So… Eighth Grade Happened Is Now Available Worldwide

So... Eighth Grade Happened cover, middle school boy with backpack, coming-of-age story.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 9th, 2026
Paper Trails Publishing
media@papertrailspublishing.com

A Powerful Middle School Story That Helps Young Readers Feel Seen, Understood, and Less Alone

Student-written and emotionally grounded, the book explores friendship, identity, pressure, and the quiet challenges of becoming who we are.

Paper Trails Publishing proudly announces the release of So… Eighth Grade Happened: A Year That Shaped Me by Cole K. Larksen, a reflective and emotionally honest middle grade story that captures the often-unspoken realities of growing up during the middle school years.

Written during his eighth-grade year, this heartfelt narrative explores the moments many students experience but rarely say out loud: friendships shifting, pressure building, confidence changing, and the quiet process of figuring out where you fit. Through honest reflection and relatable experiences, the story offers young readers a chance to feel seen, understood, and less alone.

“I wanted this story to feel honest—like something a student could read and quietly think, ‘Yeah… someone else gets it too.'” — Cole K. Larksen

At a time when many students feel pressure to appear confident while quietly navigating change, So… Eighth Grade Happened offers something increasingly meaningful: honesty. The story reminds readers that uncertainty, growth, emotional complexity, and self-discovery are all natural parts of becoming who we are.

📖 About the Book

Title: So... Eighth Grade Happened, A Year That Shaped Me
Author: Cole K. Larksen

Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary Coming of Age Fiction

Audience: Ages 10-14, Parents, Educators
Publisher: Paper Trails Publishing
Publication Date: June 9th, 2026

Format(s): Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Language: English

Release Date: June 9th, 2026

ISBN

Paperback: 979-8-9953653-5-8
eBook: 979-8-9953653-6-5

Audiobook: 979-8-9953653-7-2

Page Count

Hardcover: 40

eBook: 34

Audiobook Length: ~25 minutes

💬 What Readers Are Saying

A Meaningful Look into the Student Experience
“Reading this story felt like walking alongside Cole throughout his journey.”

—Janine, Teacher at New York City Public Schools

An Honest Reflection on Middle School Life
“This book gives parents and educators a rare glimpse into the thoughts and feelings of middle school students.”

—Lela, Parent, High School Mentor & Former Educator

Funny, Honest, and Surprisingly Real
“Hearing the reflections out loud made everything feel even more real. This is a must-read for anyone navigating the middle school years.”

—Carson, High School Freshman

🔑 Key Themes

Identity & self-discovery
Friendship & social change
Confidence & self-esteem
Growth through challenges
Peer pressure & belonging
Emotional awareness & reflection
Navigating change
The middle school experience

💡 Ideal For

Middle school readers navigating change
Classroom and SEL discussions
Parents seeking emotionally grounded stories
Educators supporting student reflection and connection
Readers who enjoy realistic coming-of-age stories

🛒 Available Wherever Books & Audiobooks Are Sold

📘 Experience the journey page by page with the paperback edition. Available at:

... or your favorite local bookstore.

📱 Step into the story with the digital edition. Available at:

…and wherever you enjoy reading eBooks.

🎧 Hear the story unfold through the audiobook edition. 🎧Available through:

Also available through select online retailers and digital storefronts.

About the Author

Cole K. Larksen is a young writer whose work explores the emotional realities of growing up, identity, friendship, and self-discovery. Written during his middle school years, So… Eighth Grade Happened: A Year That Shaped Me reflects an honest and thoughtful perspective designed to help readers feel seen, understood, and connected through shared experiences.

About the Publisher

PAPER TRAILS PUBLISHING is an independent publishing house dedicated to emotionally intelligent storytelling that nurtures growth, resilience, reflection, and belonging across generations.

Media Contact

PAPER TRAILS PUBLISHING
media@papertrailspublishing.com
Paper Trails Publishing

So… Eighth Grade Happened is a reminder that growing up is rarely perfect, but no one has to navigate it alone.