The Daze
Welcome to the world of Junior High in the late 1990s.
“The Daze" is a nostalgic coming of age series that follows a group of friends as they navigate the ups and downs of junior high school in the late 1990s. The novellas take us back to a time of change, where the innocence of childhood is rapidly fading and the realities of adulthood are starting to set in.
Filled with laughter, heartbreak, and coming-of-age moments, “The Daze" takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as these teens learn to embrace their individuality, stand up for what's right, and find their place in the world. Set against the backdrop of the late 1990s, the series is a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who lived through it and a glimpse into a simpler time for those who didn't.
Whether you're reliving the past or discovering it for the first time, “The Daze" is a must-read for anyone who's ever felt lost, found their voice, or just wanted to fit in.
Volume. 1 - The First Great Year of our Lives
Step into the captivating realm of All Saints Junior High during the late 1990s, where dreams, ambitions, and aspirations intertwine within the impressionable minds of our eighth-grade students. As they embark on their educational journey, a world of possibilities awaits these young individuals, brimming with potential and a sense of wonder.
Volume. 2 - The Howl-a-Thon!
Dan cunningly enlisted both himself and an unaware Mod into the prestigious Student Activities Committee, all in pursuit of getting closer to Ali. Meanwhile, Freddy, fuelled by a burning desire to impress an older girl, passionately assembles a rock band. Ali embarks on a whirlwind romance with a popular young man from Father Serra, only to slowly uncover their glaring incompatibility. Upon deep reflection, she realizes that her association with him is more about preserving her image than genuine affection. In this dynamic school setting, the anticipation for the upcoming annual Halloween dance, affectionately known as The Howl-a-Thon, electrifies the entire student body.
Volume. 3 - First Kisses & Sugar Hiccups
Dan finds himself drowning in post-Halloween melancholy, spiralling into a sea of depression, but thanks to Freddy's ingenious idea, Mod stepped in to pull him out of his gloom by coaxing him into asking a new girl out. Freddy and Mod develop a friendship when coming together to start a rock band at school. Meanwhile, Ali discovers Bobby's betrayal towards Diana at the movies and demands he be truthful to her best friend. In the midst of these transformations, Freddy invites Mod to a backyard gathering where the allure of a mysterious girl from Saint Demetrius ensnares Mod's curiosity like a siren's call.
Volume. 4 - Birth of The Roonie Maras
Dan and Magda's blossoming relationship takes a serious turn, yet a twist emerges when Dan learns about Ali's recent split from Jonathan, resurfacing conflicting emotions. Meanwhile, Mod finds an unexpected bond with Stacey, unearthing a friendship that exposes the fault lines within his existing social circle. Amidst this turmoil, Freddy secretly secures a Christmas break gig for the band, catching his bandmates off guard and prompting them to swiftly coin a band name to match their accelerated pace.
Volume. 5 - The Teenage Politics of Chaos
Amidst the frigid grasp of winter, the group of teenagers finds themselves drawn indoors by the cold. Mod and Stacey navigate the intricate labyrinth of teenage romance. Meanwhile, mischievous Mikhele orchestrates a comical political showdown as he goads the unsuspecting Freddy into a spirited race for class presidency against the formidable Diana. Ali suddenly finds herself inundated with a flood of babysitting requests, a tidal wave of responsibility that prompts her to forge a business alliance with her resourceful best friend Claudia.
Volume. 6 - The Complicated Valentine
The eighth-grade excursion to Quebec City takes a tumultuous turn for Dan and Mod. Meanwhile, Freddy seizes an opportunity for his band, The Roonie Maras, to grace the Opera House stage. However, harmonizing with bandmates becomes a challenge. Amidst this, Ali confronts a jarring ordeal during a solo journey on the bus.
Volume. 7 - Popularity of The Shadow
Following their captivating Opera House performance, the enigmatic Roonie Maras are granted an interview with Much Music. This exposure propels Mod's popularity, fuelling his ego. Ali grapples with the aftermath of her publicized bus incident, while Dan embraces self-discovery, until an old bully resurfaces, prompting him to consider a life-altering decision. Amid fame, introspection, and confronting the past, their interconnected journeys unfold, revealing resilience and the catalysts for transformation.
Volume. 8 - Revel in your Time
Amidst the wreckage of shattered relationships, Mod grapples with the fragments of his life. Rekindling with old friends becomes his path to healing. Meanwhile, Mark's duality surfaces—adoring Ali while displaying hurtful conduct towards others. In another thread, Principal Austin enlists Freddy's help to have The Roonie Maras perform for an influential alumni at a school event, setting the stage for intertwining fates.
Volume. 9 - The New Dawn
As spring blooms, Mark's conflict with Dan escalates to a war-like showdown. Mod reunites with The Rooney Maras, yet faces a maturity trial upon learning of Stacey's new romance. Freddy becomes an unwitting scapegoat in Ali's missing money case. A captivating blonde girl captures Mod's interest. Insecurity driving him, Perri implores his friends to aid in his quest for fireworks, aiming to impress his peers at a classmate's party.
Volume. 10 - The Legacy of us Saints
As the final month of eighth grade marks the end of their time at All Saints School, Mod is determined to unite his classmates for a memorable celebration. Yet, inner circle disruptions send ripples through his plans, challenging both friendships and his vision of togetherness.
Volume. 11 - The Summer of '99
It’s the summer of 1999! Dan rallies his friends for a shared job venture. Amid this, Ali grapples with feeling excluded due to her lack of summer plans, prompting her to embark on a personal mission. Suspicion arises when Jen notices the peculiar dynamic between a solitary Stacey and Mod. Meanwhile, Freddy undertakes an introspective journey, struggling to nurture compassion for his closest friends.
Volume. 12 - Fade of The Street Lights
Mod's accident profoundly impacts everyone, casting a long shadow over the final month of summer. It serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of childhood, stirring mixed emotions. Dan, in particular, undergoes a transformation, comprehending life's fragility and the significance of enduring friendships. This period of introspection reveals that true leadership often demands personal sacrifices.
