Colorado Parks & Wildlife Research Library

After being accepted into a big-city art school, Rafe Khatchadorian expects seventh grade to be a math-and-history-free fun zone. However, he quickly discovers that school is more competitive than ever, and to score big in class he needs to find a way to turn his boring life into the inspiration for a work of art. In order to accomplish his goal, Rafe decides to try doing lots of new things like learning to play poker and going to a modern art museum....

After surviving sixth grade, Rafe expects seventh grade to be a fun zone because he has been accepted to art school in the big city, but when he discovers it is more competitive than he expected, he sets out to turn his boring life into the inspiration for a work of art.

"Middle schooler Rafe Khachadorian faces his greatest challenge yet as he struggles to complete a week-long wilderness survival course to prove to his school administrators that he can succeed"--

Kenny Wright is a kid with a secret identity. In his mind, he's Stainlezz Steel, super-powered defender of the weak. In reality, he's a chess club devotee known as a "grandma's boy," a label that makes him an easy target for bullies. Kenny wants to bring a little more Steel to the real world, but can he recognize his own true strength before peer pressure forces him to make the worst choice of his life?

"Life in middle school is finally starting to seem bearable-until Rafe spots his grandmother standing on the free-meal line at the local soup kitchen. In order to help bring in more money, Rafe concocts a brilliant plan-a dog-walking business that soon turns into a huge money-making neighborhood empire"--

Returning to the dreaded Hills Village Middle School, Rafe joins the school's football team only to find himself alongside bully Miller the Killer, a situation that is complicated by Rafe's secret plans for a school art project.

When her favorite rock band Lulu and the Handbags announces a contest, Georgia is determined the all-girl rock band she's in will win--even if she has to ask her brother Rafe for help.

Junior leads his pack of dog friends on a sneaky mission into a museum to steal dinosaur bones for Lola's midnight birthday feast

"When Rafe Khatchadorian goes on a trip to Alaska, he's in for a blundering adventure that includes building igloos, racing across icebergs, and coming face-to-face with a polar bear."-- Provided by publisher.