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Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life
Last updated Friday, August 5, 2016
Author: James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts
Illustrator: Laura Park
Date of Publication: 2011
ISBN: 0316101877
Grade Level: 5th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Aug. 2016
Synopsis:
Rafe Khatchadorian has enough problems at home without throwing his first year of middle school into the mix. Luckily, he's got an ace plan for the best year ever, if only he can pull it off: With his best friend Leonardo the Silent awarding him points, Rafe tries to break every rule in his school's oppressive Code of Conduct. Chewing gum in class-5,000 points! Running in the hallway-10,000 points! Pulling the fire alarm-50,000 points! But when Rafe's game starts to catch up with him, he'll have to decide if winning is all that matters, or if he's finally ready to face the rules, bullies, and truths he's been avoiding.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What is your favorite thing about school?
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What is your least favorite thing about school?
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Are you ready to go to middle school?
Vocabulary
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Woe - a feeling of great pain or sadness
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Pathetic - causing feelings of sadness and sympathy
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Fluorescent - very bright
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Hazardous - involving risk or danger
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Podium - a stand with a slanted surface that holds notes for someone who is speaking
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Stupendous - so large or great that it amazes you
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Lamely - not strong, good, or effective
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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How do you usually feel on the first day of school?
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What kinds of rules do you have at your school?
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What was Rafe's big idea?
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What was the first rule Rafe broke?
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