Middle school makes Rafe feel like the Rolling Stones—he can't get no satisfaction. (Hey, that's probably why he titles this thing Middle School: The Worst Years Of My Life.)
Basically, walking the halls of Hills Village Middle School means feeling bummed and bored all day. There are bullies who'd love to beat you up, pretty girls who won't talk to you, and tons of stupid rules.
Home isn't much different—that's where Bear is waiting to hog the remote and generally be a useless jerk. Rafe's story is one of being dissatisfied, disliked, and dismayed. Is it any wonder that Rafe wants to create just a little bit of disorder up in this place?
Questions About Dissatisfaction
- Why do you think Miller and Rafe clash so much? What exactly is Miller's deal?
- Rafe says that Operation R.A.F.E. is the only thing that makes him feel good—why do you think that is?
- Do you find Rafe's whole story sad? Or is it uplifting and hopeful in the end?
Chew on This
Miller and Bear are two major stresses in Rafe's life that cause him to feel especially bummed and helpless at school and home.
Rafe focuses on the HVMS Code of Conduct because it's easier to break rules in a book than take on the people who are bothering him.