nervous about being away from home. It doesn’t help that she’s rooming with Melanie, a popular pink loving girl from back home. They have to learn to live with each other, and though Heidi is stressed about not knowing her “witch specialty” yet she’s even more stressed about surviving this roommate situation. This is a 300+ page book but captures the same spirit as the chapter books with big text, doodle-like illustrations, etc. It’s cute!

Worst Lovespell Ever

I hate when people try to say kids don’t want crush books, because kids do want crush books, even if they don’t have crushes yet. It helps them feel connected to their peers, and this is the ultimate crush book–Heidi and Melanie both have a crush on Hunter and both try to use magic to win him without losing themselves or their friends in the process. I

I’m really intrigued by this series–not quite enough to read the 30+ Heidi Heckelbeck chapter books, but maybe I’ll read the Henry Heckelbeck series that’s just starting. I’m definitely going to check out the third book that’s coming out in March 2024—Biggest Secret Ever!