Geraldine O'Sullivan, LCSW, PPSC, is a licensed clinical social worker with a pupil personnel services credential in school social work and child welfare and attendance. She currently practices as a school social worker in San Diego County, CA, where she provides mental health counseling services and crisis intervention to teens using therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy. In 2022, she was awarded High School Social Worker of the Year for San Diego County. O'Sullivan is coauthor of The Girl's Guide to Relationships, Sexuality, and Consent. She is also known for her published research on the topic of eustress.

Foreword writer Lucie Hemmen, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice. For thirty years she has worked with teens, their parents, and their communities in programs designed to maximize health and well-being. She is author of Parenting a Teen Girl, The Teen Girl's Survival Guide, and The Teen Girl's Anxiety Survival Guide.

"Geraldine's book delivers what it promises! From info on first-day jitters and managing crushes to navigating menstruation, academics, and social media, readers get solid advice and learn necessary coping skills. Quotes from preteens and example scenarios normalize fears and feelings that come with middle school challenges. Activities and checklists help girls personalize and organize it all. This book will be a welcome addition to any backpack!"
--Lisa M. Schab, LCSW, psychotherapist; and author of twenty books, including The Anxiety Workbook for Teens and the teen creative journal, Put Your Worries Here--Lisa M. Schab, LCSW

"Geraldine touches on all the key topics essential for surviving middle school emotionally, physically, and socially. Her thoughtfully designed exercises offer valuable support to every young girl navigating her place at school and in social circles. My favorite aspect is how Geraldine seamlessly integrates discussions about social pressures with practical activities, like 'positive self-talk, ' to counter the negative voices so many of us hear as women."
--Sally Annjanece Stevens, LCSW, school social worker, and author of Social Anxiety Workbook for Teens--Sally Annjanece Stevens, LCSW

"As an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) expert and psychologist--and a parent who's navigating the middle school years--I highly recommend The Middle School Survival Guide for Girls. This workbook combines practical tools, like a first-day checklist, with deeper life skills such as goal setting and values exploration. It empowers girls to navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and build resilience--making it an essential guide for thriving during this pivotal stage of life."
--Diana Hill, PhD, host of the Wise Effort podcast, and author of The Self-Compassion Daily Journal--Diana Hill, PhD

"A complete resource book written in easy-to-understand language, The Middle School Survival Guide for Girls is a must-read for preteen-to-adolescent girls. Geraldine O'Sullivan has created easily accessible narratives, activities, and tools to help girls navigate this often-difficult time period. From the emotions they might feel at school to engaging appropriately in social media, girls (and their parents) will embrace the social, emotional, and psychological lessons in this workbook."
--Tory Cox, EdD, LCSW, author of The Art of Becoming Indispensable--Tory Cox, EdD, LCSW

"The Middle School Survival Guide for Girls is the book I wish I had when I was younger! Geraldine O'Sullivan is like the cool aunt you trust to go to for advice. She does a fantastic job using warmth and relatability to address the real concerns of incoming middle schoolers with checklists, mental exercises, and tips--all while normalizing and comforting the reader so they feel prepared. From dating to locker combinations, changing friendships and hygiene, and handling bullies and nerves, this book really covers everything that might be on your mind--and feels like a warm hug. This should be part of the mandatory reading for all rising fifth graders, I could not recommend this book enough!"
--Sara Brenner, LCSW, author of A Kids Book About Therapy--Sara Brenner, LCSW

Publisher: Instant Help Publications

Pub date: 2025-04-01

Length: 200 pages