 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Middle School, the Worst Years of My Life
- By James Patterson
- Genre: Humor
Common Sense Media says
Irreverent look at school life explores complex feelings.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this illustrated book by prolific bestselling adult author James Patterson tells the story of Rafe, a kid who sets out to break all the school rules and is disrespectful to teachers and staff. The humorous drawings poke fun at teachers and just about everyone else at Hills Village Middle School. And Rafe suffers bullying at school and at home.
What's the story?
Like many middle school students, Rafe feels alone, different, and lost. He is just trying to serve his middle school sentence and move on. On his first day, his first encounter with another student is with Miller the Killer, the class bully. Rafe’s plan to try to "keep [his] head down, try to blend in, and don’t get on anyone’s bad side" doesn’t work, and Miller makes him his target. During the school assembly, Rafe gets the idea to systematically break every rule in the Hills Village Middle School Code of Conduct. He and his best and only friend, Leo the Silent, create a reality-show game with points and exciting twists. Rafe’s unusual friendship with Leo will surprise most readers.
Is it any good?
The irreverent Patterson skillfully pokes fun at everything about middle school while creating a fresh, indelible character in Rafe. The wonderful cartoon illustrations by Laura Park (ostensibly done by Rafe's friend Leo) will attract Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans, but these detailed drawings also reveal much about Rafe’s character and how he views the world. Teachers and parents might be offended by the harshness and irreverence with which Rafe portrays Hills Village Middle School, but kids who feel as trapped and alone as he does will relate. Rafe sees himself as a geek, but readers will see his other side -- a sweet boy trying to do what is right.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why Rafe is trying to break every rule at his school. Rafe seems like a nice kid; what is happening in his life that causes him to be disruptive?
Rafe suffers at the hands of a bully. You might want to talk about how everyone plays a role in bullying.
Rafe is failing school and has a loser for a stepfather. Families can talk about where kids like Rafe find help and support. He talks to Leo the Silent; who else in his life can he talk to?
What alternatives do kids have when they don’t fit in and have no friends? How do you go about making friends at a new school?
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Kid, 12 years old
December 1, 2011
AGE
Amazing
this book has captured what it's really like for middle schoolers. I read it and it was great, so great infact, that i read it in one sitting.
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Kid, 12 years old
December 29, 2011
AGE
Way better than Big Nate and even Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
This book is so good I read it at least 3 times over summer break. The violence is just bullying, and the only langauge is a few butts and one crap, so that shouldnt be an issue either.
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Kid, 11 years old
January 1, 2012
AGE
Middle School, the best book of my life
This book is the best book I ever read. It shows you what a middle school student has too go through. Even if your not in middle school. It's goes through funny moments and bad moments. It does not have that much good role models. I mean when rafe tried to change into a better person, he was responsible. But most of the time rafe is a trouble maker. Also, I never re-read books but this this one will be the one to re-read. I love it!
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Kid, 12 years old
February 17, 2012
AGE
Awesome book!
Great book! It is fine for any age... that can read...
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| Author: | James Patterson |
| Illustrator: | Laura Park |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Humor |
| Publisher: | Little, Brown and Company |
| Publication date: | June 27, 2011 |
| Number of pages: | 288 |
| Hardcover price: | $13.64 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 10 - 17 |
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