The book follows the story of eighth-grader Alex, who is trying to navigate the ups and downs of middle school. He deals with bullies, crushes, and the pressures of schoolwork and extracurricular activities. Through it all, he learns about friendship, family, and what it means to be true to yourself.
The book's theme of coming-of-age is reflected in the challenges that Alex faces. He must learn how to deal with difficult situations and make tough decisions. He also learns about the importance of being honest with himself and others. Ultimately, Alex grows and matures as a person, and he comes to understand what it means to be an eighth-grader.