Part of Middle School, book 9
First published 2017
Rafe Khatchadorian finally catches a break at Hills Village Middle School. The perpetual underdog wins the school art competition, earning him a trip to Australia. He expects adventure and fun in the Land Down Under. Instead, Rafe discovers that his host family's children want nothing to do with him. The scorching heat makes every day miserable. Venomous creatures lurk everywhere, ready to bite or sting. Rafe feels more out of place than ever. He connects with other outcasts who understand what it means to be different. Together, they hatch plans that will turn his Australian experience upside down. Rafe decides to do what he does best: stir up trouble and prove that being different can be powerful.
Genres: fiction, adventure, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Australia, Hills Village Middle School
288 pages · Hardcover · jimmy patterson