What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets to Ruling School (Without Even Trying) (Secrets to Ruling School #1) (The Secrets to Ruling School) by Neil Swaab
It’s the first week of middle school, i.e., the Worst Place in the Entire World. How do you survive in a place where there are tough kids twice your size, sadistic teachers, and restrictions that make jail look like a five-star resort? Easy: with the help of Max Corrigan, middle school “expert” and life coach. Let Max teach you how to win over not just one, but all of the groups in school, from the Preps to the Band Geeks. Along the way, Max offers surefire advice and revealing tips on how to get through universal middle school experiences like gym class, detention, faking sick, dealing with jocks and bullies, and acing exams (without getting caught cheating).
In an innovative format that is part narrative and part how-to, acclaimed illustrator Neil Swaab has created a hilarious new reading experience that is reminiscent of video games and sure to engage even the most reluctant reader.
In an innovative format that is part narrative and part how-to, acclaimed illustrator Neil Swaab has created a hilarious new reading experience that is reminiscent of video games and sure to engage even the most reluctant reader.
Hardcover
First published July 28, 2015
7 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
Neil Swaab
28 books39 followersNeil Swaab is a Brooklyn-based illustrator whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Utne Reader, the Village Voice, and most recently, James Patterson’s Middle School: My Brother Is a Big, Fat Liar. Swaab has also worked on Adult Swim’s Superjail!, Comedy Central’s Ugly Americans, and Cartoon Network’s Annoying Orange. He is also a syndicated cartoonist whose comic strip appeared online and in print for thirteen years. Learn more about Swaab at neilswaab.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 4, 2015
~Disclaimer: I received this book for free in a giveaway~
I work with Middle School and High School kids. Would I buy this book for them....No.
I think it has bad messages (about lying and cheating to get ahead) and that it is very unrealistic as to what Middle School is actually like.
The artwork is good and I think kids might like it. I'm not one so....
I think the style of you the reader being the new kids was pretty neat. And it was done very well. The character Max is well developed and you get a strong feel for who he is. Most of the other characters are just walking stereotypes though.
I've bought Bad Kitty and Captain Underpants for my kiddos, but this one just isn't gonna make it onto their shelves. If you do decide you are okay with it and want to get it; it looks like the author is intending to make it into a series. So, there should be more books to come.
I work with Middle School and High School kids. Would I buy this book for them....No.
I think it has bad messages (about lying and cheating to get ahead) and that it is very unrealistic as to what Middle School is actually like.
The artwork is good and I think kids might like it. I'm not one so....
I think the style of you the reader being the new kids was pretty neat. And it was done very well. The character Max is well developed and you get a strong feel for who he is. Most of the other characters are just walking stereotypes though.
I've bought Bad Kitty and Captain Underpants for my kiddos, but this one just isn't gonna make it onto their shelves. If you do decide you are okay with it and want to get it; it looks like the author is intending to make it into a series. So, there should be more books to come.
October 25, 2023
This was a very funny book.
October 7, 2015
This was a Good Reads Giveaway & it's a funny, full-length, black & white cartoon story for mid-graders.
November 14, 2016
The book I read was The Secrets To Ruling School. The book is about this new kid coming school and he meets a friend. He tells the groups in the school and who you should be with. Then he has to one job and that lead to 10 jobs just do one. And the end it all works out. It's your job to find out what he does to do one job to rule school.
The book is different than other books. The person that helps you rule school is talking to you. And his name is Max. It's hard to explain but it feels like you are in the book. Max is a kid who gets in trouble a lot but gets away with it sometimes. He ditches class and does pranks and more. He doesn't give up what he wants to do. If someone bullies him he tries to bully back. He doesn't care if he gets in trouble or not. I'm kinda like Max but he tries hard to the wrong thing. I sometimes try to the right thing.
I like the author Neil Swaab. I want to read more books that he writes. They seem interesting and funny. Also it was a little long but I enjoyed this book. People that would like this book is people who read diary of a wimpy kid. It's entertaing and funny to read. I wonder of they will come out with a movie like diary of a wimpy kid.
I enjoyed this book because it was funny and exciting. Sometimes it even had cliff hangers. I would want to read more books like this and I probably will. It was entertaining and a good book to read.
I would rate this book a 5/5 because it was amazing overall. It wasn't too long or too short it was perfect. And I hope he makes more books like that one.
The book is different than other books. The person that helps you rule school is talking to you. And his name is Max. It's hard to explain but it feels like you are in the book. Max is a kid who gets in trouble a lot but gets away with it sometimes. He ditches class and does pranks and more. He doesn't give up what he wants to do. If someone bullies him he tries to bully back. He doesn't care if he gets in trouble or not. I'm kinda like Max but he tries hard to the wrong thing. I sometimes try to the right thing.
I like the author Neil Swaab. I want to read more books that he writes. They seem interesting and funny. Also it was a little long but I enjoyed this book. People that would like this book is people who read diary of a wimpy kid. It's entertaing and funny to read. I wonder of they will come out with a movie like diary of a wimpy kid.
I enjoyed this book because it was funny and exciting. Sometimes it even had cliff hangers. I would want to read more books like this and I probably will. It was entertaining and a good book to read.
I would rate this book a 5/5 because it was amazing overall. It wasn't too long or too short it was perfect. And I hope he makes more books like that one.
July 15, 2019
Max helps you fit in at your new school and manage to infiltrate every clique within your first week. Would appeal to the middle school crowd, for sure, but isn’t a very uplifting story. Popular style with drawings, the teachers are the enemies and the students rule the school. Loads of potty humor throughout, but the groups wind up all being helped out by your expertise through making the school bully look bad. If “an eye for an eye” is your thing, this will suit, but the story is not one for me.
March 9, 2018
I liked it because it's funny.
October 10, 2019
In my opinion my this book was interesting and funny.
March 16, 2020
This book is awesome and cool.
Want to read
April 16, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
October 16, 2025
This book talks about how YOU rule school but fail trying to help others.
January 31, 2016
Review copy provided by Netgalley
While this book is not the only one to come out in past few years looking like a rulebook written in a school notebook, this book is singular in its overall format. This book seems to dance back and forth between instructional guide and second-person narrative. I liked that. It was a very funny book too, though I wasn't particularly keen on a couple choices of verbiage such as referring to kids being 'screwed' when things go wrong, or to 'taking a dump' in the bathroom that were sprinkled throughout. That's the kind of stuff that makes a school librarian choose not to put a book on their shelves. Also, there was a reliance on the cliched school social structure that I find tiresome and completely unrealistic in most cases. Essentially, that kind of storytelling perpetuates archaic social settings that don't reflect the reality of today, making teenagers seem one-dimensional and agonizingly predictable.
However, I don't mean to come down on this decision too hard, because I really was very impressed with the book. Within the setting he created, Swaab did an impressive job of creating a gradually escalating plan to affect change throughout the school. The cliques that he used were essential to the overall plot. Each clique needed something from the other one that made for a ever-evolving set of obstacles that the main character, me, had to overcome in order to find his comfortable place in the school.
This book is full of advice, most of it the kind that would most teachers and parents openly weep, but all of it done in a tongue-in-cheek, humorous style. The astute reader will realize that the plans, though amazing elaborate and seemingly well thought out, all have glitches that tend to make them backfire for one reason or another and generally complicate the characters' lives further. It's not until the end is in sight that you start to realize that the characters are growing from experience together and that real friendships are forming. One character I felt continually bad for was Eugene Leach, whose unpopularity made him the butt of many of jokes about lonely he was. I don't feel like that was done in good taste. Still, there is something enjoyable about this story.
I'm sure it would appeal to readers of anything from I am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President or Vordak the Incomprehensible: Rule the School to fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Big Nate: In a Class by Himself or Dear Dumb Diary Box Set #1-4 or Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life. It was right on par with those books for crass, occasionally crude humor.
Were I a middle school librarian, I would undoubtedly add this book to my library, but as I am dealing with an elementary crowd, I would probably pass this by in my next order. Still, as a reader, I was very impressed. I liked the book. I laughed throughout, and I would happily add this book to my personal collection. Good book if the audience is ready for it.
While this book is not the only one to come out in past few years looking like a rulebook written in a school notebook, this book is singular in its overall format. This book seems to dance back and forth between instructional guide and second-person narrative. I liked that. It was a very funny book too, though I wasn't particularly keen on a couple choices of verbiage such as referring to kids being 'screwed' when things go wrong, or to 'taking a dump' in the bathroom that were sprinkled throughout. That's the kind of stuff that makes a school librarian choose not to put a book on their shelves. Also, there was a reliance on the cliched school social structure that I find tiresome and completely unrealistic in most cases. Essentially, that kind of storytelling perpetuates archaic social settings that don't reflect the reality of today, making teenagers seem one-dimensional and agonizingly predictable.
However, I don't mean to come down on this decision too hard, because I really was very impressed with the book. Within the setting he created, Swaab did an impressive job of creating a gradually escalating plan to affect change throughout the school. The cliques that he used were essential to the overall plot. Each clique needed something from the other one that made for a ever-evolving set of obstacles that the main character, me, had to overcome in order to find his comfortable place in the school.
This book is full of advice, most of it the kind that would most teachers and parents openly weep, but all of it done in a tongue-in-cheek, humorous style. The astute reader will realize that the plans, though amazing elaborate and seemingly well thought out, all have glitches that tend to make them backfire for one reason or another and generally complicate the characters' lives further. It's not until the end is in sight that you start to realize that the characters are growing from experience together and that real friendships are forming. One character I felt continually bad for was Eugene Leach, whose unpopularity made him the butt of many of jokes about lonely he was. I don't feel like that was done in good taste. Still, there is something enjoyable about this story.
I'm sure it would appeal to readers of anything from I am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President or Vordak the Incomprehensible: Rule the School to fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Big Nate: In a Class by Himself or Dear Dumb Diary Box Set #1-4 or Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life. It was right on par with those books for crass, occasionally crude humor.
Were I a middle school librarian, I would undoubtedly add this book to my library, but as I am dealing with an elementary crowd, I would probably pass this by in my next order. Still, as a reader, I was very impressed. I liked the book. I laughed throughout, and I would happily add this book to my personal collection. Good book if the audience is ready for it.
August 15, 2015
Swaab's book has some interesting style ideas, but he just doesn't quite pull it all off effectively. The book is in the popular notebook or diary style, which is always fun. From the start, the reader is a character who is being swayed by Max, the self-proclaimed boss of the school. It's fun to be in the book, as a reader, but it takes a skilled author to make a one-sided conversation interesting, and the Max's voice ends up reading like a how-to book. I actually feel that this could have been an effective how-to book instead of a full story.
The book gets confusing when the conversation changes from Max persuading you to join his plan, to you in a negotiation with Randy, the class clown. I think the ultimate goal is for you, the reader, to be allowed to hang with the class clown crowd. But, the class clown wants a favor, so the conversation changes and Max convinces you to get that favor from another clique, and the conversation changes to a negotiation with the head of that clique. And then Max convinces you to ask for that favor from another clique, so the conversation changes to a negotiation with the head of that clique... are you confused yet? I was for a while, too. The book continues as a back-and-forth between you and Max, and you and a clique leader. By the time the pattern starts making sense, the end becomes incredibly predictable.
Since we only see each character, aside from Max, for brief negotiations, there's never any character development. They are all just flat stereotypes. Add the predictable storyline and ending, and this book has no story arc. Most of the jokes fall flat, too. They might work in a sarcastic how-to manual, but they all don't make a good story.
The book gets confusing when the conversation changes from Max persuading you to join his plan, to you in a negotiation with Randy, the class clown. I think the ultimate goal is for you, the reader, to be allowed to hang with the class clown crowd. But, the class clown wants a favor, so the conversation changes and Max convinces you to get that favor from another clique, and the conversation changes to a negotiation with the head of that clique. And then Max convinces you to ask for that favor from another clique, so the conversation changes to a negotiation with the head of that clique... are you confused yet? I was for a while, too. The book continues as a back-and-forth between you and Max, and you and a clique leader. By the time the pattern starts making sense, the end becomes incredibly predictable.
Since we only see each character, aside from Max, for brief negotiations, there's never any character development. They are all just flat stereotypes. Add the predictable storyline and ending, and this book has no story arc. Most of the jokes fall flat, too. They might work in a sarcastic how-to manual, but they all don't make a good story.
June 30, 2017
4/5 Stars
I won a free ARC of this book thanks to the First Reads Giveaway program. :)
This book was a lot of fun to read! As soon as I started, I knew right away that I could not stop until I finished. I think that kids will really enjoy this book.
There were so many LOL moments in this book. The main character, Max, was witty and likeable. Also, I like how this book wasn't dumbed down for kids. It covers some pretty mature content at times, like cliques and swearing. It's like a little survival guide to Middle School.
I'm sure it's not meant to be taken 100% seriously, though, and hopefully kids will know that. It gives you tips on how to skip class, how to trick people, how to get out of gym class, how to get the best seat at the lunch table, and how to stand up to bullies. I just hope kids don't take the tips too seriously, and that they realize it's just a fun book, because following the tips would definitely get them into a lot of trouble. Also, kids shouldn't feel like they have to try so hard to fit in.
I also liked the way that the book was set up. Max is talking to you, the reader, and you even develop a relationship with him by the end and become his friend. That was pretty genius.
The illustrations were GREAT! Probably my favorite part of the book. They were cute and hilarious, and I think that this series will go far.
I won a free ARC of this book thanks to the First Reads Giveaway program. :)
This book was a lot of fun to read! As soon as I started, I knew right away that I could not stop until I finished. I think that kids will really enjoy this book.
There were so many LOL moments in this book. The main character, Max, was witty and likeable. Also, I like how this book wasn't dumbed down for kids. It covers some pretty mature content at times, like cliques and swearing. It's like a little survival guide to Middle School.
I'm sure it's not meant to be taken 100% seriously, though, and hopefully kids will know that. It gives you tips on how to skip class, how to trick people, how to get out of gym class, how to get the best seat at the lunch table, and how to stand up to bullies. I just hope kids don't take the tips too seriously, and that they realize it's just a fun book, because following the tips would definitely get them into a lot of trouble. Also, kids shouldn't feel like they have to try so hard to fit in.
I also liked the way that the book was set up. Max is talking to you, the reader, and you even develop a relationship with him by the end and become his friend. That was pretty genius.
The illustrations were GREAT! Probably my favorite part of the book. They were cute and hilarious, and I think that this series will go far.
September 14, 2015
On seeing this for reviewing I had to have it, as it reminded me of a similar title I read when I was at school (I can't remember the title, which is rather annoying!) It is bonkers, a lot of the secrets would not help you survive at school (& would get you in trouble), but that's the fun of it. It deals with every subject under the sun that you can think of regarding school with much humour.
I think it will help those starting school relax a little, knowing that what they experience shouldn't be as bad as what's in the book. The manga style illustrations will help coax reluctant readers to take a peek, and provide more laughs for all who open the pages. There's nothing wrong with the book regarding grading, it just isn't a perfect read for me.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
I think it will help those starting school relax a little, knowing that what they experience shouldn't be as bad as what's in the book. The manga style illustrations will help coax reluctant readers to take a peek, and provide more laughs for all who open the pages. There's nothing wrong with the book regarding grading, it just isn't a perfect read for me.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
July 14, 2016
I love that this is written in that diary-style that's so popular now. It will truly cause kids to pick it up and read it, and that's super important. I also enjoyed the story is absolutely completely different than the others in this genre BUT... it's actually pretty mean. This kid is pretty funny but his whole goal is to get the best of everybody and while I honestly did chuckle quite a bit I also wonder if this is what we want to put into the hands of children. If they are going to pick up a book and read it maybe we want something that is going to send a positive message? Either way this is definitely not for kids younger than middle school; the language and ideas used are geared toward that junior high age so if you're gonna share this with kids, please at least make sure they aren't too little. :-)
September 26, 2015
I received this book free through Goodreads first reads.
I am sure this book is going to appeal to many 10 -12 year old boys, even a reluctant reader may well be encouraged to read it. It is written in the style of part narrative with pen drawings and part comic strip, there is loads of the kind of humour that so appeals to boys of this age.
Even as an adult, I did quite enjoy reading it, at first I thought it was just going to be different chapters on ways to get through school, but as the book went on I began to see how they were connected and there was a good conclusion at the end. The only thing that spoilt it for me was the couple of bits of bad language, which it would of been just as good without.
I am sure this book is going to appeal to many 10 -12 year old boys, even a reluctant reader may well be encouraged to read it. It is written in the style of part narrative with pen drawings and part comic strip, there is loads of the kind of humour that so appeals to boys of this age.
Even as an adult, I did quite enjoy reading it, at first I thought it was just going to be different chapters on ways to get through school, but as the book went on I began to see how they were connected and there was a good conclusion at the end. The only thing that spoilt it for me was the couple of bits of bad language, which it would of been just as good without.
August 1, 2015
Kids love this kind of stuff. The graphics are great and the stry line is funny - although a bit confusing with the narrator Max speaking to the new kid, aka reader. I think kids would actually love it. My only problem is some of the language - while not swearing exactly, it is edgy and close - mo fo for example. For my younger students I am not sure I want to expose them to this just yet...middle school which it is intended for is a perfect audience.
Bottom line - funny, but probably not for my library.
Bottom line - funny, but probably not for my library.
August 3, 2020
Warning: I've read only fifty pages of this book yet and I had no idea what this book is even about. I presumed it would be a fun and light-hearted humorous book, but boy I've been proved wrong.
It's about getting a grasp over the various aspects of middle-school life and emerge as master through the very conventional teaching of Max, who is the narrator. This book is illustrated throughout. If it sounds like something you might read an like go for it. It's just not for me.
It's about getting a grasp over the various aspects of middle-school life and emerge as master through the very conventional teaching of Max, who is the narrator. This book is illustrated throughout. If it sounds like something you might read an like go for it. It's just not for me.
Read
November 6, 2015This is a funny book that takes the whole middle school experience and puts it into a book. It follows a kid that needs some help getting friends and fitting. Luckily he finds a middle school guru that will help him get noticed in the most epic way possible. Not only will he attempt to get this "newbie" into one cliche group. He's going to get him into all of them. This book is a good read for anyone that wants a break from those big page turner book to just have a good laugh.
August 6, 2015
Disclaimer: I received this book from Goodreads First Reads Program in exchange for an honest review.
I had a lot of fun reading this book. I love the humor and I think it has a lot of potential. I think kids will love to read this book and would definitely enjoy it too because it has wonderful illustrations.
I had a lot of fun reading this book. I love the humor and I think it has a lot of potential. I think kids will love to read this book and would definitely enjoy it too because it has wonderful illustrations.
October 10, 2015
My 7th grade son gives this book 5 stars. He says it's funny. Many people don't like the book because they feel that it teaches kids to be dishonest and mean but my son said that it's obvious that the book is meant to be funny. He says it's obvious that it's not meant to be taken seriously. It's just a fun read.
March 27, 2016
Once I got pass the grossness factor, I enjoyed this story. In this book, the reader becomes a character in the story. You are the new kid who turns to Max Corrigan for help in surviving middle school and making friends.
Give this one to middle school readers who previously enjoyed Diary of a Wimpy Kid or James Patterson's Middle School is Killing Me and/or I Funny books.
Give this one to middle school readers who previously enjoyed Diary of a Wimpy Kid or James Patterson's Middle School is Killing Me and/or I Funny books.
September 2, 2015
Hilarious!! The drawings are really cool and fun to interact with--they remind me of Amelia's Notebook and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but even funnier. I really hated middle school, and now I wish I could have had this book to laugh off the awkward years. I can't wait for my niece and nephew to read it!
September 25, 2015
review to follow
but would just like to say ... once my kids have read thru this ... if they squish a chocolate pudding on a bullys backside ... or make a really big puke mess (that looks like the recipe inside this book) ... that it is not MY fault. okay???
but would just like to say ... once my kids have read thru this ... if they squish a chocolate pudding on a bullys backside ... or make a really big puke mess (that looks like the recipe inside this book) ... that it is not MY fault. okay???
November 24, 2015
There are good kids and bad kids throughout this book. The book reads similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. There are some mean tricks throughout the book but some are resolved. I would recommend students in grades 4-6 reading. Some may think it is funny but some may see the bullying.
June 23, 2015
Lots of great humor and wonderful illustrations. Should fit right in with the middle school mentality. A bit subversive, though.
Read
July 5, 2015Reviewing professionally.
August 6, 2015
Review to come!
September 1, 2015
I really hated this. Had to review for Booklist.
October 31, 2015
A seriously disrespectful book to the entire school system, including detailed instructions for forging signatures, cutting classes, and hacking passwords.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews