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James Patterson

Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life

Quick Answer

Start with "Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life" to begin the Jacky Ha-ha Series (Middle Grade). It is the essential series starter and provides the necessary foundation for the rest of the books.

Quick Verdict

✅ Safe to read now (Series Entry Point)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: This is the essential series starter that introduces the James Patterson's core world and character arcs. It is required reading for all new fans.

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2011Series Starter
Over 2 million copies sold of the #1 New York Times and Indiebound bestseller! Don’t miss the book behind the major motion picture! In the hilarious and awkward start to this mega-bestselling series, beloved misfit Rafe Khatchadorian takes on his first year of middle school…by breaking all the rules! Rafe Khatchadorian has enough problems at home without throwing his first year of middle school into the mix. Luckily, he's got a foolproof plan for the best year ever, if only he can pull it off: 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! 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. Beloved #1 bestselling author James Patterson's debut middle-grade novel addresses some of middle schoolers' biggest issues: bullies, first crushes, and finding out what makes each of us special, all with a hilarious main character and fantastic in-text illustrations that will have young readers begging for more! ★ "Patterson artfully weaves a deeper and more thought-provoking tale of childhood coping mechanisms and everyday school and family realities."―School Library Journal (starred review)
Next Recommended Book

My Life Is A Joke

Book #2 of 3 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 Jacky Ha-ha Series (Middle Grade) 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, The Worst Years of My Life?

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

Can I read Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life before other books in the series?

Yes, Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life is the first book in the series and is the ideal starting point for new readers.

Is Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life required reading for the Jacky Ha-ha Series (Middle Grade)?

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

What comes after Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life is My Life Is A Joke (Book #2).