It's Rafe Khatchadorian's first day at Hills Village Middle School, and it's shaping up to be the worst year ever. He has enough problems at home without throwing his first year of middle school into the mix, but 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 not everyone thinks Rafe's plan is a good idea, especially not the teachers, parents, and bullies who keep getting in his way. Will Rafe decide that winning is the only thing that matters? Are things about to go from magic to tragic? Find out in this hilarious--and heartwarming--#1 New York Times bestselling hit! Includes a FREE POSTER, a teaser to the upcoming I Funny, and over 100 illustrations!
A #1 New York Times Bestseller
A #1 Indiebound Bestseller
"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 )
* "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 )
"Cleverly delves into the events that make middle school so awkward: cranky bus drivers, tardy slips, bathroom passes and lots of rules.... Hopefully, this isn't the last we hear from Rafe Khatchadorian." (
The Associated Press )
"It's a chatty, funny, engaging book, one that often addresses the reader directly. It's filled with energetic cartoons... that will appeal to your little rebel, depicting teachers as dungeon-keepers, matadors and flying dragons. Patterson... knows how to structure a plot and builds in some surprising--even touching--twists.... Rafe is the bad boy with a heart of gold."
(
The New York Times )
"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 )
Incredibly detailed and imaginative illustrations . . . add depth and humor. . . . an enjoyable story that even the most reluctant readers should enjoy."
(
Library Media Connection )
"There is substance as well as appeal here.... Patterson deftly manages the pace of revelations that take readers deeper into Rafe's fragile trust.... Readers ready for something else in the same vein but more substantive than Kinney's
Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Peirce's
Big Nate should be introduced to Rafe." (
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books )
James Patterson was selected by readers across America as the Children's Choice Book Awards Author of the Year in 2010. He is the internationally bestselling author of the highly praised Middle School books, Confessions of a Murder Suspect and the Maximum Ride, Witch & Wizard, Daniel X, and Alex Cross series. His books have sold over 230 million copies worldwide, making him one of the bestselling authors of all time. He lives in Florida.
Chris Tebbetts is the author of The Viking, a fantasy adventure series for young readers, and co-author of the young adult novel, M or F?, with Lisa Papademetriou. He lives in Vermont.
Laura Park is a cartoonist and illustrator. She is the author of the minicomics series Do Not Disturb My Waking Dream, and her work has appeared in the Best American Comics. She lives in Chicago.
Đó là ngày đầu tiên đi học khủng khiếp nhất tại trường trung học. Rafe đã gặp đủ mọi rắc rối ở nhà thế mà còn thêm ở trường. Cùng với người bạn của mình, Rafe đã cố gắng phá bỏ mọi luật lệ của trường để bị kỷ luật. Nhưng không phải ai cũng nghĩ kế hoạch đó là tốt cho Rafe, làm sao để giúp cậu nhận thức và thay đổi?
