At the beginning of Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life, Rafe Khatchadorian is a lot like Spider-Man before he got chomped by a radioactive spider—pretty powerless.
But once Rafe gets bitten by the rule-breaking bug, he finally discovers his own secret power—he can actually make things happen if he wants to. Gradually, Rafe learns that he doesn't just have to sit back and take it from the bullies in his life. Rafe teaches Miller a lesson and, later, stands up to Bear when he pushes Rafe's mom. Way to fight the power, Rafe. Looks like it's time for the meek to inherit the school.
Questions About Power
- How does something as simple as pulling the fire alarm give Rafe his first taste of power?
- Why do you think Miller bullies Rafe? Is it all one big power trip? Or is something else going on?
- Name some of the ways Bear shows Rafe and Georgia that he's the one with the power in their house? How does this all fall apart once he pushes Jules at the end of the story?
Chew on This
Breaking the rules at school is one way for Rafe to feel a little bit of power and control over his life. After all, if he can do what he wants, he is pretty powerful.
Rafe goes from powerless to powerful by realizing he can take a stand when it matters and that bullies like Miller and Bear can't push him around forever.