May 30, 2011
Patterson turns from the governmental oppression of his Witch & Wizard series to a more everyday form: the social and academic confines of middle school. Emboldened by his friend Leo, newly minted sixth-grader Rafe Khatchadorian embarks on a plan to break every one of his school's rules, frustrating his teachers, causing his grades to suffer, and landing him in detention. Things aren't any better at home, due to the constant, unpleasant presence of "Bear," who Rafe's mother is dating. Park's cartoons are pitch-perfect and do their share of storytelling, sometimes betraying the gap between Rafe's version of events and reality (in one scene, a teacher, portrayed as a dragon, screams, "I don't want to eat you. Just talk to me"). The subject matter gets surprisingly dark, particularly regarding Bear's emotional abusiveness and two twists involving Rafe's relationship with Leo, though the latter arrives so late its impact is weakened. But the book's ultrashort chapters, 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. Ages 8â12.
In order to cope with the terrors of middle school, Rafe Khatchadorian teams up with his imaginary friend, Leo, to become a troublemaking legend.There's a fine line between a class clown and a smart aleck. Class clowns make big dopey gestures to make up for superficial insecurities, leading to inevitably poor life decisions. As Conan O'Brien once said: "The class clown is killed in a motel shoot-out." Smart alecks are different. There's a lot of potential in every one of them. And there's a lot of potential in Rafe. As his efforts to break every rule in his new school's handbook progress, Patterson and Tebbetts illuminate the psyche of a scared, angry kid who is smart, creative, bored and ever so over the "teach 'em what's on the test" mentality the U.S. education system has so ruthlessly perfected. Rafe lashes out against an establishment that is designed against him and a shattered family unit, and it's hard to push past his defense systems. But once through, readers will discover the best kind of child: one that is intelligent, artistic and brave. The authors weave these ideas through a world perfectly described through a 12-year-old's point of view, complete with humor and jokes to be expected from that bracket. Witty illustrations and wacky scenarios will rope young readers in, but the emotional undercurrents will keep them hooked.A satisfying and progressive tale with real sweetness at its center. (Fiction. 8-12) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Starred review from November 1, 2011
Gr 5-8-The first 20 pages of this novel seem to be a blueprint for classic middle-school rebellion. As the story continues, Patterson's ability to hog-tie his target audience into a sympathetic relationship with Rafe, the sixth-grade protagonist, becomes clear. Along with his friend Leo the Silent, Rafe concocts a plan to break every rule in the Hills Village Middle School Code of Conduct by the end of the year, creating palpable tension between him and every adult character in the book. As Patterson artfully weaves a deeper and more thought-provoking tale of childhood coping mechanisms and everyday school and family realities, readers are drawn into a deeper understanding of and compassion for the main characters. Taking the best of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" (Abrams) formula, he successfully melds it with an emotional and, at times, unexpected journey. Hand this book to misbehaving, socially awkward, or disengaged boys and girls who are willing to take it. 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.-Colleen S. Banick, Tomlinson Middle School, Fairfield, CT
Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
September 15, 2011
Grades 3-6 Sixth-grader Rafe's first day of school is horrendous. Friendless except for his imaginary pal, Leo, he zones out during the recitation of the school's code of conduct, setting himself the goal of breaking every rule before the end of the year. The mostly unrepentant recounting that follows reads like a middle-school manifesto for bad behavior; Rafe describes pulling fire alarms, streaking, painting graffiti, and fighting, as well as thwarting bullies bent on extortion and failing most of his classes. Eventually he is expelled, leading everyone to realize that Rafe might be more successful in an alternative arts school. The author of the Maximum Ride series channels here the graphic style of Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2007). Subplots involving Mom's deadbeat (and abusive) boyfriend, Rafe's crush on a popular girl, and Leo's true identity lend gravitas to this otherwise anarchist story. Short chapters and numerous cartoon illustrations make this quick read suitable, as Patterson says, for all of you in need of AR points.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2011
This story of outcast Rafe Khatchadorian's sixth-grade year is recounted by him and illustrated by Leo, his imaginary friend. The protagonist comes up with Operation R.A.F.E. (Rules Aren't For Everyone) in which he breaks every rule in his school's handbook. It's hard to feel much sympathy for Rafe--until his emotional scars are revealed. Entertaining black-and-white cartoons keep things light.
(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)