Review by Booklist Review
Built around the notion of a middle-grade stand-up comedian who delivers jokes sitting down because he is confined to a wheelchair, this tale is written as an extended monologue in which Jamie Grimm (get it?) introduces loyal school friends, his mostly loving adoptive family, and Stevie his new brother, who is also a vicious bully both online and in person then proceeds to savage them all indiscriminately from a talent-contest stage. Playing readers' heartstrings like a banjo, Patterson and Grabenstein also chuck in two girlfriends and a first kiss, hints of a family tragedy strung out until near the end, an uplifting spontaneous routine delivered to the patients of a children's rehab center, and, both in the narrative and in the line drawings on almost every page, dozens of gags both classic (Do zombies eat doughnuts with their fingers? No. They usually eat their fingers separately) and not so much (When kids in Grossville say, 'Mommy, can I lick the bowl?' their mothers say, 'Be quiet, dear, and just flush'). In all, a brimming bucket of ba-da-bing! that hardly needs a celebrity author to crank up the audience numbers. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Patterson's full-court press to capture the attention of every market in the reading public continues and 25 million books sold for young readers proves it's working.--Peters, John Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Patterson and Grabenstein's book follows the adventures of young Jamie Grimm who dreams of being a stand-up comic. Jamie uses a wheelchair and is plagued by a host of familiar middle school issues: bullies, girls, and family. Many of his jokes are coping mechanisms that allow him to more easily confront his problems, both present and past. But when Jamie enters a contest to become the Planet's Funniest Kid Comic, he must confront his self-doubt. Frankie Seratch provides solid narration in this audio edition. He's particularly impressive recounting some of Jamie's struggles. But Seratch doesn't adequately create distinct voices for the large cast of characters. Ages 8-12. A Little, Brown paperback. (Dec.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-7-Jamie Grimm is a funny guy, obsessed with creating and collecting joke material. He studies all of the top comedians and tries out his jokes on everyone, be it his classmates or the customers at his Uncle Frankie's diner. He hopes to enter the Planet's Funniest Kid Comic Contest even though just the thought of it makes him a nervous wreck. Readers learn that humor for Jamie is a means of survival-things aren't easy for him. He doesn't like to talk about why it all happened, but he had to move to a new city, to live with "the Smileys," his very unfunny aunt and uncle. At Long Beach Middle School, he is treated horribly by the resident bully. Steve Kosgrov is not only a notorious meany, but is also Jamie's new adoptive brother. Steve gets his kicks by locking him out in the cold and leaving him stuck in a sand dune unable to move. Jamie isn't able to move because he uses a wheelchair-he can't walk at all. The grimness of his situation is relieved by two good buddies, his encouraging Uncle Frankie, and his ever-present ability to see humor in every situation. Patterson's tale includes twists and turns that make for an engrossing read. Readers will be on Jamie's side all the way, cheering him on in the comedy contest, and also to win the girl of his dreams. Line drawings are sprinkled throughout, adding more humorous details.-Diane McCabe, John Muir Elementary, Santa Monica, CA (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Middle school student Jamie is an aspiring comic. Referring to the fact that he requires a wheelchair, Jamie challenges readers: "So, can you deal with this? Some people can. Some can't." Frequently quoting his favorite comedians, Jamie reflects on life, using his forthright observations to hone his own comedic skills. Jamie relies on his quick wit and sometimes-audacious jokes to deflect inquiries about his circumstances. Recently adopted by his aunt, Jamie's new family includes Stevie, a bully whose callous cruelties often take advantage of Jamie's physical condition. Seeking refuge at his Uncle Frankie's diner, Jamie regales the customers with his humor. Uncle Frankie's suggestion that Jamie enter a local comedy competition tests Jamie's determination to become a comedian. Patterson and Grabenstein balance Jamie's humor with a poignant storyline. Through Jamie's evolving relationship with the intriguing Suzie, aka Cool Girl, readers learn about his devastating loss and recovery from a tragic event. Park's humorous spot illustrations complement the text. The affecting ending, which reveals a more vulnerable Jamie behind the guise of his humor, celebrates Jamie's resilient spirit. (Fiction. 10-13)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
