In a nutshell: fast-moving, funny, irresistible reading | James Patterson sets out to make his children’s books irresistible reading, and he succeeds every time. Rafe Khatchadorian is a typical Patterson hero – he’s funny, street-wise, smart, but not the world’s best pupil. In this adventure, as ever, he has lots to deal with as readers will discover: ‘I got in hot water with Mom, almost lost my best friend (the furry one), launched my very own business empire, survived the Great Dog War of January, and learned a little magic along the way.’ Events unfold at pace, with lots of humour, and the added treat of regular cartoon-style illustrations. Kids won’t notice how fast the pages are turning, and the first thing they’ll want to do when they reach the end is pick up another book.
This is just one in a series of books for children by James Patterson, all of them recommended for Wimpy Kidfans. UK authors encouraging the same reading for pleasure include David Baddiel,Danny Wallace and Steve Cole. ~Andrea Reece
*** There's a helpful activity pack to accompany Dog's Best Friend with ideas for discussion questions and ways to further explore some of the themes raised in this and other books in the Middle School series. There are also some fun activities too - download it here.
It's a dog-eat-dog world, and Rafe Khatchadorian is just trying to live in it. Life in middle school is finally starting to seem bearable - until Rafe spots his grandmother standing in the free-meal line at the local soup kitchen. To help earn some money for the family, Rafe concocts a brilliant plan - a dog-walking business that soon turns into a huge money-making neighbourhood empire. He'll even have extra cash to buy his own WormHole Deluxe Multi-Platform GameBox!
That is, until two terrible twins launch the Great Dog War by sabotaging Rafe's flyers and stealing his customers. Plus, his bratty kid sister Georgia has skipped a grade - so now she's in all of Rafe's classes. Throw a kid a bone!
Rafe Khatchadorian is getting the Hollywood treatment in a film version of Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life starring Griffin Gluck, Lauren Graham, Rob Riggle and Thomas Barbusca.
“An excellent read” The Guardian Children’s Website on Middle School: Lost in London
“A great pick for reluctant readers” Amazon.co.uk reviewer on Middle School: Ultimate Showdown
“Middle School is my favourite set of books” Amazon.co.uk reviewer on Middle School: How I Survived Bullies, Broccoli and Snake Hill
Author
About James Patterson
James Patterson is one of the best-known and biggest selling writers of all time. He is the author of some of the bestselling series of the past decade: the Women's Murder Club, the Alex Cross novels and Maximum Ride, and he has written many other number one bestsellers including romance novels and stand alone thrillers. He has won an Edgar award, the mystery world's highest honour. He lives in Florida with his wife and son, seen pictured here.
Best known for his thrillers he also writes for children and is passionate about encouraging children to develop a love of reading. In 2014 he donated £250,000 to help independent bookshops with a children’s section in the UK. Rafe from the Middle School series also features on the first ever children’s ‘Books are my Bag’ rucksack.
If you are a teacher CLICK HERE to download a free Middle School resource to help get kids reading.
James Patterson's top tips to get your kids - even the most reluctant ones - reading!
* Find books your kids love.
Talk with your child about their interests. Kids read more if they read what they like. E-reader, paperbacks, hard covers, comic books are all fine. Reading is the goal!
* Get a Library Card in your child's name.
Visit your library…the resources they have for the summer are usually terrific. And the Children's Librarian will usually bend over backwards to help your child find fun stuff to read.
* "Buddy Read" together.
Model reading with your child. Read the same books together, and talk about them.
* Create a Reading Club with friends.
It's always more fun if you can share the experience.
* Reward progress.
Set goals with your child, and track their achievements. Give them little "awards" for progress.
* Travel with your books wherever you go.
Take them to the beach, in the car, on vacations, and to the pool. Make the "in between" moments count. Put books everywhere your kids might be bored and want to turn on the TV, such as the breakfast table, the bedside table—wherever.
* Remember: it's up to you to make it fun.
Reading is fun! If it isn't, keep at it till they find books they can't put down. Then reward yourself, Mom and Dad, because you have just given your child the best present you could ever have imagined: the gift of reading—for life.
Visit ReadKiddoRead.com to find out more about this fantastic campaign.
Best known for his thrillers he also writes for children and is passionate about encouraging children to develop a love of reading. In 2014 he donated £250,000 to help independent bookshops with a children’s section in the UK. Rafe from the Middle School series also features on the first ever children’s ‘Books are my Bag’ rucksack.
