Book Review of “I Funny: A Middle School Story” By James Patterson

Book Overview (amazon.com)

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.)

Author Introduction

It is no surprise that in January, 2010, The New York Times Magazine featured James Patterson on its cover and hailed him as having "transformed book publishing," and that Time magazine hailed him as "The Man Who Can't Miss." Recently, NBC's Rock Center with Brian Williams profiled Patterson's prolific career, AARP named him one of the "50 Most Influential People Who Make Our Days a Little Brighter," and Variety featured him in a cover story highlighting his adventures in Hollywood.

In 2013, it was estimated that one-in-five of all hardcover suspense/thriller novels sold was written by James Patterson, his books have sold over 300 million copies worldwide, and he holds the Guinness record for the most #1 New York Times bestsellers of any author. And his success isn't based solely on thrillers like the perennially popular Alex Cross, Women's Murder Club and Michael Bennett series. Patterson is now also the current bestselling author in the young adult and middle grade categories.

He's been called the busiest man in publishing, and that's not just because of his own books.

For the past decade, James has been devoting more and more of his time to championing books and reading. From the James Patterson Pageturner Awards, to his website ReadKiddoRead.com, to his College Book Bucks scholarships and his regular donations of hundreds of thousands of books to schools here in the states and troops overseas (see interviews on Fox & Friends, The Dennis Miller Radio Show and CNN.com), Patterson has passed on his passion of books and reading and supported those who do the same.

Jim personally funded a major ad campaign re-printing a recent opinion piece on CNN.com about how it is our responsibility to get our kids reading. The ad has run in the New York Times, The New Yorker, and USA Today. Those ads are a call to action to parents to make their kids reading a top priority; and were featured by USA Today here. Patterson believes that we cannot rely on schools, teachers or the government to get our kids reading; only parents can make this crucial change in the reading habits of our kids.

Analysis

I would describe this story as a heartwarming look at the trials that many middle-schoolers go through while they make the transition from childhood to young adulthood. The protagonist, Jamie Grimm, uses stand-up comedy to “make his way in the world” and “plant his flag”.

Jamie gets encouragement from his Uncle Frankie to enter a comedy contest and Jamie has to pluck up his courage to actually do it. There are a lot of obstacles standing in his way. Jamie has to face his fears, his critics and his past in order to succeed. Succeed he does; but it’s certainly no easy task.

As I read, I was cheering for his bravery. Jamie is on a quest of sorts: he has a “dragon” that needs slaying. While he is not rescuing a damsel in distress, he is accomplishing something very important: overcoming his past to give something to his future. It’s not just about him doing something for himself (it includes that), but it also includes the betterment of those around him. He gives others inspiration to do the same. It’s a kind of pay it forward mentality. This is a hero story, but of a different, modern kind.

This story encourages kids to:

1.       Form relationships with significant adults in their life such as parents, care givers, mentors

2.       Overcome self-doubt

3.       Establish oneself as an important part of society

4.       Assert oneself for the benefit of others (self-sacrifice)

5.       Form friendships

6.       Inspire others

7.       Challenge others to treat those with disabilities with respect

8.       To know yourself and be willing to risk embarrassment by putting yourself out there

9.       Work hard at your talent

10.   Reap the rewards of success

11.   Overcome criticism by peers, and family

12.   Come to terms with past tragedy (loss of family)

The illustrations throughout the book are very well done. They certainly add to the story. This isn't just a graphic novel, it is a well-illustrated novel.

Recommendation

You wouldn't think it, but there is a lot going on in this short book. James Patterson has given young readers a fictional hero worth emulating. I would certainly recommend this book as a great example of youth fiction. I found it inspiring because it encourages youth toward positive goals in their lives.