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James Patterson's hilarious story of perseverance and courage shows everyone's favorite troublemaker, Rafe Khatchadorian, the star of the Middle School series, learning to become a leader at long last.

After a rough summer, Rafe is heading back to the dreaded Hills Village Middle School, the site of the very worst years of his life. And as if that's not bad enough, he's learned that he's going to be held back a year unless he can prove himself on an outdoor survival excursion--complete with dangerous white-water rafting, dizzying rock climbing, and fanatical counselors. Rafe and the rest of the pack of "delinquent" trainees are forced to cooperate as they prepare for the final test: a solo excursion in the deep woods. Can Rafe come out of the experience in one piece? And if he does, he go home as the same insecure kid?

288 pages, Hardcover

First published June 23, 2014

426 people are currently reading
2,549 people want to read

About the author

James Patterson

1,160books352kfollowers





James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Tiger Woods, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. Patterson has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, and collaborated most recently with Michael Crichton on the blockbuster Eruption. He has told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson and received an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

This author also writes under the following name: Džejms Paterson

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5 stars
1,893 (57%)
4 stars
883 (26%)
3 stars
400 (12%)
2 stars
73 (2%)
1 star
41 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
740 reviews8 followers
June 25, 2014
As a person who loves to read, it is really hard for me when I have a kid come into the library looking for a book because their parents or teachers have said they need to read, but they don't like to read. Middle School: Save Rafe! is exactly the type of book I would give to one of those kids. This is book 6 in the Middle School series, and I haven't read the majority of the books before it, but I did not feel like I was missing anything major. If there was an aspect of the book that needed that background, Rafe presented it to the reader. The story was fun, the humor was great and I liked that there were references to pop-culture, and despite the fact I am not a teenage boy, I was able to relate to Rafe and his feelings.

The only part of the story that really bothered me was how Carmen just backed off immediately when Rafe told her to pack her own things because they were even in regards to favors. She spent the entire first part of camp forcing him to do her work, I feel like the fact she just backed off did not match the personality that was originally presented to the reader.

I also enjoyed the fact that Rafe had stopped just thinking about himself by the end of the story. He had truly started working with the other campers as part of a team, and the letter to his future self showed that he was thinking a lot about his Mom and making her proud.

While I would not say this is the best Juv/YA book I have read so far this year, it is enjoyable and is a wonderful book to recommend to any child or teen who is a reluctant reader. This is also a great series to nudge kids towards if they enjoy Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Dork Diaries.
Profile Image for Ms. B.
3,749 reviews65 followers
August 17, 2019
Another humorous story about Rafe. In this one he is sent to a wilderness survival camp for a week. Can he survive? Fans of humor like Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Dork Diaries should enjoy this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,376 reviews317 followers
January 30, 2017
What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.....You appreciate the good things in life when you struggle through the hard things..... These are just a few things that ran through my mind as my kids and I read this book. Rafe, because of his mixed up middle school attitude, is being forced to complete a summer survival camp in order to be considered to be readmitted to HVMS. Camp? How hard can that be! He's in for the surprise of his life when he realizes this camp isn't for the faint of heart. The life lessons and struggles he learns and goes through are priceless. I enjoyed reading about them, but I don't know if this camp is something I'd ever want to do!
7 reviews
February 1, 2017
January Book Review
Save Rafe!
James Patterson
Rafe was kicked out of Hills Village and Airbrook Arts is closing, so he needs to go back to Hills Village, but that will be a challenge for him. His two least favorite people are the principals and sisters at Hills Village. They send him to The Program which has Rafe doing challenges that he couldn't possibly imagine. He has to do these challenges for a week then he could get back into Hills Village. Do you think Rafe can do it?

The theme of this book is to never give up. Rafe had to do these really hard challenges that he didn't want to do, but he never gave up. He wanted to do it for his mom, so she didn't have to worry then she did already. Rafe wanted to give up on the program mid way, but he didn't.
29 reviews
April 23, 2018
This book was very very boring, i think it was supposed to be an action book but there was very little action and was not very good at explaining.
21 reviews
April 25, 2023
Wow. Rafe è andato su un accampamento (vero?) come nel campeggio di Wannamora! Interessante. Mi piace! (???).
15 reviews
November 7, 2016
Funny and humorous is not the best way to call this book. Each page on the book is way to cheesy and cringeworthy in my opinion. To call this book "funny" just doesn't feel right. I regret reading the whole book. The fact that this is the sixth book in the series, just makes me want to stop reading any other book in the "Middle School" series. Sure the book might have been funny if you were in first grade. Considering that the book title and the book is literally all about middle school, it just doesn't feel anything like middle school. Matter of fact, the book should be renamed to "Elementary School". Compared to any other James Patterson books, this one just doesn't have it. Looking for a cheesy and cringeworthy book? Then Middle School: Save Rafe is the book for you.
12 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2015
Rafe Khatchadorian, a middle school trouble maker wanted to have a good start to his new school year after a terrible summer. But, when he came to school they told him he was held back a year. So he tried his best to not get held back. Then all he had to do is go on an outdoor survival trip, and he must pass it t o not get held back. This book is about confidence, perseverance, and determination.
Profile Image for Ashtyn Watzke.
2 reviews
October 21, 2014
I realy liked this book its one of the best.It has lots of events and it's about this boy named Rafe that he has to move to his old school but he has to go to the camp in order to get back in to his school.The ending is a really big twist and left me hanging. but over all its really good and you should defently read it.
Profile Image for Molly.
3 reviews
October 22, 2014
I think this is a great book. It has an awesome main character who is sure to make you laugh, along with the pictures.
Profile Image for Thomas dodd.
3 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2014
This book has very realistic feeling to it made me feel like I was actually the main character.
Profile Image for Camden Otto.
4 reviews
March 22, 2019
I gave this book four stars out of five because it really brought me into the story and really made me want to read more. Save Rafe by James Patterson in a realistic fiction comic book that haves a middle school kid go to a camp to get him readmitted at his old school (HMVS). This book really made me want to jump in and help him out to get readmitted so it would take stress off of his mother. It was an overall fantastic book.
This book was one of the best books that made me want to jump in to the story. Every time someone made Rafe mad I wanted to jump in and punch the bad person. Many people were rood to Rafe even if they think they were not. The person Rafe disliked the most was Mrs. Striker the Principle! Even though Rafe did not see eye to eye with her he had to semi “respect� her because she was the principle of the school and was in charge of anything and everything. This is the most frustrating thing when you want to help the character but you can't.
This book was entertain because it kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting to read more. It particularly made me want to read more at the camp and the girl that he thought was weird at first liked him. This book was also entertaining because in the previous books he was at a school that he loved and that school got closed so, the only other option was HMVS which he dearly hated. He went to the school in the summer to be readmitted but the principle said that he did some bad things at HMVS in his previous year so he would have to do this seven day camp to be considered to being readmitted. This basically shows you how cruel the school was and how hard it was for rafe to get back in.
James Patterson made me feel alive in this book and wasting to read more. He really described every scene and what was happening. He even put in everyone's thoughts. The best part about this seris is that Rafe has and imaginary twin brother that died when he was born and James Patterson really makes his brother alive any time he can and always involves him. Patterson also makes Rafe seem like a real life friend of the reader because he connects with the readers in so may ways which is how he makes me feel so alive.
This book was an amazing realistic fiction that made me not only want to read more but be in the book. James Patterson s such a great author and makes you feel so alive reading any of his books. I want you to read this book because this is the life of a middle school kid that has some hard times and has to dig himself out of it to have some fun and live life.

Profile Image for McClain Meyer.
8 reviews3 followers
Read
May 10, 2019
I gave this book four stars out of five because it really brought me into the story and really made me want to read more. Save Rafe by James Patterson is a realistic fiction comic book that has a middle school kid go to a camp to get him readmitted at his old school (HMVS). This book really made me want to jump in and help him out to get readmitted so it would take stress off of his mother. It was an overall fantastic book with many interesting scenes.
This book was one of the best books of the series that made me want to jump in to the story. Every time someone made Rafe mad I wanted to get involved and stick up for him. Many people were rude to Rafe even if they don admit it. The person Rafe disliked the most was Mrs. Striker the Principle! Even though Rafe did not see eye to eye with her he had to semi “respect� her because she was the principle of the school and was in charge of anything and everything. This is the most frustrating thing when you want to help the character but you can't.
This book was entertaining because it kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting to read more. It particularly made me want to read more at the camp and the girl that he thought was weird at first liked him. This book was also entertaining because in the previous books he was at a school that he loved and that school got closed so, the only other option was HMVS which he dearly hated. He went to the school in the summer to be readmitted but the principle said that he did some bad things at HMVS in his previous year so he would have to do this seven day camp to be considered to being readmitted. This basically shows you how cruel the school was and how hard it was for Rafe to get back in.
James Patterson made me feel alive in this book and wanting to read more. He really described every scene and what was happening. He even put in everyone's thoughts. The best part about this series is that Rafe has an imaginary twin brother that died when he was born and James Patterson really makes his brother alive any time he can and always involves him. Patterson also makes Rafe seem like a real life friend of the reader because he connects with the readers in so may ways which is how he makes me feel so alive.
This book was an amazing realistic fiction that made me not only want to read more but be in the book. James Patterson is such a great author and makes you feel so alive reading any of his books. I want you to read this book because this is the life of a middle school kid that has some hard times and has to dig himself out of it to have some fun and live life to the fullest.
5 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2017
The book I read was Middle School:save rafe the author being James patterson. After a rough summer, Rafe is heading back to the dreaded Middle School, the place of the worst years of his life. And as if that's not bad enough, he's learned that he's going to be held back a year unless he can prove himself on an outdoor adventurer. He has to go through things like dangerous white-water rafting, rock climbing, and strict counselors. Rafe and some other troublemaking kids, some worst than others woods. And the instructors are strict and don’t tolerate anything but the best. Can Rafe come out of the woods like he was before he went in or will he go home as the same troublemaking kid?
This book had a really good plot and it was not confusing to what was happening in the book, I would give it 3 stars. Wasn’t the best nor was it worst book I have ever read. People that would like this book would probably be interested in pulling good pranks and aggravating the teachers. I am using this for fantasy fiction because it is not real.
Profile Image for Anabela Lopes.
Author4 books88 followers
December 8, 2024
Sou fã assumida desta série, pronto. Rio-me imenso com as peripécias do Rafe Katchadorian, e aprecio a forma como o autor brinca com os primeiros amores da adolescência, tornando o assunto leve sem o ignorar. Leio para o meu filho de 10 anos e é tempo de qualidade que passamos juntos.
6 reviews
December 6, 2017
this book really tho me something never do scared and afraid about the people that call you names be your self
Profile Image for 徱⚽️.
4 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2019
I think this book is amazing and I would definitely recommend it to every one mainly of the age 7-15 . My favourite bit is when Rafe escapes from the camp ,which he hates, and robs the shops so he can afford food .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
17 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2020
Tough things may be hard, but appreciate the good things about it.
Profile Image for Julius Urena.
23 reviews
Read
February 27, 2018
I thought that this book was good. It was not as good as the first and second books. This still had a good plot.
Profile Image for Landry Clark.
14 reviews
March 28, 2017
Save Rafe is the sixth book in the Middle School series. It is about Rafe being sent to boot camp to get back into school. While trying to survive all the challenges, he also has to deal with some crazy leaders.
I rate this book 4 stars because it was an easy read, but really good at the same time. I liked that he had so many crazy challenges.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ripley Mason.
16 reviews
April 7, 2020
I read this book in one night as I loved it so much definitely reading more middle school
Profile Image for Tilly_2009.
21 reviews
November 11, 2019
This book was very good but quite childish because I have lots of pictures it's very easy to read with no hard words in it so I'll give it four stars because it was very good anyway
34 reviews
January 5, 2016
In this book, the main character is a middle school boy named Rafe Khatchadorian. The story is set in the U.S. during current times, mostly in the state of Colorado. The problem of the story is that Rafe has been expelled from one school and his old school is closing, so he has to go to the school he was expelled from. But,the only way that the principle and vice-principle of that school will let him re-enroll is if he successfully completes a course called The Program, which a very intense outdoor camp for trouble-kids, like himself. Even though he hates HVMS, the school he is trying to get back into, he is determined not to let his mom down by failing and to prove the principles of HVMS wrong, as they don't think he will make it.
One thing that I liked in this book was how even though Rafe kind of seemed like a kid who doodled a lot and didn't pay attention and got in trouble, he was so determined to not let his mom down again that he persevered and got through The Program. Another thing I liked was how by the end, all the people in The Program figured out that the only way they were going to complete the camp was to try to get along, and work together. Something else I liked was the fact that Rafe gave up some of his doodles to use as a fire starter, and then saw that thinking of others can be a really good thing, because he could just redraw the comics that were burned, and he knew he was appreciated, because other people in The Program thanked him for giving up something he really liked. One thing I didn't like in the story was how even though it was resolved in the end, for part of the time, Carmen use Rafe, and Rafe gave in to her and did her work for her (and himself). I think that this book would be good for anyone who can read chapter books up to about 5th or 6th grade, and who likes adventure and realistic fiction.
Profile Image for Reading is my Escape.
1,005 reviews53 followers
September 11, 2014
I read this with my son, Max. We always enjoy the Middle School books. Max loves books set in a school environment.

Rafe Khatchadorian is back. The Arts school he was attending is closing and guess what... he will have to go back to Hills Village Middle School. Yep, the place where these stories started and the place Rafe was happy to be expelled from. But, Mrs. Ida P. Stricker is now the principal and the new vice-principal is her sister Charlotte P. Stonecase. Needless to say, neither of them are happy with the idea of Rafe returning to their school. So, they have a condition... Rafe must attend and successfully complete a week in The Program.

When Rafe looks at the brochure, he realizes this is no fun week at camp. In fact, the brochure says in boldface letters, "The hardest week of your life is about to begin."

My opinion:
I enjoyed this book. I always like reading with my son. :)

Recommended to:
This book is great for kids in grades 3 - 8; I think any kids who enjoy realistic fiction or humorous stories will enjoy it. Patterson's writing is easy to read and there are plenty of pictures throughout the book which are very funny.

Similar Books:
The rest of the Middle School series by James Patterson
The I Funny series also by James Patterson
Profile Image for Aaron.
1,875 reviews57 followers
October 23, 2014
Well, everything has finally come back to haunt Rafe! Unfortunately, he is going to have to leave the special art school he was attending and return back to his regular public middle school, but that becomes interesting when the principal says he is going to have to attend a discipline/adventure camp over the summer before he is even allowed to return.

When he arrives, he finds a totally knew group of kids, and they are not really the type he usually has as friends. All of them are kids who have gotten in trouble, and they have been sent to camp to learn to behave. Through a series of challenges and teamwork, they are going to have to earn points in order to stay at the camp under the leadership of a very difficult "drill sergeant."

I actually liked this one quite a bit. While a little predictable, it was nice to see Rafe really take some of the things he has done wrong in past books seriously. Like we already know, he is actually not all that bad when compared to his campmates, but Patterson and Tebbetts have arranged for no shortage of physical and psychological challenges to keep them busy ... and hopefully help them back into being pretty good kids.

Fans of the series will definitely like this addition.
Profile Image for Debbie.
56 reviews
June 25, 2014
Perfect series read -- characters we already know, new characters that are like people we all know, in a new, interesting situation. I'll put this on my list of "Somewhat Graphic" chapter books, the ones that bridge kids from graphic novels to more text. Rafe's comic, Loozer Loses Again, and the other illustrations by Linda Park add plenty of visual support and add to the humor. I included this in my booktalks for sixth graders on the "What's next from favorite authors and series" page, and I'm sure that's all the advertising it will need to spend it's summer vacation in many different houses, cars, sleeping bags... Reading teachers needing to find a chapter book of a certain length, where the main character shows growth will welcome this. The assignment that Rafe is given, to write a letter to his future self, readily lends itself to a classroom extension. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy, so my library copy could get out in circulation right away. Rafe will be paired up with Charlie Joe Jackson in our Summer Reading Prize showcase now.
Profile Image for Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*.
2,790 reviews1,166 followers
March 29, 2015

This book was adorable for middle school children - told through the POV of Rafe, who is clearly more interesting than the 'good' sister, there's plenty of humor and bizarre antics following him around as he finds out his school closed down and now he's forced to attend his old school. But there's a catch - a big one. He must complete a week for troublemaker children in the wilderness. There he'll either pass or fail and not be able to attend public school. Cute jokes, his comics drawn are present, fun illustrations, moral lessons, and worthy characters for this age group.

I'm not sure if I'd want my student to attend that hard week, but then again, it worked out well in the end. Those reading this won't grow bored.

This picture drawn of the United States and Florida especially made me chuckle -

Profile Image for Brendan Corpuz.
11 reviews9 followers
March 3, 2016
Save Rafe! by James Patterson is good book. It follows the adventures of Rafe Katchadorian a 6th time, and this time he's in a obstacle course of fun.He is being sent to a military camp type of thing to be let back in to middle school. I do think this a good, funny, and clever book. He has a new group of friend to interact with, which I think were more interesting, than some others in the series. Some of them can be forgettable, but I think it was okay, I think the Sgt was okay and some others. I like the references to past books and its clever drawings and jokes.This is also set in the woods again, which I don't really like, since the last book just did that, I like a little variety. This helps me get excited for a sequel, I just hope they do use past characters someday. I think the story was nice, but this is not the most memorable book out there. All in all, I thought this was a great book. 7/10
2 reviews
February 10, 2017
this story is about a kid named Rafe and his school shuts down so he has to go back to his old school and he hates his old school. I think rafe is really funny and hes always day dreaming.One thing that bothered me was rafe is inlove with girl and hes always shy to go talk to her cause he thinks hes a loser.I like how the author puts little comics in the book and little sketches.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews

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