Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

Unavailable
Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life
Unavailable
Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life
Unavailable
Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life
Audiobook4 hours

Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life

Written by Chris Tebbetts and James Patterson

Narrated by Bryan Kennedy

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

Currently unavailable

Currently unavailable

About this audiobook

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.

Blockbuster author James Patterson delivers a genuinely hilarious-and surprisingly poignant-story of a wildly imaginative, one-of-kind kid that you won't soon forget.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateJun 27, 2011
ISBN9781609411053
Unavailable
Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life

Related to Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life

Related audiobooks

Children's Social Themes For You

View More

Related articles

Reviews for Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life

Rating: 4.135714375714286 out of 5 stars
4/5

280 ratings27 reviews

What did you think?

Tap to rate

Review must be at least 10 words

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    All I can say is if you watched the movie and liked it, read this book. Its BETTER!!!!! Yes you...
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Raphe is a new kid going to a new middle school. on the first day Raphe is good but has a bad day. He met a bully he would have to face all year. When raphe goes to an assembly he starts a new game for him. The game is to break all of the rules in the school handbook in one year. Raphe makes charts full of points and the rules he has to break. All goes well until Raphes mom starts to see his grades going down and how many detentions he's been getting. Raphe thinks what he is doing a bad thing and is hurting his family. One of his teachers shows him a new school to go to and Raphe accepts.This book is a very funny book. I think it has a good message. you don't have to be bad to be cool. The way this book is written is hilarious. I laughed out loud so many times. I gave this book five stars. I give a lot of books five stars, but this one really deserves it. I think all kids who are in middle school or are going to be transitioning in to middle school, should read this awesome book.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Maybe I would have enjoyed this more if I had read the text version and been immersed in the illustrations, but I don't think so. It was okay, but Rafe as a character just didn't grab me. I know middle school angst from the two angsty kids in my own household, and I enjoy books about middle school angsty kids, but Rafe's quest to break every rule in the book didn't ring true and the secondary characters were so cliche. Perhaps the big reveal at the end-- that his imaginary friend Leo is actually his twin brother who died as an infant-- is supposed to make us more sympathetic toward his inner turmoil, but it's too late in the book to really do much of anything. It all comes across as sort of "eh."
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    A boy gets in trouble and breaks rules. Every time he breaks a rule he gets points!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Similar to one my favorite graphic novels,diary of a wimpy kid.this book also is very funny and is one of my favorite books
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Middle school can be a difficult time, especially for those who plan to break every rule in the school rulebook over the course of the year. But that's exactly what Rafe decides to do after the urging of his best friend Leo. At first it's unclear why he needs to get attention this way, and many young readers may never even wonder about this part of the story, but it turns out that his single mother has recently allowed her fiance to move into their home. The fiance, nicknamed Bear, is loathed by Rafe and his sister for freeloading off of their mother, who has to work extra shifts to make ends meet. The book is humorous but not laugh-a-minute. I think middle graders will enjoy Rafe's antics and the comic illustrations throughout, an integral part of the story.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    For students:If you are new to middle school, you should pick up this fun, funny read. Rafe Khatchadorian is brand new to middle school, and he's having a hard time fitting in. So, with his best friend, the Silent Leonardo, he devises a plan to make his mark on the school. It's a genius plan, but a dangerous one: breaking every school rule in the student code of conduct.This book is really funny, and you can totally relate to Rafe, even if you are the most popular kid in school. What person hasn't felt like they need to put their stamp on something? This novel is also filled with awesome sketches and drawings, and they are often hilarious. Pretty much anyone who is in middle school, has ever been in middle school, or will be in middle school will enjoy this novel.For teachers and educators:Definitely one to add to your library. Rafe is a lovable troublemaker, but he has enough consequences for his actions that students will think twice about following his lead. This would also be a great book for reluctant readers or students who struggle, as Rafe has to deal with his own academic deficiences. Sometimes the situations seem a little too pat; Rafe's goody-goody crush Jeanne could be a little more interesting, but overall, this is a great book for any upper elementary or middle school library.Reading level: 3rd-8th gradesAppropriateness: As long as you are sure that the kid you are recommending this to isn't a copy cat, it's fineWho would like it: Anyone who likes funny books
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Middle School the Worst Years of My Life is told through the voice of Rafe Khatchadorian, an awkward and ill behaved 6th grade boy. This novel on finding peer expectance and sorting through social (dealing with a bully) and family (mom's live-in boyfriend and death of a brother) issues, is realistic. Readers will identify with Rafe as he faces the consequences of his over the top choices. Middle school readers will find humor in Rafe's actions and his encounters at school. With this said, Rafe's character is out of control and the language choice author James Patterson uses makes this book questionable for a read aloud. Also, some of the slang used is forced and does not seem natural to how most middle schoolers would speak. Initially, the story is slow moving and there is limited consequences for Rafe's behavior. It is not until the last third of the book that the story picks up, revealing more depth to the plot and character development. Moreover, the illustrations in this story give additional understanding to the events that are happening and help readers have a better understanding of the imagination of the main character. In the end, Rafe's negative behavior is dealt with realistically and shows the readers that one's behavior does effect others. Overall, this book was disappointing in it's plot. Age Appropriate: 6 to 8th gradeThis book might find the interest of boys, reluctant readers, fans of Diary of Wimpy Kid and kids who are constantly finding themselves in trouble.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I think this book was spectacular it was the best graphic novel I have ever read. It was funny and somewhat suprising what happens in the end. The dragon lady was a little bit creepy and she turned into a dragon for the detention kids and R.A.F.E fought the dragon lady. This book will haunt me for the test of my middle school life I think it will be horrible experince.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I read this in order to continue on my challenge to find books that my seventh grade daughter and I can read together. My daughter loves, loves, loves the Maxim Ride series by this author. She had to read one for school and quickly devoured the others in quick succession. There is no doubt that James Patterson can write a blockbuster for my daughter's generation as well as my own. He traverses the YA and adult worlds quite well and I knew my daughter would probably enjoy anything by him. Upon seeing this book I realized it was no where near the Maxim Ride reading level which was assigned for a sixth grade advanced class. This book is about the same level as a Diary of a Wimpy Kid book and in fact when you first look at it, that's what comes to mind. There are a ton of illustrations breaking up the text. It is when you start reading the book that the difference between Middle School and Wimpy Kid become clear. This a serious book about a troubled boy wrapped in comic illustrations. Rafe, the protagonist has real life problems that I think a lot of kids today can identify with. Greg Heffley is living in paradise compared to some of the things that Rafe has to face. Issues addressed in this book include death of a sibling, domestic violence, and not getting along with a step parent figure. As if this isn't bad enough it is all set against the back drop of the horror known as middle school. This book is not as frothy as Wimpy Kid by any means. It is instead filled with the real problems that so many kids are facing today. If you have a middle school student, this would make an excellent book to read with them as there are many points to spark discussions. This is also an easy to read book making it ideal for any reading level. I applaud Mr. Patterson for taking a more realistic view of the middle school experience.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Rafe Khatchadorian isn't thrilled about attending Hills Village Middle School, but he's thankful that he has his best friend, Leonardo with him at all times because he "keeps things real" even though he's capital C Crazy and capital O Off -The-Wall. The story REALLY takes off when Leo, during a first day assembly, declares that rules are made to be broken! What follows is Rafe's mission; to personally break every one of the 112 rules in the Code of Conduct handbook during Operation Rafe (Rules Aren't For Everyone). It's fast moving, humorous, and even contains a nice twist regarding Leonardo. While Patterson's story has the typical cast of characters; the school bully, the unattainable girl, the terrifying administrators, the exasperated mother, slovenly, disrespected step dad, and annoying little sister, what makes the book different is that the pages are illustrated in a Diary of a Wimpy kid kind of way, by Rafe's best friend Leo. I guarantee that Jeff Kinney fans are gonna love it. Sure, some will say that it's a complete take off of Wimpy Kid, as was Dork Diaries, but I say, if it gets kids reading, how can that be a bad thing? This is a gateway book into the pleasurable world of words. Kudos for giving librarians like myself more bait for my tackle-box.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is one of the funniest books I have ever read.The main character Rafe, hates 6th grade. His thinking is normal is boring.So to stand out he tries breaking every rule.Can he do it? can he survive? Or will he lust make it worse for himself.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Rafe is trying to find his voice and make a name for himself in a new world....middle school. Remember the place? Popularity levels are common knowledge, bullies start to get into their rolls a bit more seriously, and school work takes a turn directly towards "hard". It's a hard time for many youngsters, but for Rafe, it could mean the difference between becoming an average student or a juvenile delinquent!I have to say I was very surprised to find out who this was written by as my ARC copy refrained from dropping that bombshell. I think it was a rather wise decision though so readers could go into the book without preconceived notions of what to expect in the writing and/or story. It left you free to experience Rafe's world first hand and discover that while things may not always be as they seem, they usually work out in the end...even if you do have to hit every pot hole along the way.An interesting book for readers of all ages. Younger readers will delight in the shared drawings from "Leo the Silent" as well as Rafe's imagination. Middle to teen readers can share in experiences they may have had themselves, merely witnessed, or perhaps are currently going through, as well as share in a laugh or two at the lengths Rafe goes at times.....although a word of caution to them as far as any inclinations they may have in following in his footsteps (*ahem* some of his actions were not met with exactly real world consquences....so a "remember this is fiction" message might be wise). Those out of their teen years but still open to a good story will find more here than meets the eye. There's something deeper transpiring that I caught wind of early on, but not so much that all was revealed right away, rather it comes through in layers of confirmation and builds a heavier history behind the lighter/funny storyline. Truly unexpected, but in a good way. After reading this story, I would love to see what happens to Rafe in the following years but even if we are not that lucky, it was great to get to know him while I could. Happy reading....
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    My favorite part of the book was when Jeanie asked Rafe to go to the movie's with her
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    It was funny so good I love all of the characters
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This book allows students in the middle grades to understand that they are understood by someone in their shoes. It was odd for me to look back on the time when I was a middle grades student, but it was refreshing for me to be reminded of the struggles these students still have. I hope that I am able to love my students better due to being reminded of their perspective and difficulties.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This book takes us on a journey with Rafe who is the main character. Not only does Rafe undergoes many challenges in middle school, he also faces many hardships at home. With his one imaginary friend, Leo, Rafe makes a lot of bad decisions, but is motivated to go to school as well. I would recommend this book to middle school students and teachers because many of us can relate to it. The book has many take away messages, but also includes art and humor.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Excellent. Rafe is a deeply flawed character to the point that I occasionally wanted to strangle him and ask him "what the hell was wrong with you"??? But you come to know Rafe and his life so well that you can't help but feel for him. The plot is hilarious and the ending contains a twist that is amongst the best I've ever seen in YA literature.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Middle School The Worst is about a kid named Rafe. Rafe has a little sister and he had a brother. Leo is Rafe's ignaminary friend who is also his brother. I liked this Book because it teels about middle school and its con's and Pro's.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Interesting book that covers the escapades of the first year of Middle School for Rafe. Along with Rafe is his best friend, Leonardo, his mother Jules, sister Georgia and Jules boyfriend "The Bear".Rafe is suffering through the first year of middle school, in fact the book basically starts on the first day of the year. Rafe has the same problem that many kids that age have, not fitting in and thus becoming the target of bullies. This year Rafe decides he is going to do something different. He is going to break every rule in the student code of conduct!I liked this book a lot, although sometimes it felt more like a graphic novel than a regular novel and there are a lot of drawings. I also had some emotional responses to the bullying and those feelings of "not fitting in". Still, I liked the book and will be reading more in the series.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I enjoyed reading this book for many reasons. First, the book was hilarious and sad all at the same time. I really felt for the main character, Rafe Khatchadorian throughout the book. For example, in the beginning, he is talking about is "friend" Leo. I later realize that he is basically the main character or more like an imaginary friend. Leo does the drawing and the main character does the talking. Second, the illustrations throughout the book are what make it comical at times. For example, when the main character is describing his teacher, he calls her the dragon tracher and illustrates her as an actual human mixed with dragon. I believe that the main idea of this story is to stick with things because in the end, it will all be better.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This book is a great quick read. Similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid - the graphics/cartoon drawings in it are a big attraction to my 5th grade boys. This book has already seen many hands in my classroom and they requested I buy book 2! That's always a positive in my room.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    written from a young teens perspective, Rafe Katchadorian is a troubled 11- 12 year old. He sets about, with the guidance of his friend Leo, to break every rule in the school book. Each rule he breaks is worth points and the higher he scores, the harder he works to breaking rules with Leo the Silent quietly drawing the next rule to break. Reading deeper you'll find that the story is really about a young boy struggling to come to terms with his younger brother's death and a family who is also not coping well with grief. Leo the silent does not exist, but is Rafes brother who is dead and Rafe still has not been able to let go of him. He expresses his anger and grief by breaking rules. His mother has also made a bad decision by living with a free loader whom Rafe and his younger sister loathe, this just adds to the misery and grief the family are feeling. As Rafe ( supported by Leo the silent) devises ways to break rules (cleverly I might add) and keep out of the school bully's way , things go from bad to worst as Rafe is eventually expelled. This book will be able to be read by varying levels of reader and they will be able to take out of it what their current level of understanding allows them. I enjoyed it as i was able to read deeper and understand the issues behind the poor decision making of Rafe and his mother as well as the perceived personalities of the teachers and their frustration.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I enjoyed reading this as there was many different stages to the book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I wasn't at all prepared for the ending! And that makes it a great book for me. I am glad Rafe doesn't go to Cherry Valley or Tolt, but I admire his creativity and imagination. Who'd else would spend that much time thinking about breaking school rules. Patterson writes as well for kids as he does adults.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    As Rafe starts middle school he realizes that school will never be fun unless he makes it that way. And how to make it fun? Turn it into a game -- points for breaking the rules set down in the Code of Conduct. First points: set off the fire alarm. As Rafe tries to break all the rules, he realizes who he really wants to be...and it might not be the guy who gets in the most trouble. I thought this book was pretty unrealistic and kind of annoying, but could definitely see a fifth grade boy LOVING it. He learns some important lessons along his journey, but it feels very "hokey" at the end. There was also a lot going on both at home and at school that made Rafe's life seem extremely disorganized. Which is maybe how it was supposed to read, but didn't make it very enjoyable.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James PattersonFrom the back of the Play A Way:THIS IS THE TOTALLY INSANE STORY OF HOW I, RAFE KHATCHADORIAN,fought and overcame a diabolical teacher called the Dragon ladysold my soul to the school bully, a dollar at a timewrestled with a tea live bear, repeatedlyfell kind of in “like” with the most popular girl at schoolwent into the soda business and went bustand accidentally-on-purpose hurt all the epopel I care aboutThe worst days of my lifer were good sometimes. Bad sometimes. But mostly they were hilarious.First, I must say this is a book that was meant to be read, not listened to on audio. The print version is full of illustrations that are very important to the story. However, it’s such a popular title and I was tired of waiting for a print copy that I opted for the audio version. Though I missed out on the illustrations, Bryan Kennedy did an excellent job reading the story.I often wear several hats when I read a book. I’m a reader, a parent, an educator, a librarian who provides reader’s advisory for children, teens, and adults. Hopefully, this will explain why this review might appear to be a little schizophrenic. As a reader, I enjoyed this book and I know that several of my patrons would enjoy it as well. As a parent and an educator, I just couldn’t help cringe at the Rafe’s escapades. As a parent I didn’t want to like this book. I had to remind myself it was NOT written for me.What I liked about the book: When you first look at this book you might think of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. That’s what will prompt many students to pick it up. Yet it’s a much different book. Though humorous, this book is a more serious look at some very serious issues: loss of a sibling, step-parents, domestic violence, bullying, self esteem (or lack thereof) – all set against the back drop of just trying to survive middle school. Patterson realizes that middle school is when things begin to get tough for many kids. It’s not as easy as adults would like to believe. Patterson covers those issues with a thin veneer of humor without taking away from the seriousness of those issues. This book will speak to students struggling with just trying to survive middle school.What I didn’t like about the book: I don’t like the choices that Rafe makes. I don’t like that it takes almost the entire book for adults to really clue into the fact that this young man needs help – that he’s a troubled kid, not just a trouble maker. It’s true that the story is told from Rafe’s point of view and therefore, both the reader and Rafe might fail to recognize the attempts to help made by some of the adults. Still, I really didn’t like that Rafe was allowed to flounder until the end of the school year. While I don’t like these things. They do make the story more realistic. Life isn’t a 30 minute sitcom with a happy ending five minutes before the last commercial.Booklady’s Rating: 4 of 5