Middle School the Worst Years of my Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts

On my quest for finding books that will make students read-I tried this one.  In the style made popular by "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" this book is told by a sixth grader, Rafe, and is heavily illustrated.  The story is fast and full of voice kids will appreciate.

The premise of the story will have some adults turned off of this one-so read it before you hand it to your kids.  Rafe has decided to make it his mission to break every single rule in the school handbook.  Not exactly an idea you want in your kids head.  Patterson makes it pretty obvious that this was not a great choice.  Rafe gets in a LOT of trouble (obviously) for this plan.

The entire theme SEEMS like it's "rules are not for everyone" which some adults may see as a dangerous idea.  However, when you dig for it with your child they will soon realize the true theme is that traditional learning is not for everyone.

I enjoyed the book, but I won't be adding it to the classroom library anytime soon.

2 smiles for the cute idea and the voice