Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life

A 2012 Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers
* “Patterson artfully weaves a deeper and… thought-provoking tale of childhood coping mechanisms and everyday school and family realities…. Hand this book to misbehaving, socially awkward, or disengaged boys and girls…. It might help them believe that there is a place for them in the world, no matter how dire times may seem in the present.”—School Library Journal, starred review“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“Incredibly detailed and imaginative illustrations… add depth and humor…. an enjoyable story that even the most reluctant readers should enjoy.”—Library Media Connection“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