Synopses & Reviews
Bestselling author James Patterson's most beloved middle grade protagonist, Rafe Khatchadorian, is getting the Hollywood treatment! A film version of Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life starring Griffin Gluck, Lauren Graham, Rob Riggle, and Thomas Barbusca smashes into theaters in October 2016.
In his acclaimed and number-one bestselling middle-grade comic debut, Children's Choice Award Author of the Year James Patterson has never been more hilarious — or heartwarming. Rafe Khatchadorian has enough problems at home without throwing his first year of middle school into the mix. Luckily, he's got an ace plan for the best year ever, if only he can pull it off: With his best friend Leonardo the Silent awarding him points, Rafe tries to break every rule in his school's oppressive Code of Conduct. Chewing gum in class — 5,000 points! Running in the hallway — 10,000 points! Pulling the fire alarm--50,000 points! But when Rafe's game starts to catch up with him, he'll have to decide if winning is all that matters, or if he's finally ready to face the rules, bullies, and truths he's been avoiding.
James Patterson's debut middle-grade novel addresses some of middle schoolers' biggest issues: bullies, first crushes, and finding out what makes each of us special, all with a hilarious main character and fantastic in-text illustrations that are sure to have young readers begging for more!
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"The book's...dynamic artwork, and message that 'normal is boring' should go a long way toward assuring kids who don't fit the mold that there's a place for them, too." Publishers Weekly
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"A keen appreciation of kids' insecurities and an even more astute understanding of what might propel boy readers through a book....a perfectly pitched novel." Los Angeles Times
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"Readers will discover the best kind of child: one that is intelligent, artistic, and brave....A world perfectly described through a 12-year-old's point of view...a satisfying and progressive tale with real sweetness." Kirkus Review
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"Patterson artfully weaves a deeper and...thought-provoking tale of childhood coping mechanisms and everyday school and family realities....Hand this book to misbehaving, socially awkward, or disengaged boys and girls....It might help them believe that there is a place for them in the world, no matter how dire times may seem in the present." School Library Journal (Starred Review)
About the Author
James Patterson received the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community at the 2015 National Book Awards. He holds the Guinness World Record for the most #1 New York Times bestsellers, including Middle School and I Funny, and his books have sold more than 325 million copies worldwide. A tireless champion of the power of books and reading, Patterson has created a new children's book imprint, JIMMY Patterson, whose mission is simple: We want every kid who finishes a JIMMY Book to say, "PLEASE GIVE ME ANOTHER BOOK." He has donated more than one million books to students and soldiers and funds over four hundred Teacher Education Scholarships at twenty-four colleges and universities. He has also donated millions to independent bookstores and school libraries. Patterson will be investing his proceeds from the sales of JIMMY Patterson Books in pro-reading initiatives.