A laugh-out-loud middle grade adventure book where friendship, courage, and humor save the day.
When the surf team at San Dune Middle School gets shut down, three friends uncover a dangerous secret buried beneath their school. Between dodging bullies and decoding blueprints, Rufus, Patti, and Pismo must outsmart their scheming principal and save their coastal town from disaster.
Packed with laughter, suspense, and beachside heart, Rufus the Doofus is a school mystery novel that proves courage comes in all sizes. A perfect surfing adventure story for readers who love excitement, clever teamwork, and unexpected heroes.
Patty is intelligent, cautious, and often finds herself in the position of holding things together when Rufus’s wild ideas spiral out of control. She’s resourceful and knows how to balance Rufus’s antics with practicality. Patty is also very supportive, especially when it comes to the surf team and standing up against the school’s unfair actions.
Special Skills: Critical thinking and planning, with a strong ability to act under pressure. She’s also a talented surfer.
Rufus is adventurous, courageous, and often gets himself into chaotic situations. His enthusiasm makes him a natural leader, although his coordination leaves much to be desired. Rufus is quick to jump into action, even if he doesn’t always have a plan, but his heart is always in the right place. He’s a bit of a “doofus” but manages to turn even the worst situations into an adventure.
Special Skills: Skateboarding and problem-solving, though sometimes without thinking. He is also dedicated to the surf team and goes to great lengths to save it.
Pismo is confident, laid-back, and a bit of a joker. He’s often the comic relief, cracking jokes and keeping the mood light even during intense situations. He’s fearless when it comes to tackling challenges, but sometimes his impulsive nature gets the best of him. Pismo’s loyalty to his friends is unquestionable.
Special Skills: Surfing and skateboarding tricks, though his performance can sometimes be more “legend in his own mind.” His wit and humor make him an essential part of the team.
Hidden tunnels, secret codes, and the ultimate “save the school” mission.
A hilarious underdog hero story with big-hearted lessons.
Themes of honesty, leadership, and community.
Inspiring eco-messages that make Rufus the Doofus a powerful environmental kids’ book.
About The Authors
Mike Foggetta & Kevin Sousa grew up surrounded by the sun, salt, and stories of small heroes doing big things. Lifelong beach lovers and storytellers, they channel coastal humor and heartfelt lessons into every page.
Known for writing adventure books for young readers that inspire laughter and leadership, Mike and Kevin bring authentic beach town stories to life with energy, empathy, and a splash of mischief.
42 pages
English
Releasing Soon
If you’re looking for a funny kids’ book that makes readers laugh while teaching real-world values, Rufus the Doofus is for you!
✨ Perfect for readers aged 8–13
✨ Great classroom or family read-aloud
✨ Appeals to fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Percy Jackson, and The Goonies
✨ Ideal for teachers, librarians, and parents seeking friendship and teamwork books with heart
✨ One of the best summer reads for kids who love action, humor, and ocean vibes
Absolutely. Readers learn subtle lessons about community responsibility, teamwork, and protecting our oceans—without feeling lectured.
Definitely! With its positive values, diverse characters, and discussion-friendly plot points, it’s a favourite among teachers and librarians.
The story highlights friendship, courage, honesty, leadership, and environmental awareness, all wrapped in fun and suspense.
Yes! Rufus the Doofus is part of an ongoing adventure series set in a quirky beach town—more books are on the way.
This book is ideal for young readers ages 8–13, especially those who enjoy mystery, adventure, and humour-filled stories.
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