Kyle Mathews
The Friendship Formula follows Kyle, an 11-year-old navigating the unpredictable world of middle school. After transferring to a new school, he feels like an outsider, haunted by memories of past bullies and unsure how to start fresh. Everything changes when he stumbles upon The Friendship Formula in a box of comics. Curious and eager to turn things around, Kyle decides to put the formula to the test. From starting small to finding common ground, each step brings its own set of challenges and unexpected triumphs. Along the way, Kyle discovers that true friendship isn’t about fitting in or being flawless—it’s about being kind, genuine, and open to meaningful connections.
Maximillian (Max) Howard
Rumor Has It centers on Max, one of the four best friends in the Unlocking Middle School series, as he finds himself caught in the crossfire of a middle school rumor mill. When a false story about him begins to spread about sabotaging a friend's Science Fair project, Max must navigate the challenges of protecting his reputation while uncovering the truth. With help from Kyle, Sam, and Jessica, Max questions others in order to clear his name and the entire group learn the power of honesty, the impact of words, and how to rise above the noise, standing up for themselves and for others.
Sam Buck
Disconnected explores Sam's journey as he steps into the digital world after finally getting a phone like his friends. Excitement quickly turns to anxiety when he becomes the target of mean comments and cyberbullying, revealing the darker side of being connected. After some miscommunications of his own, his relationships with Kyle, Max, and Jessica are put to the test. With help from his friends and family, Kyle learns to navigate the challenges of online life. He is able to discover the importance of online boundaries, and concludes that kindness, and the importance of meaningful, offline connections are the way to stay true to himself in both the digital and real world.
