My terrible middle school experience was why I became a middle school teacher. I have to think it is also one of the reasons John Green writes books for teenagers (and all other people, because they are awesome). Watch this reflection and feel human.
He is married to his favorite person, and loves his three children quite a little bit (aged 8, 13 and 15). He is passionate about authentic learning, technology with purpose, and creating at least one new thing every day. In short, he teaches, and learns. A lot.
Also, he co-founded WouldYouLikeABanana.com with his wife, Kara.
I remember middle school seemed to be the worst of the school years for all three of my sons.