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James Patterson

Middle School: Just My Rotten Luck

Quick Answer

Read "Middle School: Just My Rotten Luck" as the 8th book in the Middle School Series sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Middle School: Big Fat Liar" (Book 7)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 8th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2015
TOUCHDOWN! James Patterson will have kids busting out laughing as they follow lovable bad-boy Rafe's struggles to score big on the field-and in the social scene! In this seventh Middle School episode, Rafe heads back to the place his misadventures began: the dreaded Hills Village Middle School, where he's now being forced to take "special" classes. He also finds himself joining the school's football team-alongside his main tormenter, Miller the Killer! But Rafe has grand plans for a better year: First, he decides to start a super-secret art project that's sure to rock the school. Then, if Rafe manages to make a play to save his team, he might have to deal with something completely new: popularity!
Next Recommended Book

Middle School Rafe's Aussie Adventure

Book #9 of 11 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

Medium Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Middle School Series conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Middle School: Just My Rotten Luck?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Middle School: Just My Rotten Luck before Middle School: Big Fat Liar?

No. We recommend reading Middle School: Big Fat Liar first. Middle School: Just My Rotten Luck is the 8th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Middle School: Just My Rotten Luck required reading for the Middle School Series?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Middle School: Just My Rotten Luck in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Middle School: Just My Rotten Luck is Middle School Rafe's Aussie Adventure (Book #9).