> Skip to content

Article  •  12 May 2016

 

Meet Middle School hero, Rafe

Say hi to Rafe Khatchadorian – James Patterson’s Middle School series hero.

You may know James Patterson as one of the biggest-selling crime and thriller writers of all time. What you may not know is that he also writes hilarious, hugely popular children’s books.

If you haven’t already met him it’s our pleasure to introduce you to Rafe Khatchadorian, the comically tragic hero of the Middle School series.

‘Hi I’m Rafe Khatchadorian, and if you already know me, then you know I do things a little differently than most people. I like to break the rules. No, I love to break rules. Especially dumb ones, like no talking in the hallways at my school and only being allowed to use the bathroom two times a day, no matter what.'

With his ‘pukey sister’ Georgia, school bully ‘Miller the Killer’ and the diabolical teacher he names the ‘Dragon Lady’ constantly on his case, it’s no wonder Rafe spends plenty of time in his favourite subject  . . .  after school detention.

But on a serious note:

The first book in the series, Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life, follows eleven-year-old Rafe as he navigates his way through Grade 6, while also juggling a problematic home life. Told from the riotously honest perspective of Rafe, readers really get into the headspace of a young boy who is just trying to fit in and be accepted by others.

It’s the characters in Middle School that really give this series its heart. As well as Rafe, you’ll meet other likeable and relatable kids such as his sister Georgia Khatchadorian, who is just trying to live up to her big brother’s reputation, and Jamie Grimm, a middle schooler with a mission to become the world’s greatest stand-up comedian.

But don’t just take our word for it, have a read and find out for yourself!

Feature Title

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life
A heartwarming and uproariously funny illustrated novel from bestselling author James Patterson. Now a major Hollywood movie!
Read more

More features

See all
Article
5 of the hottest YA books right now (2025)

Check out some of the hottest YA books in stores now, from epic romantasy to sweet, unexpected romance.

Article
How to throw the perfect Bluey birthday party

Everything you need to throw the perfect Bluey birthday party!

Article
Your guide to writers’ festivals in May 2025

Check out some of the Penguin Random House authors who will be at upcoming writers’ festivals.

Article
How to save money on groceries: 6 innovative budget tips

Food shopping on a budget? These tips from Money-Saving Meal Plans With Chelsea will help you spend less on food.

Article
Penguin Picks: 4 books to escape with this long weekend – no travel required

Check out the long weekend reads Penguin employees are loving.

Article
Penguin Noir 2025 was a criminally good showcase

Our 2025 Penguin Noir events have wrapped up for another year – featuring four cities, four days, seven authors and a whole lot of crime!

Article
Two Penguin authors make the shortlist for the 2025 Stella Prize

Congrats to Samah Sabawi, author of Cactus Pear For My Beloved and Jumaana Abdu, author of Translations!

Article
Lynette Noni is touring Australia in 2025!

Find out where you can hear Lynette Noni speak about her upcoming book, Wandering Wild.

Article
Two thrilling adaptations of Candice Fox’s bestsellers are coming to screens near you

High Wire and Fire With Fire are both in development for series adaptations.

Article
Maurice and Maralyn wins Nero Gold Prize, Book of the Year 2024

We’re thrilled to share that Maruice and Maralyn by Sophie Elmhirst has won the Nero Book Awards Gold Prize, Book of the Year.

Article
Award-winning and shortlisted books of 2025

Discover some of the best Penguin Random House books of 2025 with this list of award-winning and shortlisted titles this year.

Article
CBCA Book of the Year Notables 2025

We're thrilled to share that fourteen books have been named CBCA Notables this year. Learn more about them here.

Looking for more articles?

See all articles
penguin pop image
penguin pop image