Their eighth grade was the best, and the worst.

And then, on the last day of school, a high school student showed up with a gun…

For the boys and girl in “Team Bomb Shelter,” their final year at Jerome Marco K-8 was packed with disasters, inside jokes and a talent show. They called the daily chaos of middle school “the worst” — and somehow meant it as a compliment.

It should have ended with a celebration.

Instead, everything changed.

“Nobody and nothing prepared us to deal with what happened when our middle school was attacked by a school shooter. We never saw it coming.”

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.

"…humor, and humanity make these stories a pleasure for all ages." –AudioFile Magazine

THE WORST is the thrilling stand-alone conclusion to the Groston Middle Series. New readers can jump right in.

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.