Reviews

The Worst Years of My Life by Chris Tebbetts, James Patterson

drblump's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

3.25

lindseygrant's review against another edition

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4.0

Super good book! It is about a kid who wants to break every rule in the book, but adding a little twist to make it more fun. His best friend Leo helps come up with the ideas. The main character is an amazing artist.

jjrae's review against another edition

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3.0

I couldn't help comparing this to Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and by that I mean, it excelled. I felt Rafe is well characterized, the plot of setting out to break every school rule is cool, and the twist gives the book a different feel, which I quite like. The principal is referred to as the Lizard King and Rafe is terrified of the dungeons. I never had a laugh aloud moment but I bet reading aloud to a group of kids would make a lot of fun. Be careful, though--Rafe is a big troublemaker with some clever ideas. Kids might be tempted to make their own versions of Operation R.A.F.E..

bvharre77's review against another edition

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5.0

Despite the fact that I am almost in college, I quite enjoyed this book. It was a super easy read and I read it in about an hour or so. The drawings were cool to look at and added more life to the book. This would definitely be a good book for younger children to read.

deepfreezebatman's review against another edition

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4.0

Thought I'd check out this popular series for my up-and-coming middle schooler. Overall I was surprised by the mix of humor and difficult issues (I was genuinely mind-blown by one of twists). Interested to see where the prolific series goes next..

eralon's review against another edition

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2.75

I read this with my 6th-grade son at bedtime. Not a great example for kids and dull for adults.

benisatree6177's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

danavanderlugt's review against another edition

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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

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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

shighley's review against another edition

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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.