Superfudge

Navigating the chaos of family life becomes Peter Hatcher's full-time job when his already exasperating younger brother Fudge gets upgraded from a minor nuisance to a major catastrophe. Just when Peter thinks he's mastered the art of surviving sixth grade, his parents drop two life-altering bombshells: a new baby is on the way, and the whole family is relocating to Princeton for a year. This sequel dives headfirst into the universal dread of being the older sibling, where your embarrassing family seems determined to ruin your chances at a normal, cool-kid existence.

Judy Blume masterfully captures the specific, cringe-worthy agony of middle school, where every awkward family moment feels like a social death sentence. Readers who have ever felt mortified by their relatives or overwhelmed by changes they can't control will see their own lives reflected in Peter's hilarious, heartfelt struggles. The book’s enduring power lies in its honest portrayal of sibling rivalry, making it a timeless read for anyone who has ever looked at their brother or sister and contemplated running away from home.