Middle School: My Brother Is a Big, Fat Liar

Written by James Patterson and Lisa Papademetriou

Narrated by Cassandra Morris

Georgia Khatchadorian plans to excel at Hills Village Middle School in all the places her troublemaking brother failed. She's even bet him that she'll quickly become one of the most popular girls in school. But Rafe left a big mark at HVMS, and no one will give Georgia a chance!

Even worse, Rafe has sneakily signed up her band to play at the school dance, and she's terrified to embarrass herself in front of the snooty 'Princesses' who run the school and the boy who's caught her eye.

Will she be able to overcome her fears and win her bet with Rafe? Find out THE TRUTH about Rafe Khatchadorian's sister in the first Middle School story from the point of view of the hilarious Georgia — a girl who's ready to speak her mind!

A Random House UK audio production.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House UK Audio
• Release date: Mar 14, 2013
• ISBN: 9781448178926

James Patterson

James Patterson is the CEO of J. Walter Thompson, an advertising agency in New York. He has written several successful fiction and nonfiction books, including The New York Times best seller The Day America Told the Truth.

Reviews for Middle School

[kimjd_2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Maybe I would have enjoyed this more if I had read the text version and been immersed in the illustrations, but I don't think so. It was okay, but Rafe as a character just didn't grab me. I know middle school angst from the two angsty kids in my own household, and I enjoy books about middle school angsty kids, but Rafe's quest to break every rule in the book didn't ring true and the secondary characters were so cliche. Perhaps the big reveal at the end-- that his imaginary friend Leo is actually his twin brother who died as an infant-- is supposed to make us more sympathetic toward his inner turmoil, but it's too late in the book to really do much of anything. It all comes across as sort of "eh."

[adresang-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A boy gets in trouble and breaks rules. Every time he breaks a rule he gets points!

[robertwelch30 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Similar to one my favorite graphic novels,diary of a wimpy kid.this book also is very funny and is one of my favorite books

[christianr_899499 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Middle school can be a difficult time, especially for those who plan to break every rule in the school rulebook over the course of the year. But that's exactly what Rafe decides to do after the urging of his best friend Leo. At first it's unclear why he needs to get attention this way, and many young readers may never even wonder about this part of the story, but it turns out that his single mother has recently allowed her fiance to move into their home. The fiance, nicknamed Bear, is loathed by Rafe and his sister for freeloading off of their mother, who has to work extra shifts to make ends meet. The book is humorous but not laugh-a-minute. I think middle graders will enjoy Rafe's antics and the comic illustrations throughout, an integral part of the story.

[alelliott · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

For students:If you are new to middle school, you should pick up this fun, funny read. Rafe Khatchadorian is brand new to middle school, and he's having a hard time fitting in. So, with his best friend, the Silent Leonardo, he devises a plan to make his mark on the school. It's a genius plan, but a dangerous one: breaking every school rule in the student code of conduct.This book is really funny, and you can totally relate to Rafe, even if you are the most popular kid in school. What person hasn't felt like they need to put their stamp on something? This novel is also filled with awesome sketches and drawings, and they are often hilarious. Pretty much anyone who is in middle school, has ever been in middle school, or will be in middle school will enjoy this novel.For teachers and educators:Definitely one to add to your library. Rafe is a lovable troublemaker, but he has enough consequences for his actions that students will think twice about following his lead. This would also be a great book for reluctant readers or students who struggle, as Rafe has to deal with his own academic deficiences. Sometimes the situations seem a little too pat; Rafe's goody-goody crush Jeanne could be a little more interesting, but overall, this is a great book for any upper elementary or middle school library.Reading level: 3rd-8th gradesAppropriateness: As long as you are sure that the kid you are recommending this to isn't a copy cat, it's fineWho would like it: Anyone who likes funny books

[erineell · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Middle School the Worst Years of My Life is told through the voice of Rafe Khatchadorian, an awkward and ill behaved 6th grade boy. This novel on finding peer expectance and sorting through social (dealing with a bully) and family (mom's live-in boyfriend and death of a brother) issues, is realistic. Readers will identify with Rafe as he faces the consequences of his over the top choices. Middle school readers will find humor in Rafe's actions and his encounters at school. With this said, Rafe's character is out of control and the language choice author James Patterson uses makes this book questionable for a read aloud. Also, some of the slang used is forced and does not seem natural to how most middle schoolers would speak. Initially, the story is slow moving and there is limited consequences for Rafe's behavior. It is not until the last third of the book that the story picks up, revealing more depth to the plot and character development. Moreover, the illustrations in this story give additional understanding to the events that are happening and help readers have a better understanding of the imagination of the main character. In the end, Rafe's negative behavior is dealt with realistically and shows the readers that one's behavior does effect others. Overall, this book was disappointing in it's plot. Age Appropriate: 6 to 8th gradeThis book might find the interest of boys, reluctant readers, fans of Diary of Wimpy Kid and kids who are constantly finding themselves in trouble.

[kenneth_12_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I think this book was spectacular it was the best graphic novel I have ever read. It was funny and somewhat suprising what happens in the end. The dragon lady was a little bit creepy and she turned into a dragon for the detention kids and R.A.F.E fought the dragon lady. This book will haunt me for the test of my middle school life I think it will be horrible experince.

[booklady123 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James PattersonFrom the back of the Play A Way:THIS IS THE TOTALLY INSANE STORY OF HOW I, RAFE KHATCHADORIAN,fought and overcame a diabolical teacher called the Dragon ladysold my soul to the school bully, a dollar at a timewrestled with a tea live bear, repeatedlyfell kind of in “like” with the most popular girl at schoolwent into the soda business and went bustand accidentally-on-purpose hurt all the epopel I care aboutThe worst days of my lifer were good sometimes. Bad sometimes. But mostly they were hilarious.First, I must say this is a book that was meant to be read, not listened to on audio. The print version is full of illustrations that are very important to the story. However, it’s such a popular title and I was tired of waiting for a print copy that I opted for the audio version. Though I missed out on the illustrations, Bryan Kennedy did an excellent job reading the story.I often wear several hats when I read a book. I’m a reader, a parent, an educator, a librarian who provides reader’s advisory for children, teens, and adults. Hopefully, this will explain why this review might appear to be a little schizophrenic. As a reader, I enjoyed this book and I know that several of my patrons would enjoy it as well. As a parent and an educator, I just couldn’t help cringe at the Rafe’s escapades. As a parent I didn’t want to like this book. I had to remind myself it was NOT written for me.What I liked about the book: When you first look at this book you might think of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. That’s what will prompt many students to pick it up. Yet it’s a much different book. Though humorous, this book is a more serious look at some very serious issues: loss of a sibling, step-parents, domestic violence, bullying, self esteem (or lack thereof) – all set against the back drop of just trying to survive middle school. Patterson realizes that middle school is when things begin to get tough for many kids. It’s not as easy as adults would like to believe. Patterson covers those issues with a thin veneer of humor without taking away from the seriousness of those issues. This book will speak to students struggling with just trying to survive middle school.What I didn’t like about the book: I don’t like the choices that Rafe makes. I don’t like that it takes almost the entire book for adults to really clue into the fact that this young man needs help – that he’s a troubled kid, not just a trouble maker. It’s true that the story is told from Rafe’s point of view and therefore, both the reader and Rafe might fail to recognize the attempts to help made by some of the adults. Still, I really didn’t like that Rafe was allowed to flounder until the end of the school year. While I don’t like these things. They do make the story more realistic. Life isn’t a 30 minute sitcom with a happy ending five minutes before the last commercial.Booklady’s Rating: 4 of 5

[arielfl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I read this in order to continue on my challenge to find books that my seventh grade daughter and I can read together. My daughter loves, loves, loves the Maxim Ride series by this author. She had to read one for school and quickly devoured the others in quick succession. There is no doubt that James Patterson can write a blockbuster for my daughter's generation as well as my own. He traverses the YA and adult worlds quite well and I knew my daughter would probably enjoy anything by him. Upon seeing this book I realized it was no where near the Maxim Ride reading level which was assigned for a sixth grade advanced class. This book is about the same level as a Diary of a Wimpy Kid book and in fact when you first look at it, that's what comes to mind. There are a ton of illustrations breaking up the text. It is when you start reading the book that the difference between Middle School and Wimpy Kid become clear. This a serious book about a troubled boy wrapped in comic illustrations. Rafe, the protagonist has real life problems that I think a lot of kids today can identify with. Greg Heffley is living in paradise compared to some of the things that Rafe has to face. Issues addressed in this book include death of a sibling, domestic violence, and not getting along with a step parent figure. As if this isn't bad enough it is all set against the back drop of the horror known as middle school. This book is not as frothy as Wimpy Kid by any means. It is instead filled with the real problems that so many kids are facing today. If you have a middle school student, this would make an excellent book to read with them as there are many points to spark discussions. This is also an easy to read book making it ideal for any reading level. I applaud Mr. Patterson for taking a more realistic view of the middle school experience.

[jrlibrary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Rafe Khatchadorian isn't thrilled about attending Hills Village Middle School, but he's thankful that he has his best friend, Leonardo with him at all times because he "keeps things real" even though he's capital C Crazy and capital O Off -The-Wall. The story REALLY takes off when Leo, during a first day assembly, declares that rules are made to be broken! What follows is Rafe's mission; to personally break every one of the 112 rules in the Code of Conduct handbook during Operation Rafe (Rules Aren't For Everyone). It's fast moving, humorous, and even contains a nice twist regarding Leonardo. While Patterson's story has the typical cast of characters; the school bully, the unattainable girl, the terrifying administrators, the exasperated mother, slovenly, disrespected step dad, and annoying little sister, what makes the book different is that the pages are illustrated in a Diary of a Wimpy kid kind of way, by Rafe's best friend Leo. I guarantee that Jeff Kinney fans are gonna love it. Sure, some will say that it's a complete take off of Wimpy Kid, as was Dork Diaries, but I say, if it gets kids reading, how can that be a bad thing? This is a gateway book into the pleasurable world of words. Kudos for giving librarians like myself more bait for my tackle-box.

[sports9star · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is one of the funniest books I have ever read.The main character Rafe, hates 6th grade. His thinking is normal is boring.So to stand out he tries breaking every rule.Can he do it? can he survive? Or will he lust make it worse for himself.

[grgenius_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Rafe is trying to find his voice and make a name for himself in a new world....middle school. Remember the place? Popularity levels are common knowledge, bullies start to get into their rolls a bit more seriously, and school work takes a turn directly towards "hard". It's a hard time for many youngsters, but for Rafe, it could mean the difference between becoming an average student or a juvenile delinquent!I have to say I was very surprised to find out who this was written by as my ARC copy refrained from dropping that bombshell. I think it was a rather wise decision though so readers could go into the book without preconceived notions of what to expect in the writing and/or story. It left you free to experience Rafe's world first hand and discover that while things may not always be as they seem, they usually work out in the end...even if you do have to hit every pot hole along the way.An interesting book for readers of all ages. Younger readers will delight in the shared drawings from "Leo the Silent" as well as Rafe's imagination. Middle to teen readers can share in experiences they may have had themselves, merely witnessed, or perhaps are currently going through, as well as share in a laugh or two at the lengths Rafe goes at times.....although a word of caution to them as far as any inclinations they may have in following in his footsteps (*ahem* some of his actions were not met with exactly real world consquences....so a "remember this is fiction" message might be wise). Those out of their teen years but still open to a good story will find more here than meets the eye. There's something deeper transpiring that I caught wind of early on, but not so much that all was revealed right away, rather it comes through in layers of confirmation and builds a heavier history behind the lighter/funny storyline. Truly unexpected, but in a good way. After reading this story, I would love to see what happens to Rafe in the following years but even if we are not that lucky, it was great to get to know him while I could. Happy reading....