#2 in Middle School Series
Middle School Get Me Out of Here!
What’s inside...
Rafe Khatchadorian has enough problems at home without throwing his first year of middle school into the mix. Luckily, he's got an ace plan for the best year ever, if only he can pull it off. With his best friend Leonardo the Silent awarding him points, Rafe tries to break every rule in his school's oppressive Code of Conduct. Chewing gum in class-5,000 points! Running in the hallway-10,000 points! Pulling the fire alarm-50,000 points! But when Rafe's game starts to catch up with him, he'll have to decide if winning is all that matters, or if he's finally ready to face the rules, bullies, and truths he's been avoiding.
Character compass
Discussion points
What challenges did Rafe face in his new school and how did he handle them? Do you think he made good decisions?
Rafe uses his art to express his feelings. How do you express your feelings when you're upset or happy?
What did you learn about friendship from Rafe's experiences?
If you were in Rafe’s shoes, how would you have handled the bullies and the new environment?
How do you think Rafe changed from the beginning of the book to the end?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their own school experiences and Rafe's, fostering a deeper connection with the character.
Discuss Rafe's decision-making process. Guide your child to consider different choices Rafe could have made and their possible outcomes.
Highlight Rafe’s creative outlet through art. Suggest that your child keeps a journal or sketchbook like Rafe, to express their thoughts and feelings.
Use Rafe's experiences with bullying to discuss the importance of seeking help from adults and standing up for oneself.
After reading the book, encourage your child to predict what might happen next in Rafe’s life, enhancing their analytical and imaginative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The protagonist, Rafe, navigates a new city and school, learning to adapt to diverse situations and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace change positively, learning to adjust in new environments or situations at school or home.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a problem-solving tool
Explanation: Rafe uses his artistic talents to overcome obstacles and express himself, showing how creative skills can be a powerful means to handle problems.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to utilize their creativity to solve conflicts and express their feelings effectively.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, friendships play a crucial role in Rafe's adjustment to his new setting, illustrating how relationships can provide support and joy.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of building and maintaining friendships, and how peers can be a source of comfort and help.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Rafe encounters numerous setbacks but continually pushes forward, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to persevere through their challenges, whether academic or personal, fostering a resilient mindset.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Rafe makes several mistakes throughout his journey but learns from each, demonstrating growth and self-improvement.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that mistakes are opportunities for learning and personal development.