THE WORST

“For lovers of fun but honest storytelling…” – Publishers Weekly
“Binder is a skilled writer and performer…” –USA TODAY NETWORK

Our eighth grade was the best, and then, on the last day of school, a high school student showed up with a gun…
My friends in “Team Bomb Shelter” were all smarter than me, but we still managed to have a great time together. During our last year at Jerome Marco K-8 we called the daily chaos of middle school “the worst” — and somehow meant it as a compliment!
But nobody and nothing prepared us to deal with a school shooter. We never saw it coming.

“A hybrid of humor and horror that shows young readers both real fear and real friendship.” – Kirkus Reviews

"…eighth-grade misadventures with some ripped-from-the-headlines drama… THE WORST excels at portraying the dynamics of this group of friends. Young readers will enjoy spending time with these characters and seeing how they support each other… For lovers of fun but honest storytelling for kids…" – Publishers Weekly

"Mark Binder’s THE WORST is a captivating young adult novel that treats the triumphs and tribulations of middle school with complete respect.… Overall, the book captures a beautiful sense of community that keeps the reader smiling through the lighter chapters and leaning in close during the intense final moments." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Readers Favorite

Mark Binder is the Audie Award nominated author and storyteller of more than two dozen books. He tours the world telling stories to readers and listeners of all ages.

THE WORST spins stories of friendship, joy, courage, and choosing hope when fear takes over. Fast-paced, funny, and unforgettable, it explores the moments that define who we become when things fall apart.