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danavanderlugt's review against another edition
4.0
Read aloud to Josh. It was a pleasant surprise, and more proof that stories work better than lectures.
msgabbythelibrarian's review against another edition
1.0
The only reason I read this book was because of "Battle of the Books" and not wanting to fake it with my middle school kids. And the "Leo" plot turned into something interesting that I did not expect. However, this book was horribly written....Rafe bugged the crap out of me....the blatant disrespect and regard for rules.....
I worry about this series' popularity. It does not promote anything of a positive nature. I'm all for kids reading but it would be nice to be something of substance. This is far from that. Yep. Have no desire to read the second book.
I also didn't find it relatable to must middle schoolers that I know
I worry about this series' popularity. It does not promote anything of a positive nature. I'm all for kids reading but it would be nice to be something of substance. This is far from that. Yep. Have no desire to read the second book.
I also didn't find it relatable to must middle schoolers that I know
shighley's review against another edition
3.0
If you listen to the audiobook, be sure to check out the drawings either on the CD, or in a book; it's not the same without them. This is the first time I can remember listening to an audiobook that made references to the fact that it was audio, so some alterations were made; it even referenced drawings by number.
I must say, I was a little disappointed in this book. I had many, many students tell me this was one of the funniest books they had ever read, but I found myself finding it incredibly sad in parts. Sad because I wondered how many students find themselves in similar situations. Sad because kids found this so funny. Sad because I felt so sorry for Rafe, Georgia, and their mom being trapped with a jerk like Bear, and wondering how many of my students are in similar situations. Sad because in this case, bullying actually occurs and it appears that the school didn't really do anything about it. I think in some instances, the mention of bullying is overused, but it should have been addressed in this situation.
However, I can say that the ending of the book was very redeeming. Also, the fact that there was at least one teacher portrayed in the book, Donatello, who was caring and perceptive.
This title was very popular in our bookfair, and I already have copies of the sequel. I realize that what is more important is the fact that my students enjoy it and promote it to each other.
I must say, I was a little disappointed in this book. I had many, many students tell me this was one of the funniest books they had ever read, but I found myself finding it incredibly sad in parts. Sad because I wondered how many students find themselves in similar situations. Sad because kids found this so funny. Sad because I felt so sorry for Rafe, Georgia, and their mom being trapped with a jerk like Bear, and wondering how many of my students are in similar situations. Sad because in this case, bullying actually occurs and it appears that the school didn't really do anything about it. I think in some instances, the mention of bullying is overused, but it should have been addressed in this situation.
However, I can say that the ending of the book was very redeeming. Also, the fact that there was at least one teacher portrayed in the book, Donatello, who was caring and perceptive.
This title was very popular in our bookfair, and I already have copies of the sequel. I realize that what is more important is the fact that my students enjoy it and promote it to each other.
lmuthler's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jaylynlindley's review against another edition
4.0
The true misfortune of this book is that— according to half of the reviews on this site— it's greatly misunderstood. I read this book when I was in middle school and did not particularly enjoy it. I was an odd exception in middle school as I loved learning, liked my teachers, enjoyed the atmosphere of middle school. I didn't relate to Rafe and couldn't understand why he was acting the way he was and why he would be so intent on breaking rules.
I read this a second time as a college student for an Intro to Education class, and my perspective of the story has changed drastically. Contrary to popular belief, Patterson isn't at all promoting the idea that school is a waste of time, teachers are evil, and breaking rules is totally worth the time and effort to spice up the day. He isn't encouraging rule-breaking at all or "rewarding poor behavior". That's not the point of this story. The point of this story is to offer insight into "troubled" students, to remind us that there is so much more to every student— especially the "troublemakers". Rafe doesn't go into this endeavor just for the heck of it— he is looking for the attention, support, and care he isn't receiving at home. This story is about understanding kids and seeing past grades and failures. It's about seeing more value to students than they test scores they turn out, and seeing what they're really capable of. Furthermore, what they REALLY need.
Among students, middle school is a sort of "dark age" that is reflected upon with embarrassment and disbelief. It's a period of great change for kids where a lot more is expected of them than just a year ago, and they still have a lot of growing and maturing to do. That isn't their fault, and they're trying to figure things out. Rafe and his sixth-grade experience may not be relatable to all middle school students, but it's definitely relatable to many.
Books and stories aren't supposed to be "one size fits all", and this book wasn't necessarily meant for the parents who have reviewed here who read books to approve them for their children. This story is for the kids who don't have parents who do that for them, or might not have the time to. Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life is a perfect read for middle-grade children, and even more for older students and adults.
I read this a second time as a college student for an Intro to Education class, and my perspective of the story has changed drastically. Contrary to popular belief, Patterson isn't at all promoting the idea that school is a waste of time, teachers are evil, and breaking rules is totally worth the time and effort to spice up the day. He isn't encouraging rule-breaking at all or "rewarding poor behavior". That's not the point of this story. The point of this story is to offer insight into "troubled" students, to remind us that there is so much more to every student— especially the "troublemakers". Rafe doesn't go into this endeavor just for the heck of it— he is looking for the attention, support, and care he isn't receiving at home. This story is about understanding kids and seeing past grades and failures. It's about seeing more value to students than they test scores they turn out, and seeing what they're really capable of. Furthermore, what they REALLY need.
Among students, middle school is a sort of "dark age" that is reflected upon with embarrassment and disbelief. It's a period of great change for kids where a lot more is expected of them than just a year ago, and they still have a lot of growing and maturing to do. That isn't their fault, and they're trying to figure things out. Rafe and his sixth-grade experience may not be relatable to all middle school students, but it's definitely relatable to many.
Books and stories aren't supposed to be "one size fits all", and this book wasn't necessarily meant for the parents who have reviewed here who read books to approve them for their children. This story is for the kids who don't have parents who do that for them, or might not have the time to. Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life is a perfect read for middle-grade children, and even more for older students and adults.
kellemarshall's review against another edition
4.0
It was not what I had expected. I hadn't read any of James Patterson's teen novels before. It was humorous. Good read!
shraham27's review against another edition
4.0
Really fun read, definitely the best of the three middle diaries (wimpy, dork and this). Characters are more developed. A couple twists. Overall an entertaining book that may force you to relive some low points of middle school.
apetruce's review against another edition
2.0
It seems to be a big trend to write books with drawings for kids who are reluctant readers. This one is well written with an interesting plot and good characters. But it's about a kid acting out. A "bad kid." I don't like it and wish I hadn't read it out loud to my "good kids." Parenting is frustrating enough without reading about even more difficult parenting situations. Maybe we're going to far to reach kids who hate to read.
spookykestrel's review against another edition
3.0
I think this book was a pretty good. I almost cried at one point. The book (like always) was better than the movie, although I did cry in the movie, but i always cry the second time reading/watching a book/movie.