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. When his 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. (Includes more than 175 black-and-white illustrations.)
- i funny
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25 of 25 people found the following review helpful.
I Funny Review by a 5th Grader
By A Customer
I Funny is another golden middle school story by James Patterson. WARNING: SPOILERS! I Funny is the story of a boy whose family died in a car crash and was the only survivor. The boy grows up to become a kid comedian and enters "Planet's Funniest Kid Contest" and more while testing his jokes on his foster family the "Smileys" (who never ever smile). With the help of friends and family, the boy accomplishes much. That boy is Jamie Grimm. I am a 5th grader at Vista Verde School and I found I Funny to be a great book. Through the eyes of Jamie Grimm, I could relate his life adventures to mine and other kids across the world. Kids, more so kids in wheelchairs, hate being treated like a baby. My parents, some of my teachers, and even restaurant waiters treat me like I can't do anything and they have to do everything for me. Jamie Grimm felt the same way when people went easy on him just because he was in a wheelchair. Jamie Grimm got stage fright his first time performing on "Planets Funniest Kid Contest". Many kids have stage fright at concerts and talent shows, even me! I'll admit some of the jokes are a bit bland and it is hard to imagine a kid going to Long island all by himself just for a competition. But besides that, I Funny is a great book that many kids can relate to in their life. I recommend this book for 4-6th graders because of the anti-bullying and other concepts. In I Funny, Jamie Grimm outwits and deals with bullies, and earns respect from people all around the world. I Funny is a great book for kids while parents might not find it as amusing. All in all, I love this book by James Patterson and I urge you to read it too.
27 of 29 people found the following review helpful."CLEVER, FUNNY, HEARTWARMING!"
By Geraldine Ahearn
James Patterson does it again as a Master storyteller as he did in his other Middle School stories, making this one as good as 'The Worst Years Of My Life.' I find this story to be a golden winner of the series, simply because I was able to relate to events that took place, while having flashbacks of coping mechanisms and survival techniques. Of course most of us could relate to the funny, and not so funny activities that took place in middle school, and we never forget after the years have passed. But, I also related to the situations and feelings that Jamie Grimm experienced, because I've seen a great deal, and also have a special needs child. The authors clearly brought us all back to the immature groups, the bullies, and special people that reserve a place in your heart for a long time. Jamie had dreams like many, and he followed them, deserving respect and recognition of being a hero in many ways. He builds a brick wall to keep out the evil that spreads like wildfire from the bullies as he sets out on a mission to fulfill his dream. This intriguing story tugs at the heart as we learn that Jamie has a haunting past that he must deal with in order to move on. He is the average kid, who becomes unforgettable as he learns that there's a place for everyone in this world. This amazing story is a trip down memory lane for some, and a lesson learned for the new kid on the block as we take a good look at bullies, geeks, and the dreamers. Middle school kids will love this book. Brilliant, thought-provoking, funny, and touching. To sum it up, superb in every way!An enjoyable and educational read, with dynamic artwork. Highly recommended!
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful.I Funny
By Nick Hood
I Funny by James Patterson is a wonderful story about a boy who I think is a wonderful comedian and the story of his life in his view. I recommend this book to preteens, children, and all of today's youth. I should know... I'm a preteen myself!
