Jamie Grimm wants to be the world’s greatest stand-up comedian. He knows he has the best jokes, but his terrible stage fright is holding him back. When he finds out about the contest for the Funniest Kid on the Planet, he realises it’s time to face the music and prove himself. As his comedy career starts to take off, Jamie finds himself having to balance his loyalties to his friends and family with his ambition. He also needs to finally shake off his other fears. Is he really getting special treatment because of his disability as his cruel cousin says? And is he using comedy to hide from his troubled past? He does not want his new friends to learn the real reason he is in a wheelchair - as the only survivor of a tragic car crash that killed his parents.
Jamie’s difficulties fitting into a new place and processing his grief make this story of a middle schooler overcoming bullying and self-doubt heart-warming as well as hilarious. There are tons of jokes that will have your sides aching with laughter.
First published in 2012, there are six books in the series so far. Written by author James Patterson in collaboration with Chris Grabenstein and illustrated by Laura Parks, the books have captured young readers’ attention for the pun-filled stories and brilliant illustrations. James Patterson is a successful crime author for adults as well as having written many popular series for young readers, including the critically acclaimed Middle School books. He is passionate about literacy and getting primary school children to read, driven by the firm belief that there is no such thing as people who “don’t like to read” only people who haven’t found the right book yet. His work promoting reading and literacy has earned him the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community.
The I Funny series is perfect for readers 9 and upwards who love to laugh. The illustrations and school setting mean they are very accessible for young readers. Start with book 1 I Funny to make sure you get Jamie’s back-story and keep reading to accompany him on his journey to comedy stardom.
All the I Funny Books in order:
Book 1: I Funny (2012)
Book 2: I Even Funnier (2013)
Book 3: I Totally Funniest (2015)
Book 4: I Funny TV (2015)
Book 5: I Funny: School of Laughs (2017)
Book 6: The Nerdiest, Wimpiest, Dorkiest I Funny Ever (2018)
