Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life: (Middle School 1) - Softcover

JAMES PATTERSON is one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time. He is the author of the bestselling series for young readers, Maximum Ride, Daniel X and Witch & Wizard. This is as well as writing three of the top detective series around - the Alex Cross, Women's Murder Club and Detective Michael Bennett novels - and many other number one bestsellers including romance novels and stand-alone thrillers. He lives in Florida with his wife and son.James is passionate about encouraging children to read. He was inspired by his own son, who was a reluctant reader, to write books specifically for young readers. James has also formed a partnership with the National Literacy Trust, an independent, UK-based charity that changes lives through literacy. In 2010, he was voted Author of the Year at the Children's Choice Book Awards in New York.

"The book's . . . dynamic artwork and messagethat 'normal is boring' should go a long way toward assuring kids who don't fitthe mold that there's a place for them, too."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"Akeen appreciation of kids' insecurities and an even more astute understandingof what might propel boy readers through a book.... a perfectly pitchednovel."-- "Los Angeles Times"

"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"""

"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"""

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 Readers
A 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""