The story is about a middle school boy, Rafe Khatchadorian, who heads back to Hills Village Middle School (HVMS) where his misadventures began and was forced to take a Special Education Class. Though Rafe was reluctant to start again at the middle school, he joined the school’s football team along with Miller the Killer and managed to make a play in saving his team. This made him popular and respected and as a result, he was never picked on by his teammates. He also created a new operation called Secret Artist Man (S.A.M). He slowly gained confidence at school.
I liked the sequence of events presented by the author about how misadventures unfolded in Rafe’s seventh grade days at HVMS. As Rafe’s brother, Leo was an inspiration for Rafe’s ideas. The author portrays the humor which is appealing and funny to a middle school reader. I also liked the way the author goes to a flashback in giving some context to Rafe’s situation. The many challenges and obstacles Rafe encountered at the middle school gave the impetus in maintaining a momentum in the story. As I was reading the book, I was expecting more serious and unexpected events to happen.
The most memorable part of the book was when Rafe scored a touchdown in the football game. It reminded me of a famous phrase, “Where there’s a will, there is a way.” It turned out to be a better year for Rafe which gave a new hope in his life. The description of the characters and events are memorable which helps to keep the story moving.
Reviewed by Ronojoy, Grade 6, Twin Hickory Area Library
HCPL TeenScene's Read + Review 