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This Could All Go Bad

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What to expect

One night can change everything in this hilarious and heartfelt novel perfect for young teens about to start high school. Perfect for former fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

It's no secret that Jensen Chapman is a coward (though he prefers the term ‘risk averse’). He’s scared of dodgeball day in gym class, intimidated by his older sister (she's weirdly strong, alright?), nervous around his crush Leslie Chen, and freaked out about starting high school…just to name a few things. But on the night before his eighth-grade graduation, that’s all about to change.

When Jensen’s two best friends, Maleek and Cooper, show up to kidnap him (OK, recruit him) to compete against a group of girls—including Leslie Chen herself—in a series of escalating dares, Jensen knows it’s now or never: face his fears once and for all, or face a life of spinelessness forever. The boys set out on an epic race against the clock that includes faulty skateboards, internet-famous ferrets, and a stolen golf cart. But when Jensen finds out that Maleek and Cooper have been keeping a huge secret from him, he’ll need every scrap of his newfound bravery to save their friendship.

Critics Review

Here is a combination like few others: A raucous, crazy group adventure during the last night of childhood as high school looms, AND an intimate and deeply moving portrayal of deep friendship on the brink of change. Told through Jensen's perceptive and hyper-imaginative eighth-grade voice, this novel embraces the comedy and poignancy of growing up through learning to face what you might lose, and embracing what you might gain. Once you start, you won't be able to get out of this story—it feels that true.
Gary D. Schmidt, award-winning author of WEDNESDAY WARS, OKAY FOR NOW, and ORBITING JUPITER
Equal parts hysterical and heartfelt, This Could All Go Bad authentically tackles friendships, awkward first crushes, mental health, and the courage to be your true self. It’s the voice-y, validating story I needed as a teen and one that will unquestionably resonate with every reader.
Julian Winters, award-winning author of PRINCE OF THE PALISADES
This Could All Go Bad is hilarious—like, snort-in-a-quiet-room funny—but there’s something much deeper going on, a raw honesty that squeezed my heart, again and again, in unexpected moments. I loved every bit of it.
Jared Reck, author of A SHORT HISTORY OF THE GIRL NEXT DOOR
Hall captures younger YA readers’ hearts with this laugh-out-loud novel full of high jinks, shenanigans, and friendship. . . . Perfect for readers who grew up reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Booklist, starred review
A fun and relatable story about friendship, personal growth, and courage that will captivate fans of Gordon Korman and James Patterson.
School Library Journal, starred review
Hall shows a knack for crafting comically frantic situations and clean but authentic-sounding dialogue. . . . A night to remember, stocked with comic mishaps and meaningful lessons learned.
Kirkus Reviews
By turns sincere and humorous, this nocturnal romp is both a frenetic comedy and an ode to friendship.
Publishers Weekly

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