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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.
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.
Find lots of news and fun activities on the Middle School books here.
Profile photo credit Rankin.
James & Jack Patterson photo credit Sue Patterson
Selected for The Book Box by LoveReading4Kids | Co-written by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet (perhaps better known as Cate Tiernan, author of the Wiccan Sweep series), this tenth novel in the Maximum Ride sequence reels with action and plot-driving, straight-talking dialogue. A gripping, in-your-face opening tells seventeen-year-old Hawk’s backstory: “My parents’ muted voices, the fogged-out faces - that was ten years ago. No friend ever came. My parents never came back…What kind of a pathetic idiot waits on the same corner every day from five to five thirty for their whole life? Or at least ten years of it? The biggest idiot in the world. This was the last, very, very last time.” No sooner has Hawk given up on waiting for them to return, it seems that someone is coming for her, but not her parents, and not for amiable reasons… The factions and gangs of The City of the Dead are an ever-present menace, along with an evocative sense of post-apocalyptic decay and disorder. And, as Hawk struggles to survive, the risks and costs couldn’t be higher.
Max Einstein is a genius; aged 12 she’s already enrolled herself at university, where she’s careful to score perfect Cs in every test (she doesn’t want to stand out). She’s also an orphan who lives in a squat. Two very different groups of people have plans for Max though – the CMI (Change Makers Institute) and the equally mysterious but far more sinister Corp. Whisked away to study with other super-brainy kids, she’s challenged to bring about real change for good. The spirit of Einstein runs through this – it’s endorsed by the Einstein Archives – and in particular his belief that the imagination is more important than knowledge. Max uses her imagination and compassion together to dream up ways to improve the world. If anyone’s going to save the planet it will have to be the next generation, and this book could be the inspiration they need. As with lots of Patterson’s children’s books, this is smart, funny and fast moving, with real heart beneath the slick packaging.
November 2018 Book of the Month | Max Einstein is a genius; aged 12 she’s already enrolled herself at university, where she’s careful to score perfect Cs in every test (she doesn’t want to stand out). She’s also an orphan who lives in a squat. Two very different groups of people have plans for Max though – the CMI (Change Makers Institute) and the equally mysterious but far more sinister Corp. Whisked away to study with other super-brainy kids, she’s challenged to bring about real change for good. The spirit of Einstein runs through this – it’s endorsed by the Einstein Archives – and in particular his belief that the imagination is more important than knowledge. Max uses her imagination and compassion together to dream up ways to improve the world. If anyone’s going to save the planet it will have to be the next generation, and this book could be the inspiration they need. As with lots of Patterson’s children’s books, this is smart, funny and fast moving, with real heart beneath the slick packaging.
Bart self-describes as boring – in a school full of high-achieving middle-schoolers, he only stands out because he’s so dull. But if that’s so, how come his story involves bizarre creatures, last-minute escapes, daring computer hacks, double crosses, and even the threat of total global destruction? The only way to find out is to read it… No-one knows more about the creation of unputdownable fiction than James Patterson, and this is another sure-fire hit combining sharply observed school life with computer game action and surprisingly touching family dynamics. Boring it ain’t, and despite the easy-reading feel there’s lots to get kids thinking as they race through the pages.
July 2018 Book of the Month | | No-one knows better than James Patterson how to keep the pages turning and of all his junior heroes Rafe Khatchadorian is perhaps the most appealing. He’s the kid who just attracts trouble, the one the teachers call out the minute something goes wrong; but readers know that Rafe is actually pretty insecure, sometimes lonely, and very alert to others and how they are feeling. In London on a school trip, Rafe finds himself sharing a room with his arch-enemy, while special attention from his friend (and secret love) Jeanne marks him out for some sneaky treatment by her boyfriend. The story unfolds against a backdrop of busy, tourist London and is funny, exciting and touching all at once while the action is non-stop. Congratulations again to Patterson and his writing and illustrating partners on another irresistible and thoroughly satisfying read.
Jamie Grimm is back, and if you don't know why that's cause for celebration then it's time to wise up. Jamie is the star of the best-selling Middle School series by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein. Slick, sharp and effortlessly readable the books describe Jamie's exploits as America's funniest stand-up kid comic - or sit-down comic as Jamie would insist (he uses a wheelchair following a car accident). In this episode, Jamie is off on an international tour to compete for the title of the Planet's Funniest Kid Comic: a dream come true, or the stuff of his nightmares as Jamie worries he's only ever got the sympathy vote? There are laughs galore - Jamie really is very funny, and watch out for Peter Kay's guest appearance - but underneath it all there's lots too about the importance of friends and family, and why we need laughter to bring the world together. Give it up for Jamie Grimm everyone!
James Patterson creates books kids love, and his latest book is all about a boy who decides to create books kids love by setting up his own book company. Jimmy is determined to follow his dream of a company run by kids for kids, despite the scepticism of parents, teachers and the bank. The story mixes real life and fantasy, and along the way slips lots of recommendations for other unputdownable children’s books from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, the book that inspires Jimmy to keep trying no matter what. It could have sunk under the weight of self-reference (the book also mentions lots of Patterson’s own children’s books) but the author knows what he’s doing and the pacey narrative, variety of scenes and events, and Jimmy’s straight-to-camera narrative keeps the pages turning nicely.
Spending time with the eponymous Jacky (Ha-Ha because she’s both funny and a stammerer) is always great fun and, as ever, there’s lots to hold the attention and keep the pages turning in this new book. It’s summer 1991 (cue amusing explanations for kids about the way we used to live), and Jacky’s holidays are action-packed. She’s got a summer job at the fair, is appearing as Puck in a production of Midsummer Night’s Dream, experiencing her first crush, and trying and failing to match-make for her friends. Even when things veer towards the tragic, you can rely on Jacky to keep readers laughing, and to ensure there’s a happy ending, just like Puck in fact. ~ Andrea Reece
February 2018 Book of the Month | In a nutshell: Rafe Khatchadorian heads down under In this special episode of the hugely popular Middle School series, Rafe Khatchadorian, surely everyone’s favourite reformed troublemaker, has won a special art competition, first prize an all-expenses paid trip to Australia. Rafe isn’t sure he wants to go – he’s worried about snakes, sharks and all those other deadly indigenous creatures – but Australia isn’t ready for Rafe either: by the end of the book he and his mum, who accompanies him, are facing down an angry mob waving pitchforks. Finding out just what leads up to this is very funny indeed and readers will be pleased to hear that Rafe still returns home something of a hero. Kids everywhere will identify with Rafe, and especially those who just can’t help attracting trouble; he’s a very special hero, and Patterson’s narrative technique means the pages turn almost by themselves. ~ Andrea Reece
The Kidd family discovers an ancient map to the lost Incan City of Paititi. But when the map is stolen, the Kidds have to rely on Storm's picture-perfect memory to navigate the dangerous Amazon jungle - until she's kidnapped! To save Storm, the Kidds must locate the fabled city ... before the bad guys find it first. The race is on!
December 2017 Book of the Month The second book in the story of Jacky Ha-Ha. Like the characters in many of his hugely popular children’s books Jacky, the star of James Patterson’s Jacky Ha-Ha, is an expert a cracking jokes. It gets her attention (important when you’re one of seven sisters) and keeps the other kids laughing with her, not at her (Jacky stammers). It also gets her into a lot of trouble at school.
In a nutshell: super-readable story | robot rumpus at high school | Uh-oh, things are not running smoothly in the Hayes-Rodriguez household, which is highly unusual, because Mum, a robot scientist, has invented a host of machines to ensure it does. Something has upset the robots, and suddenly it’s chaos. With Mum busy on something else, it’s up to Sammy and his little sister Maddie to work out what’s gone wrong. It’s James Patterson’s mission to get and keep kids turning pages, and he’s a master of the art. Sammy’s wise-cracking narration hooks readers from the first, the action is pretty well non-stop, and the cartoon illustrations come thick and fast too; yet there’s still space for feelings and emotions too. Other authors creating addictive and irresistible page-turners for young readers include Steve Cole, Liz Pichon and Jim Smith. ~ Andrea Reece
October 2017 Book of the Month In a nutshell: lively, comic story celebrating kids’ reading and determination James Patterson creates books kids love, and his latest book is all about a boy who decides to create books kids love by setting up his own book company. Jimmy is determined to follow his dream of a company run by kids for kids, despite the scepticism of parents, teachers and the bank. The story mixes real life and fantasy, and along the way slips lots of recommendations for other unputdownable children’s books from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, the book that inspires Jimmy to keep trying no matter what. It could have sunk under the weight of self-reference (the book also mentions lots of Patterson’s own children’s books) but the author knows what he’s doing and the pacey narrative, variety of scenes and events, and Jimmy’s straight-to-camera narrative keeps the pages turning nicely. ~ Andrea Reece
In a nutshell: Rafe Khatchadorian heads down under In this special episode of the hugely popular Middle School series, Rafe Khatchadorian, surely everyone’s favourite reformed troublemaker, has won a special art competition, first prize an all-expenses paid trip to Australia. Rafe isn’t sure he wants to go – he’s worried about snakes, sharks and all those other deadly indigenous creatures – but Australia isn’t ready for Rafe either: by the end of the book he and his mum, who accompanies him, are facing down an angry mob waving pitchforks. Finding out just what leads up to this is very funny indeed and readers will be pleased to hear that Rafe still returns home something of a hero. Kids everywhere will identify with Rafe, and especially those who just can’t help attracting trouble; he’s a very special hero, and Patterson’s narrative technique means the pages turn almost by themselves. ~ Andrea Reece
One of our Books of the Year 2018 | June 2017 Book of the Month | In a nutshell: more fast, funny, heavily illustrated adventures with everyone’s favourite junior comic Lots has happened since Jamie Grimm’s first appearance in I Funny. Then he was a would-be stand-up comic, now he’s an established star with his own TV sitcom. Some things haven’t changed however, he’s still got an implacable enemy in his cousin, Stevie Kosgrove, especially when Stevie sees how he’s represented in Jamie’s sitcom. Back at middle school, can Jamie avoid Stevie, sort out his uncle’s Frankie’s love life, save the school library, and still keep his audience laughing? No matter how wild and wacky the action, Jamie’s presence and distinctive voice hold it all together and this is another sure-fire page-turner. Laughs and plot twists can be taken for granted, but Patterson makes sure the story delivers on character too, and the chance to see the world through someone else’s eyes. ~ Andrea Reece
An important story which delivers more than just laughs - it shows that the worst bullying doesn't have to be physical, and that things will get better.
June 2017 Book of the Month In a Nutshell: Twins fight for freedom under an authoritarian system This slickly plotted dystopian thriller set in a terrifying totalitarian regime will keep fans of The Hunger Games gripped to the very last word. Seventeen-year-old twins Cassie and Becca (known to each another as Careful Cassie and Ridiculous Rebecca) are alike as the idiomatic chalk and cheese. Becca is a born rebel who pushes the boundaries of their strictly regimented society to the limit, while Cassie never steps out of line. When Becca disappears, Cassie is on her own. Their ma has supposedly been “taken away for a mood-adjust”, while Pa is dying in the Lingering Wing. And Becca isn’t the only one to have vanished. Other kids and teenagers have gone too. But while the Provost of their administrative region accuses the disappeared of being “Outsiders, bad citizens, who don't want to live by the cell rules”, Becca’s narrative from within the “crazy house” presents an entirely different interpretation. Inside the prison, executions abound and inmates are subjected to horrific challenges. Dare Becca hope that she can be the first to escape? And can Cassie shake off her cautiousness to save her sister? Stylistically snappy, and snaking with shocking revelations, the final twist in this tale packs an entirely unpredictable punch. All in all, this is a compulsive must-read for fans of fiction fuelled by badass survivalism. ~ Joanne Owen
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 Kid fans. 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.
Like the characters in many of his hugely popular children’s books Jacky, the star of James Patterson’s Jacky Ha-Ha, is an expert a cracking jokes. It gets her attention (important when you’re one of seven sisters) and keeps the other kids laughing with her, not at her (Jacky stammers). It also gets her into a lot of trouble at school. It takes a new teacher with as many gags as Jacky to find a way to channel that creative energy into something that will keep her in the spotlight but out of detention. As ever the story zips along and Jacky’s first person straight-to-camera narrative is very appealing. Behind the humour the emotions ring true – Jacky misses her mum, a US soldier away on operations and worries what her dad is doing out late every night – and this will have readers hooked from page one. ~ Andrea Reece
Blockbuster author James Patterson delivers a genuinely hilarious—and surprisingly poignant—story of a wildly imaginative kid that you won't forget. Now released on Netflix you can find out more about the movie Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life at middleschoolmovie.com. Books in The Middle School Series: 1. Middle School: The Worst Year of My Life 2. Middle School: Get Me Out of Here! 3. Middle School: My Brother is a Big Fat Liar 4. Middle School: How I Survived Bullies, Broccoli and Snake Hill 5. Middle School: Ultimate Showdown 6. Middle School: Save Rafe! 7. Middle School: Just My Rotten Luck 8. Middle School: Dog's Best Friend 9. Middle School: Escape to Australia 10. Middle School: From Hero to Zero 11. Middle School: Born to Rock
In a nutshell: super-readable story | robot rumpus at high school | Uh-oh, things are not running smoothly in the Hayes-Rodriguez household, which is highly unusual, because Mum, a robot scientist, has invented a host of machines to ensure it does. Something has upset the robots, and suddenly it’s chaos. With Mum busy on something else, it’s up to Sammy and his little sister Maddie to work out what’s gone wrong. It’s James Patterson’s mission to get and keep kids turning pages, and he’s a master of the art. Sammy’s wise-cracking narration hooks readers from the first, the action is pretty well non-stop, and the cartoon illustrations come thick and fast too; yet there’s still space for feelings and emotions too. Other authors creating addictive and irresistible page-turners for young readers include Steve Cole, Liz Pichon and Jim Smith. ~ Andrea Reece
January 2017 Book of the Month | A book to make you flinch! Virulent diseases and natural disasters are sweeping the world, the church and a private investigator seek the truth behind the reports of two pregnant virgins, can they possibly be linked? Cradle and All is a reimagined telling of a previous James Patterson novel Virgin which was written in 1980. The story touches various lives, including investigator Anne who speaks in the first person. Anne’s tale centres the story, I felt a connection to her, which made the horrifying events feel as though they were within touching distance. The short chapters made my mind flicker, and question my thoughts and feelings. Spinning from good to evil, hope to despair, Cradle and All is an action packed tale, which moves quickly and creates a tense atmosphere, ensuring a thrilling read. ~ Liz Robinson
December 2016 Book of the Month | In a nutshell: you’ll believe a mouse can be a hero! | There are fast-moving, grab-you-by-the-eyeballs-first-page-in reads, then there’s James Patterson! Boy, does this man know how to tell a story in a way that hooks kids and keeps them glued to the story to the end! His new hero Isaiah is a little mouse with a huge vocabulary and determination to match. Escaped from a laboratory, Isaiah is the only one of his 96 siblings to evade recapture, and even though he’s bright blue, he manages to stay on the run, eventually freeing his brothers and sisters. He narrates his story in breathless no-nonsense prose that lets readers know exactly what’s going on, and how he feels. It’s peppered with his funny comments, while each chapter begins with a wonderfully grandiloquent Isaiahism. Regular black and white illustrations increase the excitement even further. Give this mouse a home! ~ Andrea Reece
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 Kid fans. 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.
In 3 words : in it together The Kidd family, stars of some of James Patterson’s liveliest and most boisterous adventures are back and centre stage in the latest episode in his globe-trotting series, Treasure Hunters. This time the Kidds are in Russia and hot on the trail of some missing masterpieces of the art world. Chapter are short but always full of action, and full of appealing illustrations too. The Kidds are a fun bunch of people to spend time with and kid readers will feel well and truly part of the action. This is fiction to get even the most reluctant readers avidly turning the pages. ~ Andrea Reece For more unputdownable reading see Steve Cole, including his new Magic Inc book, and Ali Sparkes’s Shapeshifter series.
In the expert hands of James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein middle school is the funniest place on earth, especially in this series starring Jamie Grimm, the wheelchair-using kid with the super-sharp line in banter. Things should be looking good for Jamie following his triumph in the Planet’s Funniest Kid Comic competition, but part of his prize is the starring role in his own sitcom and Jamie’s not sure he wants that. Plus, there’s a new bully at school who is impervious to Jamie’s secret weapon – comedy. As ever the story moves so smoothly that readers won’t even notice how quickly the pages are turning while Jamie’s resilience as much as his comic timing make him a hugely appealing hero. ~ Andrea Reece
James Patterson continues to do sterling work turning reluctant readers onto books, and this latest instalment in the ongoing trials of Rafe Khatchadorian will more than satisfy his young fans. Things couldn’t look worse for Rafe, he’s back at Hills Village Middle School, but enrolled in a special needs class. The only person showing any enthusiasm for his return is his least favourite person in the world, Miller, aka the Killer. But as readers know, Raffe is nothing less than resilient, and things might not turn out as badly as he expects. Short action-packed chapters, snappy dialogue, lots of humour, cartoons and extra graphics, they all contribute to make these some of the most accessible page-turners around. ~ Andrea Reece
Like the characters in many of his hugely popular children’s books Jacky, the star of James Patterson’s Jacky Ha-Ha, is an expert a cracking jokes. It gets her attention (important when you’re one of seven sisters) and keeps the other kids laughing with her, not at her (Jacky stammers). It also gets her into a lot of trouble at school. It takes a new teacher with as many gags as Jacky to find a way to channel that creative energy into something that will keep her in the spotlight but out of detention. As ever the story zips along and Jacky’s first person straight-to-camera narrative is very appealing. Behind the humour the emotions ring true – Jacky misses her mum, a US soldier away on operations and worries what her dad is doing out late every night – and this will have readers hooked from page one. ~ Andrea Reece
One of our Books of the Year 2015 - Now in paperback Another helping of page-turning fun from James Patterson, ably assisted by Chris Grabenstein. Sammy Hayes-Rodriguez shares his home with robots – his mum is a robot scientist - and one of them, E, even goes to school with him, to act as eyes and ears for little sister Maddie, who has severe immune-deficiency. Having a ‘bro-bot’ gives Sammy some much-needed cool at school, but the arrival of another robot in the classroom puts a spanner in the works. With E suddenly behaving like a delinquent, Sammy must find out what’s going wrong, and put it right. For all the craziness of the situation, the story is firmly grounded in kids’ own experiences of school and home-life. Short chapters, the speedy pace and copious cartoon illustrations mean that readers will zip through this. ~ Andrea Reece
In the expert hands of James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein middle school is the funniest place on earth, especially in this series starring Jamie Grimm, the wheelchair-using kid with the super-sharp line in banter. Things should be looking good for Jamie following his triumph in the Planet’s Funniest Kid Comic competition, but part of his prize is the starring role in his own sitcom and Jamie’s not sure he wants that. Plus, there’s a new bully at school who is impervious to Jamie’s secret weapon – comedy. As ever the story moves so smoothly that readers won’t even notice how quickly the pages are turning while Jamie’s resilience as much as his comic timing make him a hugely appealing hero. ~ Andrea Reece
One of our Books of the Year 2015 - December 2015 Book of the Month Another helping of page-turning fun from James Patterson, ably assisted by Chris Grabenstein. Sammy Hayes-Rodriguez shares his home with robots – his mum is a robot scientist - and one of them, E, even goes to school with him, to act as eyes and ears for little sister Maddie, who has severe immune-deficiency. Having a ‘bro-bot’ gives Sammy some much-needed cool at school, but the arrival of another robot in the classroom puts a spanner in the works. With E suddenly behaving like a delinquent, Sammy must find out what’s going wrong, and put it right. For all the craziness of the situation, the story is firmly grounded in kids’ own experiences of school and home-life. Short chapters, the speedy pace and copious cartoon illustrations mean that readers will zip through this. ~ Andrea ReeceOther authors creating irresistible and addictive page-turners for readers – however reluctant – include Steve Cole, Jim Smith and Liz Pichon.
Another welcome return for Jamie Grimm, wisecracking wheelchair-using star of best-selling author James Patterson’s Middle School series for kids. In this episode Jamie is off to Hollywood to take part in the national finals of the Planet’s Funniest Kid Comic Competition, having won various local and national heats along the way. All this success has gone to Jamie’s head though. Given that he’s always the butt of his own jokes, Jamie is going to have to have to learn to laugh at himself again to be in with a chance of winning the competition. Fortunately, his friends and family are there to help him do just that. Jamie’s voice rings loud and true as ever, the various different plot lines are easy to follow and it all comes together in another heart-warming climax.~ Andrea Reece
James Patterson continues to do sterling work turning reluctant readers onto books, and this latest instalment in the ongoing trials of Rafe Khatchadorian will more than satisfy his young fans. Things couldn’t look worse for Rafe, he’s back at Hills Village Middle School, but enrolled in a special needs class. The only person showing any enthusiasm for his return is his least favourite person in the world, Miller, aka the Killer. But as readers know, Raffe is nothing less than resilient, and things might not turn out as badly as he expects. Short action-packed chapters, snappy dialogue, lots of humour, cartoons and extra graphics, they all contribute to make these some of the most accessible page-turners around. ~ Andrea Reece
The Kidds - treasure hunting family extraordinare - are heading to China, on a journey that will lead them beyond the Great Wall and into the underbelly of Berlin. Bick and Beck Kidd are desperately trying to secure the ancient Chinese artefact that will buy their mother's freedom from renegade pirates. But when the kidnappers force them to locate an even greater treasure - priceless paintings stolen by Nazis, the Kidds must rely on their own cunning and experience to outwit the criminals, all while their mom's life is on the line. Find lots of news and fun activities on the Middle School books here. The Treasure Hunting Kidd siblings have their own web series...here's a trailer.. Download a great activity pack, with puzzles and quizzes and more about the Treasure Hunters series - here!
Sixteen year old Cuckoo, as she calls herself, has had a hard time. Her mother walked out on her, and she’s spent time in a psychiatric unit. She’s just out of there when the book opens, and Patterson makes excellent use of the diary format to tell her story, giving her a great teen voice - sarcastic, funny, super-observant. There’s more heartbreak for Cuckoo to come: her much-loved foster mother dies, and her best friend attempts suicide. She’s resilient though, and pulls through with the help of her close friends aka the Freakshow. It’s an uplifting, feel-good story, and the combination of Cuckoo’s voice, short chapters and regular cartoon comments on the action make for particularly easy reading. Recommended. ~ Andrea Reece
James Patterson knows just how to write page-turning stories, and he puts that skill to excellent use in his books for children. House of Robots is the first in a new series created with Chris Grabenstein and tells the story of Sammy, whose genius mother invents robots. Imagine Sammy’s embarrassment when she insists that he take the newest robot, an annoying know-it-all named E, to school. Cue lots of opportunities for social comedy and broad slapstick. Beneath the humour, there are themes of friendship, compassion and family – Sammy’s younger sister is housebound due to severe immunodeficiency. Cartoon-style illustrations break up the text and add even more to the fun. Young readers will love it. ~ Andrea Reece
Sibling stars of the Middle School series Rafe and Georgia Khatchadorian go head to head in this interactive book, each giving their very different advice on how to get the important aspects of school life right – from homework, bullies and the canteen’s food, to really key stuff like what to wear! It makes for fun and entertaining reading, and actually gives kids lots of useful advice and reassurance too. Readers are invited to record their own ideas on the different topics, to complete puzzles and add even to add their own illustrations. As ever, Patterson knows exactly what gets kids’ attention, and even reluctant readers will relish this. ~ Andrea Reece The Middle School books are great for reluctant readers: teachers and parents will find this resource pack useful, with ideas for discussion points and activities related to the stories.
Kenny Wright is smart, polite, and really good at chess, none of which does anything to impress the kids at his new Middle School, which is one tough place. But when, he’s forced to teach one of his regular tormentors how to play chess and to their mutual surprise, they both learn some really interesting life lessons. As ever with Patterson, this is sharp and funny, first-rate page-turning fiction. He makes serious points about the importance of ensuring everyone in society gets a proper education, but without it every feeling preachy. Cartoons of Kenny in his would-be superhero guise of Stainlezz Steel add an extra layer to the plot and are great fun too. ~ Andrea Reece
From the Middle School series to the I Funny books, James Patterson is responsible for some of the most addictive kids’ books around, irresistible page-turners that grab the attention of even the most reluctant reader. I have to confess a particular fondness however for the Treasure Hunter series and for its central characters the Kidds - Tommy, Storm and twins Beck and Bick. Mum Kidd has been kidnapped and Dad Kidd is missing, so it’s up to the junior members of the family to save them, even though that means facing up to hordes of ruthless baddies, and overcoming the usual bickering that goes on in families. It’s a wild ride, funny and exciting, with a different adventure in every chapter and the Kidds are a hoot! ~ Andrea Reece
March 2015 Book of the Month Save Rafe! gives struggling middle school student Rafe Khatchadorian another chance to prove himself. In this adventure he is spending a week on an outdoor survival expedition in order to be accepted back into Hills Village Middle School – the pressure is on because if things don’t go well he’ll be held back a year. Rafe is a great character, funny, bright, full of good intentions, and lots of readers will identify with him. James Patterson knows all about constructing satisfying, page-turning stories and even the most reluctant reader will be gripped and entertained by Rafe’s travails in this story. Once again, there are plentiful black and white illustrations by Laura Park which complement Rafe’s adventures perfectly. ~ Andrea Reece
Another welcome return for Jamie Grimm, wisecracking wheelchair-using star of best-selling author James Patterson’s Middle School series for kids. In this episode Jamie is off to Hollywood to take part in the national finals of the Planet’s Funniest Kid Comic Competition, having won various local and national heats along the way. All this success has gone to Jamie’s head though. Given that he’s always the butt of his own jokes, Jamie is going to have to have to learn to laugh at himself again to be in with a chance of winning the competition. Fortunately, his friends and family are there to help him do just that. Jamie’s voice rings loud and true as ever, the various different plot lines are easy to follow and it all comes together in another heart-warming climax.~ Andrea Reece
I Even Funnier is a welcome return for Jamie, wheel-chair-using wannabe comedian and star of James Patterson’s new series. Once again, Jamie’s preparations for a comedy competition give the plot an impetus that will get and keep kids turning the pages, while sub-plots concerning Jamie’s family and friends – much-loved uncle Frankie, far less likeable bully of a cousin Stevie, and friend Gaynor – provide new storylines and the chance for a bit of reflection on what’s really important in life. I Even Funnier is as funny as I Funny and as involving and touching too, which is real praise. There’s a guest appearance by Rafe Khatchadorian too in cartoon strip form that I very much enjoyed! ~ Andrea Reece
Jamie Grimm, he funny. He very funny in fact. Book one in this new series by James Patterson follows his progress as he enters a local comedy competition for kids. The plotline allows for jokes a-plenty, while Jamie’s comical observations on life add to the humour. But it’s not all laughs. As Jamie himself puts it, he’s a stand-up comic who doesn’t fit the job description: an accident has put him in a wheelchair. The urge to find out what happened to Jamie will keep readers turning the pages just as much as the laughs and beneath the surface there’s a tender and affecting story, very skilfully told. ~ Andrea Reece
James Patterson knows just how to write page-turning stories, and he puts that skill to excellent use in his books for children. House of Robots is the first in a new series created with Chris Grabenstein and tells the story of Sammy, whose genius mother invents robots. Imagine Sammy’s embarrassment when she insists that he take the newest robot, an annoying know-it-all named E, to school. Cue lots of opportunities for social comedy and broad slapstick. Beneath the humour, there are themes of friendship, compassion and family – Sammy’s younger sister is housebound due to severe immunodeficiency. Cartoon-style illustrations break up the text and add even more to the fun. Young readers will love it. ~ Andrea Reece
Save Rafe! gives struggling middle school student Rafe Khatchadorian another chance to prove himself. In this adventure he is spending a week on an outdoor survival expedition in order to be accepted back into Hills Village Middle School – the pressure is on because if things don’t go well he’ll be held back a year. Rafe is a great character, funny, bright, full of good intentions, and lots of readers will identify with him. James Patterson knows all about constructing satisfying, page-turning stories and even the most reluctant reader will be gripped and entertained by Rafe’s travails in this story. Once again, there are plentiful black and white illustrations by Laura Park which complement Rafe’s adventures perfectly. ~ Andrea Reece
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.
Readers get a chance to participate in James Patterson's wildly successful Middle School series in this interactive book featuring more than 80 hilarious anecdotes from dueling siblings Rafe and Georgia Khatchadorian - plus dozens of fun-filled activities!
Find out The Truth about Rafe Khatchadorian's sister in the first Middle School story from the point of view of the hilarious Georgia - a girl who's ready to speak her mind!
James Patterson delivers what the fans have been asking for - the story of what happens next - with an epic fourth installment about the heroic teen witch and wizard that have captured our imaginations. Passion has never been more dangerous.
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