Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is the narrator's trustworthy friend?
Who is the narrator's trustworthy friend?
- Jules
- Leonardo (correct)
- The narrator doesn't trust anyone
- Georgia
What mode of transport did the narrator and her sister use to arrive at Hills Village Middle School?
What mode of transport did the narrator and her sister use to arrive at Hills Village Middle School?
- Jules's SUV (correct)
- Walking
- Police cruiser
- School bus
Who does the narrator mention as the only person she can trust, most of the time?
Who does the narrator mention as the only person she can trust, most of the time?
- Jules (correct)
- The police
- Leonardo
- Georgia
What is the narrator's opinion about middle school years?
What is the narrator's opinion about middle school years?
Who is referred to as 'pukey sister' in the text?
Who is referred to as 'pukey sister' in the text?
What does the narrator call the Hills Village Middle School?
What does the narrator call the Hills Village Middle School?
What does Section 11, Rule 3 of the Code of Conduct prohibit?
What does Section 11, Rule 3 of the Code of Conduct prohibit?
How does the protagonist feel after crossing out a rule in the Code of Conduct?
How does the protagonist feel after crossing out a rule in the Code of Conduct?
What is the name of the future stepfather?
What is the name of the future stepfather?
Who is Ditka in relation to the protagonist's family?
Who is Ditka in relation to the protagonist's family?
What is the protagonist's nickname?
What is the protagonist's nickname?
What was the protagonist's experience on the bus ride home?
What was the protagonist's experience on the bus ride home?
What motivates the protagonist to break the rules?
What motivates the protagonist to break the rules?
How does the protagonist initially feel after setting off the fire alarm?
How does the protagonist initially feel after setting off the fire alarm?
What is the protagonist's main emotion following the chaos caused by the fire alarm?
What is the protagonist's main emotion following the chaos caused by the fire alarm?
How does Leo react to the protagonist's successful execution of the plan?
How does Leo react to the protagonist's successful execution of the plan?
What feeling does the protagonist experience after breaking the rules?
What feeling does the protagonist experience after breaking the rules?
How do the protagonist and Leo bond?
How do the protagonist and Leo bond?
Who is in charge of every aspect of HVMS?
Who is in charge of every aspect of HVMS?
What is the nickname of the bully who intimidates the narrator?
What is the nickname of the bully who intimidates the narrator?
Who is Leo in relation to the narrator?
Who is Leo in relation to the narrator?
How does the narrator describe Georgia, the narrator's sister?
How does the narrator describe Georgia, the narrator's sister?
What is the narrator's experience on the first day of sixth grade at HVMS likened to?
What is the narrator's experience on the first day of sixth grade at HVMS likened to?
What does the narrator emphasize about Leo's communication style?
What does the narrator emphasize about Leo's communication style?
What is the narrator's opinion of the special assembly?
What is the narrator's opinion of the special assembly?
What impresses the narrator about Jeanne Galletta?
What impresses the narrator about Jeanne Galletta?
What is included in the school's Code of Conduct?
What is included in the school's Code of Conduct?
How does the narrator feel about the assembly and the Code of Conduct?
How does the narrator feel about the assembly and the Code of Conduct?
What does the narrator's friend Leo do during the assembly?
What does the narrator's friend Leo do during the assembly?
How does the narrator feel about the increasing rules and authority figures in middle school?
How does the narrator feel about the increasing rules and authority figures in middle school?
What does the protagonist plan to do to earn half a million points in Operation R.A.F.E.?
What does the protagonist plan to do to earn half a million points in Operation R.A.F.E.?
How many rules are there in the Code of Conduct mentioned by the protagonist?
How many rules are there in the Code of Conduct mentioned by the protagonist?
What does the protagonist use to document the details of Operation R.A.F.E.?
What does the protagonist use to document the details of Operation R.A.F.E.?
What does the protagonist feel for the first time in her life, as mentioned in the text?
What does the protagonist feel for the first time in her life, as mentioned in the text?
What does the protagonist consider as a requirement for the final challenge of Operation R.A.F.E.?
What does the protagonist consider as a requirement for the final challenge of Operation R.A.F.E.?
What does the protagonist plan to have Leo help with for the final challenge of Operation R.A.F.E.?
What does the protagonist plan to have Leo help with for the final challenge of Operation R.A.F.E.?
What did Leo mean by 'You also just lost a life'?
What did Leo mean by 'You also just lost a life'?
What does the protagonist mean by 'I didn’t feel like donating any blood today'?
What does the protagonist mean by 'I didn’t feel like donating any blood today'?
What does Leo mean by 'You’ve got your job, and I’ve got mine'?
What does Leo mean by 'You’ve got your job, and I’ve got mine'?
What is the protagonist's reaction to Leo's statement 'I said I’d keep things interesting'?
What is the protagonist's reaction to Leo's statement 'I said I’d keep things interesting'?
What does Leo take away from the protagonist by saying 'Yeah, you did'?
What does Leo take away from the protagonist by saying 'Yeah, you did'?
What does the protagonist mean by 'First, Miller nearly turned me into lunch meat'?
What does the protagonist mean by 'First, Miller nearly turned me into lunch meat'?
What motivates Rafe to elevate his rule-breaking game?
What motivates Rafe to elevate his rule-breaking game?
How does Rafe feel about lying to his mother regarding his thoughts on middle school?
How does Rafe feel about lying to his mother regarding his thoughts on middle school?
What does Rafe's mother express when Rafe shares a somewhat positive view of middle school?
What does Rafe's mother express when Rafe shares a somewhat positive view of middle school?
How does Rafe feel about Leo's challenge to earn 30,000 points in 49 minutes?
How does Rafe feel about Leo's challenge to earn 30,000 points in 49 minutes?
What does Rafe's creative approach to earning points reflect?
What does Rafe's creative approach to earning points reflect?
What does Rafe's involvement in the rule-breaking game illustrate?
What does Rafe's involvement in the rule-breaking game illustrate?
What motivates Rafe to perfect his technique in the game?
What motivates Rafe to perfect his technique in the game?
What analogy does Rafe use to describe his increasing investment in the game?
What analogy does Rafe use to describe his increasing investment in the game?
Who does Rafe aim to be less like when creating the 'No-Hurt Rule'?
Who does Rafe aim to be less like when creating the 'No-Hurt Rule'?
Who contributes to Rafe's motivation according to the text?
Who contributes to Rafe's motivation according to the text?
What is the main reason behind Rafe's reflection on his behavior and the impact of the game on his character?
What is the main reason behind Rafe's reflection on his behavior and the impact of the game on his character?
What does Rafe introduce in the game to avoid causing harm?
What does Rafe introduce in the game to avoid causing harm?
What does the protagonist receive as a consequence for an undisclosed reason?
What does the protagonist receive as a consequence for an undisclosed reason?
How does the protagonist avoid his mom finding out about his detention?
How does the protagonist avoid his mom finding out about his detention?
What does the protagonist do on a typical Friday night?
What does the protagonist do on a typical Friday night?
What does the protagonist's mom smell like due to her work at a diner?
What does the protagonist's mom smell like due to her work at a diner?
Why does the protagonist lie to his mom about his friend Leo?
Why does the protagonist lie to his mom about his friend Leo?
How does the protagonist handle a confrontation with the bully Miller?
How does the protagonist handle a confrontation with the bully Miller?
What was the protagonist selling at school, and why was it considered valuable?
What was the protagonist selling at school, and why was it considered valuable?
How did the protagonist ensure discretion while selling the product at school?
How did the protagonist ensure discretion while selling the product at school?
Why did the protagonist's customers express gratitude by saying 'Thanks, Rafe'?
Why did the protagonist's customers express gratitude by saying 'Thanks, Rafe'?
What was the protagonist's plan in case Bear's stash of the product ran out?
What was the protagonist's plan in case Bear's stash of the product ran out?
What did the protagonist mean by 'Or better, depending on how you look at it' in the text?
What did the protagonist mean by 'Or better, depending on how you look at it' in the text?
Why was the protagonist's product considered 'pure gold' at Hills Village Middle School?
Why was the protagonist's product considered 'pure gold' at Hills Village Middle School?
What does Rafe use his Zoom money to buy for his mom's birthday?
What does Rafe use his Zoom money to buy for his mom's birthday?
What is the consequence Rafe faces after breaking the school's dress code on Halloween?
What is the consequence Rafe faces after breaking the school's dress code on Halloween?
When do Rafe and his family plan to celebrate his mom's birthday at Swifty's Diner?
When do Rafe and his family plan to celebrate his mom's birthday at Swifty's Diner?
What warning does Rafe receive from Mr. Dwight about his behavior?
What warning does Rafe receive from Mr. Dwight about his behavior?
Who sentences Rafe to three rounds in the detention chamber with the Dragon Lady?
Who sentences Rafe to three rounds in the detention chamber with the Dragon Lady?
What does Rafe reflect on after breaking the school's dress code on Halloween?
What does Rafe reflect on after breaking the school's dress code on Halloween?
What is Rafe's plan regarding the school's Code of Conduct?
What is Rafe's plan regarding the school's Code of Conduct?
What does Rafe aim to achieve during Halloween at the school?
What does Rafe aim to achieve during Halloween at the school?
What does Rafe see as an opportunity for double points?
What does Rafe see as an opportunity for double points?
What achievement does Rafe get closer to in his game with Leo?
What achievement does Rafe get closer to in his game with Leo?
What does Rafe's encounter with Jeanne Galletta lead to?
What does Rafe's encounter with Jeanne Galletta lead to?
How does Rafe earn points during his ninja escapade at the school?
How does Rafe earn points during his ninja escapade at the school?
What causes a scene in the diner and upsets the narrator's mother?
What causes a scene in the diner and upsets the narrator's mother?
What warning does Leo give to the narrator regarding his mother's wishes?
What warning does Leo give to the narrator regarding his mother's wishes?
What does the narrator decide to do to avoid causing further distress to his mother?
What does the narrator decide to do to avoid causing further distress to his mother?
What does the narrator's mother express concern about regarding the narrator's behavior at school?
What does the narrator's mother express concern about regarding the narrator's behavior at school?
What does Leo doubt will happen anytime soon despite the narrator's plans?
What does Leo doubt will happen anytime soon despite the narrator's plans?
What is the cause of the family's strained dynamics, as mentioned in the text?
What is the cause of the family's strained dynamics, as mentioned in the text?
What does the protagonist do in Donatello’s English class?
What does the protagonist do in Donatello’s English class?
How does the protagonist try to blend in at school?
How does the protagonist try to blend in at school?
What is the teacher's reaction when the protagonist volunteers in class?
What is the teacher's reaction when the protagonist volunteers in class?
How does Leo react to the protagonist's decision to take a timeout?
How does Leo react to the protagonist's decision to take a timeout?
What does the protagonist do with the Zoom customers?
What does the protagonist do with the Zoom customers?
How does the protagonist feel about Leo's reaction to the timeout?
How does the protagonist feel about Leo's reaction to the timeout?
What does Jeanne ask the protagonist to do?
What does Jeanne ask the protagonist to do?
How does the protagonist feel when asked to wear the mascot costume?
How does the protagonist feel when asked to wear the mascot costume?
What is the protagonist's initial reaction upon wearing the mascot costume?
What is the protagonist's initial reaction upon wearing the mascot costume?
How does the protagonist perceive the reaction of people as he walks in the mascot costume?
How does the protagonist perceive the reaction of people as he walks in the mascot costume?
What is the protagonist's motivation for wearing the mascot costume?
What is the protagonist's motivation for wearing the mascot costume?
How does the protagonist's perception change after wearing the mascot costume?
How does the protagonist's perception change after wearing the mascot costume?
What did Mrs. Stricker arrange for the protagonist?
What did Mrs. Stricker arrange for the protagonist?
How did the protagonist feel about the situation with Mom and Bear?
How did the protagonist feel about the situation with Mom and Bear?
What did Leo imply by saying 'Dude, you are all out of reasons for staying out of the game'?
What did Leo imply by saying 'Dude, you are all out of reasons for staying out of the game'?
What did the protagonist spend the last two months trying to be?
What did the protagonist spend the last two months trying to be?
What was the protagonist's initial reaction to Leo's advice?
What was the protagonist's initial reaction to Leo's advice?
What did the protagonist wish for when Mom left for work after the argument?
What did the protagonist wish for when Mom left for work after the argument?
What consequences does Rafe face as a result of his physical altercation with Miller?
What consequences does Rafe face as a result of his physical altercation with Miller?
Who confronts Rafe and warns him about the consequences of his behavior in the future?
Who confronts Rafe and warns him about the consequences of his behavior in the future?
What is the 'Box' mentioned in the text used for?
What is the 'Box' mentioned in the text used for?
How does the text portray Sergeant Stricker?
How does the text portray Sergeant Stricker?
What does the text highlight about Rafe's internal thoughts and emotions during the ordeal?
What does the text highlight about Rafe's internal thoughts and emotions during the ordeal?
What does the story primarily portray about Rafe's actions and their aftermath?
What does the story primarily portray about Rafe's actions and their aftermath?
What does Rafe do with his report card and the letter from Mrs. Stricker?
What does Rafe do with his report card and the letter from Mrs. Stricker?
How does Rafe feel after Jeanne leaves abruptly when popular kids call her?
How does Rafe feel after Jeanne leaves abruptly when popular kids call her?
What does Rafe consider doing to give his mom a worry-free Christmas?
What does Rafe consider doing to give his mom a worry-free Christmas?
What does Rafe's teacher encourage him to do after receiving all A's on his report card?
What does Rafe's teacher encourage him to do after receiving all A's on his report card?
What does Rafe ask Jeanne out for, and what is her response?
What does Rafe ask Jeanne out for, and what is her response?
What impresses Jeanne about Rafe at the bake sale?
What impresses Jeanne about Rafe at the bake sale?
What is the main consequence of Rafe's grades being revealed to his family?
What is the main consequence of Rafe's grades being revealed to his family?
What leads to a heated argument between Rafe and Bear?
What leads to a heated argument between Rafe and Bear?
What does Miller do to Rafe on his first day back at school?
What does Miller do to Rafe on his first day back at school?
What is the primary emotion Rafe feels towards his mother after the argument with Bear?
What is the primary emotion Rafe feels towards his mother after the argument with Bear?
What does the chapter primarily highlight about Rafe's experiences?
What does the chapter primarily highlight about Rafe's experiences?
What is the main emotion Rafe experiences as he navigates the challenges of family and school life?
What is the main emotion Rafe experiences as he navigates the challenges of family and school life?
What does the protagonist consider 'a hard one'?
What does the protagonist consider 'a hard one'?
What does the protagonist offer Jeanne in an attempt to skip the tutoring?
What does the protagonist offer Jeanne in an attempt to skip the tutoring?
What does Jeanne point out as 'numerator' and 'denominator'?
What does Jeanne point out as 'numerator' and 'denominator'?
What does the protagonist mean by 'I’ll give you five dollars if we can skip this'?
What does the protagonist mean by 'I’ll give you five dollars if we can skip this'?
What is the protagonist's initial response to Jeanne's question about unit eight?
What is the protagonist's initial response to Jeanne's question about unit eight?
What does the protagonist feel when Jeanne raises one eyebrow?
What does the protagonist feel when Jeanne raises one eyebrow?
What does Mrs. Stricker accuse Jeanne and Rafe of doing in the boys' bathroom?
What does Mrs. Stricker accuse Jeanne and Rafe of doing in the boys' bathroom?
What is the consequence of Jeanne and Rafe's actions in the boys' bathroom?
What is the consequence of Jeanne and Rafe's actions in the boys' bathroom?
How does Mrs. Stricker react when Rafe protests against the unfairness of the punishment?
How does Mrs. Stricker react when Rafe protests against the unfairness of the punishment?
Why does Rafe say he wouldn't come out of the boys' bathroom?
Why does Rafe say he wouldn't come out of the boys' bathroom?
What does Mrs. Stricker warn Rafe about regarding his behavior?
What does Mrs. Stricker warn Rafe about regarding his behavior?
What is Jeanne's defense when Mrs. Stricker accuses them of a 'stunt'?
What is Jeanne's defense when Mrs. Stricker accuses them of a 'stunt'?
What does Rafe receive from Donatello that sparks a new passion?
What does Rafe receive from Donatello that sparks a new passion?
What does Rafe practice asking for in Spanish as part of his secret project?
What does Rafe practice asking for in Spanish as part of his secret project?
What subject is Rafe's social studies report on?
What subject is Rafe's social studies report on?
What is Rafe determined to make at the end of the game?
What is Rafe determined to make at the end of the game?
What does Rafe feel uncertain about regarding the sketch pad from Donatello?
What does Rafe feel uncertain about regarding the sketch pad from Donatello?
What is Rafe focused on using his skills for in his secret project?
What is Rafe focused on using his skills for in his secret project?
What does Jeanne warn Rafe about regarding his poor grades?
What does Jeanne warn Rafe about regarding his poor grades?
Where does Rafe set up his makeshift art studio?
Where does Rafe set up his makeshift art studio?
What does Rafe buy for $4.99 to start Operation R.A.F.E.?
What does Rafe buy for $4.99 to start Operation R.A.F.E.?
What is Rafe's initial reaction to his disappointing third-quarter grades?
What is Rafe's initial reaction to his disappointing third-quarter grades?
Where does Rafe lock himself after receiving his disappointing grades?
Where does Rafe lock himself after receiving his disappointing grades?
What does Jeanne's father advise Rafe to do?
What does Jeanne's father advise Rafe to do?
What is the protagonist's primary motivation for creating Operation R.A.F.E.?
What is the protagonist's primary motivation for creating Operation R.A.F.E.?
What is the protagonist's initial plan to deal with the bully Miller?
What is the protagonist's initial plan to deal with the bully Miller?
What is the nature of the protagonist's relationship with Miller?
What is the nature of the protagonist's relationship with Miller?
How does the protagonist manage to resolve the situation when accused by Miller?
How does the protagonist manage to resolve the situation when accused by Miller?
What does the protagonist do to obtain additional pages for their project from Miller?
What does the protagonist do to obtain additional pages for their project from Miller?
How does the protagonist feel as the school year nears its end?
How does the protagonist feel as the school year nears its end?
What does Mrs. Stricker agree to, with certain conditions, after a suggestion from Rafe?
What does Mrs. Stricker agree to, with certain conditions, after a suggestion from Rafe?
What does Mr. Dwight emphasize about the timing of Rafe's proposed project?
What does Mr. Dwight emphasize about the timing of Rafe's proposed project?
What does Rafe express uncertainty about, despite agreeing to take on the proposed project?
What does Rafe express uncertainty about, despite agreeing to take on the proposed project?
What does Mrs. Stricker arrange for Rafe, related to the proposed project?
What does Mrs. Stricker arrange for Rafe, related to the proposed project?
What is the primary motivation behind Rafe's willingness to take on the proposed project?
What is the primary motivation behind Rafe's willingness to take on the proposed project?
What does Ms. Donatello suggest about the proposed project?
What does Ms. Donatello suggest about the proposed project?
What does Mr. Dwight emphasize about the start of the proposed project?
What does Mr. Dwight emphasize about the start of the proposed project?
What is Jamie's coping mechanism for dealing with everyday life?
What is Jamie's coping mechanism for dealing with everyday life?
What is Jamie's primary motivation throughout the story?
What is Jamie's primary motivation throughout the story?
What does Jamie perceive his neighbors as in the story?
What does Jamie perceive his neighbors as in the story?
What is Jamie's initial experience when he performs at a comedy club?
What is Jamie's initial experience when he performs at a comedy club?
What does Jamie study to improve his comedy skills?
What does Jamie study to improve his comedy skills?
What does the narrative provide insight into?
What does the narrative provide insight into?
What does Jamie's story highlight about finding humor in everyday life?
What does Jamie's story highlight about finding humor in everyday life?
What is the name of the illustrator for the book 'Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life'?
What is the name of the illustrator for the book 'Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life'?
What is the protagonist's new routine at Swifty's Diner?
What is the protagonist's new routine at Swifty's Diner?
Why does the protagonist's family have to move in with Grandma Dotty in the city?
Why does the protagonist's family have to move in with Grandma Dotty in the city?
What significant event disrupts the protagonist's plans to attend Airbrook Arts Community School for seventh grade?
What significant event disrupts the protagonist's plans to attend Airbrook Arts Community School for seventh grade?
What does the protagonist attribute to the constant unexpected changes in his life?
What does the protagonist attribute to the constant unexpected changes in his life?
What does the excerpt from the next Middle School book hint at?
What does the excerpt from the next Middle School book hint at?
What is the main reason for the protagonist's expulsion from school?
What is the main reason for the protagonist's expulsion from school?
What is the protagonist's strategy to avoid getting beat up at school?
What is the protagonist's strategy to avoid getting beat up at school?
Who does the protagonist encounter at the school and successfully distract with jokes to help another victim?
Who does the protagonist encounter at the school and successfully distract with jokes to help another victim?
What results in the protagonist feeling a sense of normalcy and acceptance?
What results in the protagonist feeling a sense of normalcy and acceptance?
What does the text primarily emphasize about the protagonist's experience with bullying?
What does the text primarily emphasize about the protagonist's experience with bullying?
What is the central theme in the text?
What is the central theme in the text?
How does the protagonist use humor in the face of bullying?
How does the protagonist use humor in the face of bullying?
What does the narrative primarily highlight about the impact of bullying on the protagonist?
What does the narrative primarily highlight about the impact of bullying on the protagonist?
What does the protagonist find a sense of triumph in?
What does the protagonist find a sense of triumph in?
What is the protagonist's initial reaction to the challenges he faces in a new school environment?
What is the protagonist's initial reaction to the challenges he faces in a new school environment?
What does Mr. Dwight emphasize about the timing of Rafe's proposed project?
What does Mr. Dwight emphasize about the timing of Rafe's proposed project?
What does Rafe plan to create for the school as a part of his apology?
What does Rafe plan to create for the school as a part of his apology?
What is Ms. Donatello's view on Rafe's proposed project?
What is Ms. Donatello's view on Rafe's proposed project?
What is the primary condition set by Mr. Dwight and Mrs. Stricker for Rafe's proposed project?
What is the primary condition set by Mr. Dwight and Mrs. Stricker for Rafe's proposed project?
What does Mrs. Stricker imply about the potential behavioral issues related to Rafe's project?
What does Mrs. Stricker imply about the potential behavioral issues related to Rafe's project?
What is Rafe's main motivation for proposing the mural project?
What is Rafe's main motivation for proposing the mural project?
What is Mrs. Stricker's immediate reaction to Rafe's proposal?
What is Mrs. Stricker's immediate reaction to Rafe's proposal?
What significant event leads to the protagonist's family losing their home and having to move in with Grandma Dotty in the city?
What significant event leads to the protagonist's family losing their home and having to move in with Grandma Dotty in the city?
Who are the authors of the book 'Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life'?
Who are the authors of the book 'Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life'?
What is the protagonist's new routine at Swifty's Diner?
What is the protagonist's new routine at Swifty's Diner?
What is the protagonist's initial struggle after being expelled from school?
What is the protagonist's initial struggle after being expelled from school?
What disrupts the protagonist's plans to attend Airbrook Arts Community School for seventh grade?
What disrupts the protagonist's plans to attend Airbrook Arts Community School for seventh grade?
What does the protagonist attribute to the constant unexpected changes in his life?
What does the protagonist attribute to the constant unexpected changes in his life?
What does the text hint at in the excerpt from the next Middle School book?
What does the text hint at in the excerpt from the next Middle School book?
What strategy does the protagonist use to avoid getting beat up at school?
What strategy does the protagonist use to avoid getting beat up at school?
Who does the protagonist encounter and successfully distract with jokes to help another victim?
Who does the protagonist encounter and successfully distract with jokes to help another victim?
What is the result of the physical attack on the protagonist by Stevie Kosgrov?
What is the result of the physical attack on the protagonist by Stevie Kosgrov?
What does the narrative emphasize about the protagonist's experience with bullying?
What does the narrative emphasize about the protagonist's experience with bullying?
What does the story primarily portray about the protagonist's actions and their aftermath?
What does the story primarily portray about the protagonist's actions and their aftermath?
What does the protagonist find a sense of triumph in?
What does the protagonist find a sense of triumph in?
What does the text highlight about the impact of bullying on the protagonist?
What does the text highlight about the impact of bullying on the protagonist?
What is the central theme in the text?
What is the central theme in the text?
What does the protagonist use as a defense mechanism against bullies?
What does the protagonist use as a defense mechanism against bullies?
What serves as Jamie's coping mechanism and a source of amusement?
What serves as Jamie's coping mechanism and a source of amusement?
What is the driving force in Jamie's life?
What is the driving force in Jamie's life?
What does the story showcase about Jamie's journey?
What does the story showcase about Jamie's journey?
What does Jamie's humor primarily reflect?
What does Jamie's humor primarily reflect?
What is Jamie's response to not fitting the typical mold of a comedian?
What is Jamie's response to not fitting the typical mold of a comedian?
What is the universal appeal highlighted in Jamie's story?
What is the universal appeal highlighted in Jamie's story?
What does Jamie's imaginative take on reality serve as?
What does Jamie's imaginative take on reality serve as?
Study Notes
Middle School Assembly and Code of Conduct
- The narrator, who is not popular, considers Leonardo the Silent his best friend.
- The school holds a special assembly to kick off the year, which the narrator isn't excited about.
- The assembly includes speeches from students running for student council representative.
- Jeanne Galletta, a candidate, impresses the crowd with her speech and offers to share fries with the narrator.
- The narrator is infatuated with Jeanne and decides to vote for her.
- After the speeches, the school's Code of Conduct is introduced, and each student is given a copy of the book.
- The Code of Conduct covers dress code, prohibited items, and grounds for expulsion.
- The narrator finds the assembly and the Code of Conduct boring and oppressive.
- The narrator's friend Leo starts drawing on his book during the assembly.
- The narrator feels overwhelmed by the rules and restrictions of middle school.
- The assembly and the Code of Conduct serve as an introduction to the challenges and limitations of middle school.
- The narrator is disillusioned by the increasing rules and authority figures as he enters middle school.
Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life
- The protagonist receives thirty push-ups, two extra laps, and his first detention for an undisclosed reason.
- The protagonist deletes a message from the school about his detention from the answering machine to avoid his mom finding out.
- On a typical Friday night, the protagonist plays a prank on his dog, sneaks a caffeinated drink, and changes the TV channel while his brother is asleep.
- The protagonist's mom, who works at a diner, smells like apple pie and cinnamon and sometimes brings home pie for breakfast.
- The protagonist's mom notices a change in his behavior and asks about his friend Leo, to which he lies to avoid worrying her.
- After four days, the protagonist ends up in detention, where he encounters a bully named Miller.
- Miller confronts the protagonist and challenges him to a fight outside, but the protagonist avoids it by claiming he has detention.
- Miller warns the protagonist to watch his back, using a play on the protagonist's last name, "Khatchadorian," as a threat.
Trouble at Swifty’s
- The narrator and his family celebrate his mom’s birthday at Swifty’s, a diner where Mom’s paintings are displayed for sale.
- The family usually has to restrict their orders due to Bear’s large appetite and financial constraints.
- The narrator’s sister, Georgia, reveals a scandalous rumor about the narrator being naked at school, causing a scene in the diner.
- The narrator’s mother is visibly upset and retreats to the storage room, where the narrator tries to console her.
- The mother expresses concern about the narrator talking to "Leo" and getting into trouble at school, leading to her crying.
- The narrator decides to stop breaking rules and put a hold on Operation R.A.F.E. to avoid causing further distress to his mother.
- Leo, a character the narrator talks to, warns the narrator that his mother doesn’t want him to be normal, just himself.
- The narrator plans to lay low until things get better, but Leo doubts this will happen anytime soon.
- The narrator’s mother, Jules, is an artist who has been struggling financially, and the family has been facing tough times.
- The family dynamics are strained due to financial constraints, the narrator’s trouble at school, and the absence of Bear on his mother’s birthday.
- The narrator's mother’s emotional reaction highlights the impact of the narrator’s behavior on the family and the challenges they face.
- The narrator’s internal conflict and desire to be a better person are evident as he grapples with the consequences of his actions.
Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life - Chapter Summary
- Rafe burns his report card, scuffs the ground to hide footprints, and unties Ditka to avoid being seen after his grades are revealed.
- Rafe feels Christmas could have been worse, with no major disasters, and experiences the weirdness of having Bear around on Christmas morning for the first time.
- Mom makes a good Christmas dinner, including two kinds of pie, and they watch Raiders of the Lost Ark on TV, but then Mom finds out about Rafe's grades, and the problems start again.
- Mom finds Rafe's grades on the school website and expresses disappointment, while Bear adds to the pressure by demanding stricter rules and supervision for Rafe's schoolwork.
- Rafe protests against Bear's involvement in his education, leading to a heated argument where Mom eventually decides that Bear will be checking Rafe's homework.
- Rafe feels betrayed by his mother turning him over to Bear and losing trust in her as the one person he could rely on.
- Rafe's first day back at school is marred by Miller harassing him, demanding money for his notebook and threatening to expose Rafe's drawings of Jeanne Galletta.
- Miller physically bullies Rafe by shoving him and publicly humiliating him in front of other students.
- Rafe struggles with the pressure from his family and the bullying at school, feeling overwhelmed by the challenges he faces.
- The chapter portrays Rafe's sense of abandonment and betrayal by his mother and the escalating bullying he faces at school.
- Rafe's experiences reflect his increasing isolation and vulnerability, as he faces pressure from both home and school environments.
- The chapter highlights Rafe's growing sense of despair and frustration as he navigates the challenges of family and school life.
Middle School Revenge and Final Project Preparation
- The protagonist creates a plan to get back at a bully named Miller by spreading flyers with a humiliating nickname around the school.
- The protagonist strategically distributes the flyers in various locations without getting caught.
- The plan involves both offensive and defensive tactics against the bully.
- Despite their mutual dislike, the protagonist and Miller have a strange dynamic and a history involving money and a notebook.
- The protagonist ends up cornered by Miller, who accuses them of creating the flyers and demands money.
- The protagonist manages to convince Miller of their innocence and retrieves some of their belongings.
- They strike a deal with Miller to receive additional pages in exchange for identifying the creator of the flyers.
- The protagonist reflects on their success and feels empowered by their ability to outsmart and negotiate with Miller.
- The protagonist continues to sell Zoom and eventually purchases the remaining pages from Miller.
- As the school year nears its end, the protagonist starts preparing for their final project, Operation R.A.F.E.
- They adhere to the rules of the project and begin planning using a heavy-duty black marker.
- The protagonist feels a sense of relief as they anticipate the end of the school year and the diminishing influence of Miller.
Bullying and Triumph: A Middle School Tale
- The protagonist, a newcomer from a small town, feels like an outsider in Long Beach, facing bullies at the new school.
- The protagonist's strategy to avoid getting beat up at school involves using humor to distract bullies.
- The protagonist encounters Stevie Kosgrov, a notorious bully at the school, and successfully distracts him with jokes to help another victim.
- Despite the protagonist's efforts, Stevie Kosgrov directs his rage towards the protagonist and physically attacks him.
- The physical attack results in the protagonist feeling a sense of normalcy and acceptance, as he is no longer singled out due to his wheelchair.
- The protagonist finds a sense of triumph in being treated as an "ordinary" kid, despite the physical assault.
- The text presents a narrative of bullying and the protagonist's resilience in the face of adversity.
- The protagonist uses humor as a defense mechanism against bullies, showcasing the power of laughter in diffusing tense situations.
- The story highlights the impact of bullying on the protagonist's sense of belonging and acceptance in a new environment.
- The protagonist's experience with bullying and triumph over adversity is a central theme in the text.
- The text sheds light on the protagonist's struggle to fit in and the challenges he faces in a new school environment.
- The narrative emphasizes the protagonist's resilience and ability to find strength in the face of adversity.
Jamie Grimm's Comedy Journey
- Jamie is starting seventh grade in a big-city middle school and feels anxious about being bullied.
- He finds himself onstage at a comedy club, struggling to make strangers laugh in a contest.
- Despite the pressure, Jamie manages to tell a joke that gets a chuckle from the audience.
- Jamie is determined to become a stand-up comedian despite not fitting the typical mold.
- He studies famous comedians and writes his own jokes, showing dedication to his craft.
- Jamie's humor is evident in his unique perspective on his ordinary life in Long Beach.
- He perceives his neighbors as zombies and finds humor in mundane situations.
- His imaginative take on reality serves as a coping mechanism and a source of amusement.
- Jamie's comedic aspirations are a driving force in his life, leading up to the comedy contest.
- The story showcases Jamie's journey to find humor in everyday life and pursue his passion for comedy.
- The narrative provides insight into Jamie's determination and creativity in the face of challenges.
- Jamie's story highlights the universal appeal of finding humor in everyday situations and the power of laughter to make life more enjoyable.
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Description
Test your knowledge on various middle school novel summaries, including 'Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life' and 'Trouble at Swifty’s'. Explore key themes, characters, and plot points from these engaging stories.
