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jbolwerk8's review against another edition
3.0
Jamie is a handicapped boy who is new to Long Island and is trying to fit in. Jamie is always cracking jokes, and all of his friends and his Uncle Frankie think he is hilarious, with Uncle Frankie prompting Jamie to enter the funniest kid comic contest. After overcoming some major stage fright, Jamie wins both the city and the state competitions. He ultimately learns how important hope is, and that laughter really is the best medicine.
I chose to read this book this week because my middle schoolers read it all the time and I wanted to finally experience it. I thought it was a good spin that Jamie was in a wheelchair, and he actually did have a lot of good jokes. That being said, some of them I think might go over kid’s heads and then they don’t get as much out of it. However, I think kids love the jokes, and I really like that the pictures added to the story, rather than just copying exactly what was there; they kind of made their own story. While I probably would not have picked this book out myself, I would be curious to keep reading the series to see what happens.
I chose to read this book this week because my middle schoolers read it all the time and I wanted to finally experience it. I thought it was a good spin that Jamie was in a wheelchair, and he actually did have a lot of good jokes. That being said, some of them I think might go over kid’s heads and then they don’t get as much out of it. However, I think kids love the jokes, and I really like that the pictures added to the story, rather than just copying exactly what was there; they kind of made their own story. While I probably would not have picked this book out myself, I would be curious to keep reading the series to see what happens.
aderonkea's review against another edition
3.0
Spoiler
Technically I read a paperback version but they didn't have the one I read. Whatever.If I could I would give this book a 3.6 rating, just not quite a 4. I really enjoyed though. It was a quick read and I liked the speech and thought bubbles in the illustrations. They gave more insight and unadded things from the text.
Jamie Grimm is a sit-down comic who is hilarious. His uncle pushes him to express his comedy with everyone there is just one problem. On stage, he is a nervous wreck and he forgets his jokes. When Uncle Frankie says he should try out for the Planet's Funniest Kid Comic Contest, he laughs and says it's not possible. But one night when he sneaks out to New York, Jamie might actually shot a chance of winning.
I would recommend this book to 8-11 years olds because they would like the comedy a lot more than I did. I wanted to read this a year ago and didn't have the time but my friend lent it to me so I finally had the chance. It will really make you laugh because as Jamie would say, "I funny."
literallykalasin's review against another edition
2.0
We acquired this book for our library on the requests from some teachers to do a reading list on books dealing with competitions. Usually this means sports, elite sports, and more sports, so we were happy to include something that was a little more middle school student friendly, about a kid in a wheelchair who competes in a stand-up comedy contest.
I listened to it as an audiobook on trips to school, and it was a quick "read." The narrator was actually a kid, which felt much more authentic than if they had James Patterson read it himself. But boy, was this not funny.
Maybe it's because I'm not a middle school boy? But I just didn't find it funny; and I'm having it read aloud to me! I know that my kids will enjoy it, because they enjoyed the other James Patterson middle school series. I just wish I could recommend it as enthusiastically as I can recommend other books in the reading list we've assembled.
I listened to it as an audiobook on trips to school, and it was a quick "read." The narrator was actually a kid, which felt much more authentic than if they had James Patterson read it himself. But boy, was this not funny.
Maybe it's because I'm not a middle school boy? But I just didn't find it funny; and I'm having it read aloud to me! I know that my kids will enjoy it, because they enjoyed the other James Patterson middle school series. I just wish I could recommend it as enthusiastically as I can recommend other books in the reading list we've assembled.
schasesears's review against another edition
4.0
Great book. Powerful message and very funny like stevie the bully is very mean even though they are cousins.
lornarei's review against another edition
3.0
Probably the only James Patterson book I'll ever read, but this was good. Great for the "what do I read after Wimpy Kid, etc?" recommendations. Surprisingly heartfelt at the end. I was glad it was finally explained why he was in a wheelchair and living with extended family. Great read for its intended audience!
xteax's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tlchand's review against another edition
4.0
My son (4th grader) got this for Christmas and I thought I should read it before he did. The book has a strong full plot with likeable, and not so likeable (Stevie) characters. Enjoyed reading the book and I think my son will too. I'm glad he is reading something other than the Diary series - as a parent I like the learnings/life lessons.
deepfreezebatman's review
4.0
This is the 3rd James Patterson middle grade book I've read (along with Robots and Middle School The Worst Years of My Life), and I have to say that all of them are pretty solid. Great mix of humor and serious topics, along with great illustrations and short chapters that really suck you in. All of his books have been fun and entertaining, but I can't say that any had any lasting impressions on me.
benisatree6177's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0