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 8–12. (June)
On July 26, buy one James Patterson book or audiobook, get the second FREE! (The second book must be of equal or lesser value. Offer applies to adult, teen, and kids’ books and audiobooks by James Patterson. Ebooks not included. Selection may vary. In stores only, while supplies last.) Since publishing his Edgar Award-Winning first […]
It’s not easy being in middle school—especially if you also happen to be a little different, a lot artsy, and maybe not so great at fitting in with everyone else. Add a quick wit and a penchant for stirring up trouble, and you have a perfect description of one Rafe Khatchedorian, the likable star of Patterson’s […]
On July 26, as part of Barnes & Noble’s Get Pop-Cultured celebration, we have a fantastic one-day-only offer on all adult, kids’, and teen books by James Patterson. Patterson is THE bestselling author in America. He writes books for readers of all ages, and July 26 is your big chance to stock up on books the […]
Ever since Diary of a Wimpy Kid first hit stores in 2007, Greg Heffley, his brothers Manny and Rodrick, and his best friend Rowley Jefferson have been household names. They are megastars in the way Gregory always dreamed he would be, if he weren’t so busy being extremely lazy. Nine years later, author Jeff Kinney is still delighting […]