Praise

Pure joy!
— Sara Davis Powell, Belmont Abbey College

A terrific documentary and an authentic portrait of what it means to be an early adolescent today. Everyone will get something from it!
— Phyllis Fagell, LCPC, School Counselor and Therapist, Author “Middle School Matters”

A novel and extraordinary window into the world of early adolescence.
— Penny Bishop, Dean, College of Education and Human Development, University of Maine

Unique. Unfiltered. Inspiring.
— Nancy Deutsch, Prof. of Education, Director Youth-Nex, University of Virginia

An amazing documentary which captures the story of one school’s remarkable and memorable efforts to reach and engage early adolescents. It is a film that will launch viewers into lively discussion and critical reflection about how best to support the growth and learning of young adolescents, examining a wide range of issues from the nature of a school day, to radically inclusive school practices, to the nature of innovative curriculum, and to how adults can positively shape students learning and lives. Ultimately, it is a compelling and uplifting story of a middle school that works, and works really well to help young adolescents thrive. Most importantly, the film portrays middle grade students in a positive and hopeful light revealing just how this developmental window offers us a tremendous opportunity to guide students towards ever more satisfying futures.
— Nancy Doda, PhD, AMLE Lounsbury Award Winner

The film precipitated great conversation about how we work with young adolescents. It opened our minds to many possibilities, as well as the constraints —real or imagined — that limit our practices. It motivated me to make close examination of my own beliefs and practices, as well as gave us a way to discuss our school’s routines and philosophy with teachers. It was helpful to be able to discuss ideas without the risk some teachers might feel by talking directly about what we do or don’t do. I would definitely recommend it.
— Gert Nesin, Principal, Leonard Middle School (Teachers watched 62 minute film, then had series of small and large group discussions, preceded by written reflections, from discussion guides.)

Eye-opening! An important documentary for anyone working to help young adolescents thrive.
— Denise Pope, Challenge Success, Stanford University, California

A deeply authentic film with detailed, easy to use, discussion guides. Essential.
— Afterschool Alliance

THE essence of what it is to be a middle schooler today.
— Barbara Truluck, 2020 Georgia School Counselor of the Year

A powerful new documentary resource for undergraduate and graduate classes in education, human development, and psychology. A great introduction to both the predictable and unexpected characteristics of early adolescence.
— Lisa Harrison, Professor, Middle Childhood Education, Ohio University

An unusually valuable tool for training educators and engaging students in meaningful conversations. The plethora of diverse, authentic student voices that will get students speaking about their own feelings and help them feel more connected. They may also feel less alone and more affirmed in their own experience as an adolescent. I loved the students in this film.
Laura Ross, 2020 ASCA School Counselor of the Year, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Exceptionally candid and enlightening footage featuring diverse student voices. Finally students get to tell their own story about middle school!
— AMLE (Association for Middle Level Education)

I don’t think I have ever seen a film resource where the voices of middle school learners have been richly documented this way.
— Hilary Dack, Assoc. Professor of Middle Grades Education, Univ. of North Carolina

Amazing.
— Debra Fricano, SAJ Synagogue, New York City

Powerful.
— Mary Ann Luciano, Graduate Student Researcher, Syracuse University

Authentic. 
– Judy Tang, Senior Study Director, Westat, Maryland

What a school!
— Nicole Thompson, Browns River Middle School, Jericho, Vermont

To see this on the screen, and knowing such a place exists, is to be inspired!
— Ron Taffel, Clinical Psychologist and Author

I am a better professional for having experienced this documentary and I look forward to using the film with 6th – 8th graders. I know that the authentic student voice and vulnerability presented in the film will spark rich and meaningful conversations.
— Jan Desmarais-Morse, 2019 ASCA School Counselor of the Year Finalist, Goshen Middle School, Goshen, Indiana

An honest depiction of life and work at a school.
— Jason DeHart, Assistant Professor, Reading and Education, Appalachian State University