I Funny - by James Patterson & Chris Grabenstein (Hardcover)

About the Book

Hoping to become a stand-up comedian despite being a wheelchair-bound middle school student, Jamie Grimm endures bullying from his mean-spirited cousin and hopes he will be fairly judged when he enters a local comedy contest.

Book Synopsis

#1 bestselling author James Patterson doles out the laughs in the first book in the hit series! Middle-schooler Jamie Grimm faces bullies and self-doubt as he chases his dream of becoming the world's greatest comedian. 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?

Prepare to laugh and cheer along with Jamie in this highly-illustrated, heartfelt middle school story.

Buy this if you're looking for:
★ an uplifting, empowering book to get kids more interested in reading
★ a kid-favorite gift for birthdays or holidays
★ a fresh illustrated read for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and graphic novels

Review Quotes

Praise for I Funny: A #1 New York Times bestsellerA 2014 Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award NomineeA 2014 Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award Winner
"....Poignant.... Readers learn about [Jamie's] devastating loss and recovery from a tragic event....The affecting ending, which reveals a more vulnerable Jamie behind the guise of his humor, celebrates Jamie's resilient spirit."--Kirkus Reviews

"Play[s] readers' heartstrings like a banjo.... A brimming bucket of bada-bing!"--Booklist

"The broad humor that runs throughout this heavily illustrated story... masks personal pain, demonstrating resiliency in the face of tragedy."
--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

James Patterson is the world's bestselling author. The creator of the Max Einstein and Middle School series, he founded JIMMY Patterson to publish books that young readers will love. He lives in Florida with his family.