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Q&A | May 20, 2013
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This title in other editionsI Funny: A Middle School Storyby James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:Jamie Grimm is a middle schooler on a mission: he wants to become the world's greatest standup comedian — even if he doesn't have a lot to laugh about these days. He's new in town and stuck living with his aunt, uncle, and their evil son Stevie, a bully who doesn't let Jamie's wheelchair stop him from messing with Jamie as much as possible. But Jamie doesn't let his situation get him down. He practices the craft of stand-up every day on friends, family, and the willing customers at his Uncle Frankie's diner. When Uncle Frankie mentions a contest called The Planet's Funniest Kid Comic, Jamie knows he has to enter. But are the judges only rewarding him out of pity because of his wheelchair, like Stevie suggests? Will Jamie ever share the secret of his troubled past instead of hiding behind his comedy act?
Following the bestselling success of the hilarious Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life, James Patterson continues to dish out the funnies in another highly-illustrated, heartfelt middle school story. Review:"The broad humor that runs throughout this heavily illustrated story from Patterson and Grabenstein masks personal pain, demonstrating resiliency in the face of tragedy. Wheelchair-bound middle-schooler Jamie has recently moved in with his aunt's cheerless family, including — a bit too conveniently — school bully Stevie, Jamie's new 'adoptive brother.' Despite Jamie's desire to be treated like an ordinary kid (one of the more important themes the authors emphasize) and a dark, lingering unknown (only late in the novel does Jamie reveal the reason for his paralysis and his parents' absence), humor abounds. Much of it derives from Jamie's comedic aspirations (he calls himself a 'sit-down comic'), which are fueled by his friends' reactions to his one-liners and the encouragement of his warmhearted uncle. Park's wisecracking cartoons (not all seen by PW) play an integral role in the storytelling, laying bare Jamie's fears, triumphs, and sense of humor. Not all the jokes land, but plenty do, and the value of having an author with as vast a reach as Patterson put a disabled character in the spotlight shouldn't be underestimated. Ages 8 – 12. Agent: Robert Barnett at Williams & Connolly." Publishers Weekly Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review:"Poignant....Readers learn about [Jamie's] devastating loss and recovery from a tragic event....The affecting ending, which reveals a more vulnerable Jamie behind the guise of his humor, celebrates Jamie's resilient spirit." Kirkus Reviews
About the AuthorJames Patterson was selected by readers across America as the Children's Choice Book Awards Author of the Year in 2010. He is the internationally bestselling author of the highly praised Middle School books, Confessions of a Murder Suspect and the Maximum Ride, Witch & Wizard, Daniel X, and Alex Cross series. His books have sold over 230 million copies worldwide, making him one of the bestselling authors of all time. He lives in Florida.
Chris Grabenstein has won multiple awards for his mysteries, thrillers, and middle grade chillers and has also collaborated with James Patterson on Daniel X: Armageddon. He lives in New York City. Laura Park, a cartoonist and an illustrator, drew the pictures for Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life and Middle School: Get Me out of Here! She lives in Chicago. What Our Readers Are SayingBe the first to add a comment for a chance to win!Product Details
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Children's » Family » Alternative Family
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