Praise for Public School Superhero:
"The authors never get too preachy for their own good.... Told with the humorous style characteristic of Patterson when he's in preteen mode, the novel fits right in with I Funny, Middle School, and the like. Adding to the book's charm [are] comic-filled pages that help further illustrate Kenny's inner workings as well as present just plain fun superhero stories. A smart and kind story topped with just the right amount of social justice."—Kirkus Reviews
"Packed with fast-paced tween-speak, Public School Superhero will entertain and enlighten.... Readers will also enjoy the multiple pages of funny, comic book-style illustrations packed with superhero stunts and preteen angst.... Definitely buy this one."—School Library Journal
"With admirers of all ages, don't be surprised if everyone wants to get their hands on [Patterson's] latest."—Booklist
Praise for I Funny:
A #1 New York Times Bestseller
"....Poignant.... Readers learn about [Jamie's] devastating loss and recovery from a tragic event....The affecting ending, which reveals a more vulnerable Jamie behind the guise of his humor, celebrates Jamie's resilient spirit."—Kirkus Reviews
"In all, a brimming bucket of bada-bing!"—Booklist
"The broad humor that runs throughout this heavily illustrated story... masks personal pain, demonstrating resiliency in the face of tragedy."—Publishers Weekly
Praise for Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life:
* "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."—School Library Journal, starred review
"Readers will discover the best kind of child: one that is intelligent, artistic, and brave.... A world perfectly described through a 12-year-old's point of view...a satisfying and progressive tale with real sweetness."—Kirkus Reviews
"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
Young readers are in for a treat this month. There’s something for everyone, from sports fans to adventure lovers, from scientists to amateur magicians. Several beloved series have come out with new installments or stand-alone novels, and as the days grow warmer and longer, there’s even more time to curl up in a sunny spot with […]
Kenny Wright, the relatable protagonist of Public School Superhero, is a smart, introverted kid who faces many obstacles in his daily life—not only because he is bullied by his peers, but also because he attends an overcrowded, underfunded inner-city public school, which presents its own uniquely disheartening set of problems.
Ever wondered what your kiddos should read next after finishing one of James Patterson’s awesome books? Well, who better to ask than the bestselling author himself? We got the chance to pose some of our most burning questions about Patterson’s creative process and what books by other authors he recommends to his fans. His latest […]
Adult readers are likely familiar with author James Patterson, who has been writing New York Times bestsellers since 1976. He’s the author of the popular Alex Cross, Women’s Murder Club, and Michael Bennett series, just to name a (very) few. But recently, Patterson has turned his attention to a new group of readers: Middle schoolers. Thanks to this new audience, the world […]
Chris Tebbetts has written a number of beloved middle grade series on an astonishingly wide range of subjects, and has collaborated with author James Patterson (on the Middle School series, and his most recent novel, Public School Superhero) and Survivor TV show host Jeff Probst (on the Stranded series). As you can imagine, we at the B&N Kids Blog […]