James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. The creator of the Middle School and Treasure Hunters series, he founded JIMMY Patterson to publish books that young readers will love. He lives in Florida with his family.
Praise for Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life
A #1 New York Times Bestseller
A #1 Indiebound BestsellerA 2010 Oregon Children's Choice Award
WinnerA 2012 Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young ReadersA 2013
Hawaii's Children's Choice Award WinnerA 2013 ALSC Summer Reading
List BookA 2014 Oregon Reader's Choice Award NomineeA 2014 ALSC
Summer Reading List Book
★ "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
"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
"Incredibly detailed and imaginative illustrations... add depth and
humor.... an enjoyable story that even the most reluctant readers
should enjoy."--Library Media Connection
"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
Gr 5-7-As Rafe sits in an assembly on the first day of middle school, he has a brilliant idea. He will try to break every rule in the school handbook, such as chewing gum, running in the hallways, etc. With the help of his friend Leo, he comes up with a computer-game-like point system to reward himself for successful rule-breaking efforts. Although Rafe's antics are humorous, listeners sense that his plan is a desperate attempt to deal with countervailing forces in his life: a harsh step father, academic challenges, and loneliness. Bryan Kennedy does a great job of capturing Rafe's preteen vocal cadence and expression. There is an energy and youthful enthusiasm to his performance that will appeal to listeners. The print version of the book by James Patterson (Little, Brown, 2011) is illustrated with the main character's "own" drawings which play a central role in the story. One CD contains PDF copies of those illustrations. The text of the book is altered a little to prompt listeners to open the illustrations from the CD. It's probably simpler to listen to the recording with the print version of the book in hand. This book will appeal those who enjoyed The Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Amulet Books, 2007) several years ago, but are ready for a bit more mature story line.-Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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