Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson
Humor; 281 pages
When Rafe Khatchadorian enters middle school, he teams up with his best friend, “Leo the Silent,” to create a game to make school more fun by trying to break every rule in the school’s code of conduct.
Sam’s review:
Rafe Khatchadorian tells the story of his horrendous experience being a 6th grader at Hills Village Middle School. He has no friends except the mysterious Leo the Silent, who influences him to embark on a quest to break every rule in the school’s oppressive Code of Conduct. “Operation R.A.F.E.” quickly takes over Rafe’s life as he works out the points earned for each rule broken. As he proceeds toward his goal, Rafe must face trouble from every turn: the 8th grade bully, the pretty girl he crushes on, his mom’s terrible live-in boyfriend, teachers who try to be understanding. Leo the Silent expresses himself through entertaining black-and-white drawing that give a different perspective on the events. This book gets serious as Rafe’s situation unfolds. It’s an easy read that’s funny, moving, and meaningful.