09/01/2014
Gr 3–7—After learning that his art academy is closing, Rafe Khatchadorian learns that he will be headed back to the dreaded Hills Village Middle School in the fall. But first he has to survive The Program, an intensive one-week adventure for behaviorally challenged students. No problem, right? Rafe quickly realizes that running white water rapids, climbing a cliff, building fires, cooking in the wilderness, living through wild storms in a collapsing shelter, and wrangling crazy teammates may just be his biggest challenge yet. But Rafe is determined that this time he won't let his mother down. So, with some newfound determination and a lot of humor, Rafe conquers (or at least survives) one challenge after another. Narrator Bryan Kennedy does a nice job, providing a unique, recognizable voice for each character. He is even able to adeptly share the comic strip action scattered throughout the book with the audio audience. The pacing is also well done with the speed matching the tone of the story. This work will appeal to fans of the series as well as new fans of Rafe.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library
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 […]