Too Uncool for School

Middle School #17

by James Patterson, Martin Chatterton

Rafe is finally getting a taste of the cool life – but his problems are red-hot.

Rafe Khatchadorian has never been cool. But all that changes when he becomes the guitarist in an awesome rock band and wrangles a part-time job at Hills Village's trendiest new coffee shop slash yoga studio. No more being at the bottom of middle school food chain – Rafe is finally going to be popular!

He just has two teeny the awesome rock band is led by none other than the school bully. And the band actually isn't awesome – they absolutely stink, and Rafe has to whip them into shape for the Best Band Competition.

With Rafe's newfound coolness on the line, will he find a way to hit the stage in style, or is he doomed to dorkdom forever?

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Middle Grade, Childrens

256 pages, Hardcover

Published January 20, 2025

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Louis (audiobookfanatic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle School: Too Uncool for School is the seventeenth installment of James Patterson’s beloved Middle School series. This book once again follows Rafe Khatchadorian, a middle grader who’s always on the outskirts of school popularity. In this book, his prospect of popularity comes within reach when he’s bullied into becoming the guitarist of a rock band and secures a part-time job at Hills Village’s trendiest new coffee shop and yoga studio. Unfortunately, the band is awful, and Rafe faces the daunting task of transforming this ragtag group into a cohesive unit in time for the Best Band Competition while balancing his new job and the complexities of middle school life. The book’s short length, fast-paced narrative, witty dialogue, and animated characters make it a perfect choice to devour in a single sitting.

Rafe is an endearing and mischievous character that fans of this series have grown to love. While Rafe’s journey in this book may follow the familiar narrative of underdog tales, the unique characters such as the mysterious yogi coffee shop owner, the rockstar music teacher, and the ragtag band members keep this story fresh and engaging. Rafe’s dialogue is extremely entertaining, and he often speaks to the readers sarcastically, adding another layer of humor to the story. Rafe and his bandmates' relationships with music teacher, Mr. Mann, are a highlight of the book. When Mr. Mann’s true identity is revealed and he helps the band improve, there are some hilarious singing and band practice scenes that follow, making the story memorable!

The book’s fast pacing, short chapters, and funny, witty dialogue will elicit smiles and bursts of laughter from readers. The book also features very meaningful themes, including perseverance, friendship, and self-discovery that are seamlessly woven into the story and provide valuable lessons for middle grade readers, without veering into preachiness. The physical book contains attractive illustrations that enhance the storytelling, and it’s a great idea to couple it with the audiobook, which is superbly voiced by acclaimed narrator Mark Sanderlin, for a fully immersive reading experience!

In summary, Middle School: Too Uncool for School is a fresh and funny story about self-discovery, acceptance, and expanding boundaries—and it’s a wonderful addition to a beloved series. If you enjoy funny middle-grade stories, animated characters, short chapters, and laugh-out-loud scenes, then this book is for you!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do when the school bully gets up in your face and demands that you help him set up a band and win a local radio contest? If you're Rafe and you're fond of breathing, you get to it! Alas, their band is utter crap, and Rafe has no idea how to make them any better. On the other hand, the rest of his life's not so bad. He's just gotten a job at the new hipster cafe/yoga studio in town, so that should up his cool points, right? On the down side, their new music teacher is the world's most boring teacher ever, giving them projects about 18th century German composers. But...why does Mr. Mann have the same scar as the leader of a short-lived 80s rock band with one album out, that happens to be available at the hipster cafe? Hmm...

This was light and fun for the most part, even though I'm not fond of bullying being presented as amusing. It was pretty predictable, but I don't think kids will mind. It moves along quickly and if the reader is smarter than Rafe, well, that's kind of the point? Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I really enjoyed this one a whole lot, I had one problem with it. For those who don't know, there were 5 Middle School books that weren't published in the United States. All of them with the exception of 1 revolved around Australia. For those who've read the entirety of the books published in the US you'll know there is a book where Rafe goes to Australia. In the series outside the US Rafe goes back to Australia 3 more times.

The books that you see with Martin Chatterton as a co-author were originally published out of state. Except only one of them revolves around Australia while the others replace the mention of Australia with California. This is one of them. The original was called Middle School: G'day America. Which is the only one of the international Middle School books that I've read.

I am sorry for taking so long to get to the point but my issue is that while I have enjoyed the books that James Patterson re-published, this feels like laziness in my opinion. It feels like James Patterson is re-publishing these in the US because he's slowly running out of ideas. I do think that the series has gone on for far too long and I do hope it ends soon as much as I love it. I still enjoy them and will continue to read them as they come out but James Patterson is starting to drag it out a little bit.

[Carol Jones-Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this most funny #1 installment of James Patterson's and Martin Chatterton's, new series Rafe Khatchadorian has never been cool. is finally getting the guitar and becoming the rock band he has ALWAYS wanted to be. He and his friends work together and begin to improve. He gets a teacher in school who was actually a member of a really cool band when the boys were younger.

He helps to train them, and they are improving more. Don't want to spoil it. Kind of fun to enjoy.
Cutely written. Enjoy.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a fantastic story.

Langa finished it in just a few days, and the laughter coming from his corner of the house was contagious.

I cherish having a child who loves to read because it creates an unbreakable bond between us.

Moreover, children who read fiction tend to be more empathetic, creative, and confident. Langa's imagination is truly limitless!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[amanda luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this one! Kinda felt like a Disney Channel Original Movie in a good way. Had all the cliches, but I liked em.

[Tori Darland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good.

[coriolis]

Rafe K. never disappoints