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? ( )

This was OK. I didn't care for the narrator - the inflections and emphasis were very off at times. While I certainly was rooting for the main character, I didn't really find him that funny. I can't imagine that a kid would really think so, either. There seemed to be several "lessons" to be learned - laughter is the best medicine, keep at it to overcome adversity, be kind to others, etc. It came off feeling a little scattered. Also, I didn't find the characters believable at all. I know it's "just a kids' book," but the characters, especially the bully, were so extreme that they were hard to believe. ( )

As with [b:Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life|9798177|Middle School The Worst Years of My Life (Midde School, #1)|James Patterson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388184921s/9798177.jpg|14688339], I Funny is a funny, fast read that tackles some surprisingly serious topics (this time, it's a major handicap/injury, familial death, adoption, bullying, and fear of public speaking). I liked Middle School better than I Funny, though, in part because I wasn't a fan of most of the one-liner jokes throughout I Funny. There's also less of a satisfying conclusion to I Funny, particularly the more serious topics in it, and it's obvious there will be sequels. But, for the kids' who enjoy Patterson's combination of easy text, great illustrations, and humor, I Funny is another good addition to their bookshelves.

Note: I received a copy of the paperback from the publisher. ( )

I'm surprised how much I enjoyed this book -- not being a middle school boy, with a middle school boy's sense of humor, I was dubious. However, not only is this book full of jokes, it's full of heart as well. ( )

A fun read! ( )