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adtsipras1's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mon_ique's review against another edition
4.0
This book made me cry, laugh and walk around with joy. I love books that are humorous yet take on serious (very serious) situations. Interchangeably, you'll find yourself laughing, chuckling, crying, awing, and just filled with an intensely satisfied feeling when you finish this book. THERE. SHOULD. BE. A. SECOND. ONE.
BUT. The part when Jamie kept quiet about the bullies (who threw him over the boardwalk, like 10 feet), this book became more of what it actually is- a book. In real like, in most situations, the bullying would have intensified. You're NEVER supposed to give a bully the power to control your words! They have you pinned up against the wall. That just enraged me because bully is a serious problem. Doing nothing is not going to stop it.
BUT. The part when Jamie kept quiet about the bullies (who threw him over the boardwalk, like 10 feet), this book became more of what it actually is- a book. In real like, in most situations, the bullying would have intensified. You're NEVER supposed to give a bully the power to control your words! They have you pinned up against the wall. That just enraged me because bully is a serious problem. Doing nothing is not going to stop it.
heyshay07's review against another edition
3.0
I Funny is similar in style to the Wimpy Kid books or the Dork Diaries books. Half of the book is pictures so it's a fast read. The writing wasn't really my style as I like more adventure books instead of "a day in the life" type books. However, I thought it addressed some issues that made it a good book to have in a elementary school or middle school library. Jamie is the main character and is in a wheel chair. He talks quiet a bit about wanting to be like everyone else and not liking the pity he sometimes gets from people. His older foster brother is a bully who picks on him. He was in an accident and lost his family and that part of the book is done very well. He wants to enter a comedy contest but it's nervous and doesn't think he is good enough sometimes. There is also a part of the book that deals with joking and being mean about joking which it touches on and could be a good conversation with students.
emdoux's review against another edition
4.0
I really rather liked this funny little book, and I really didn't think I would. It's a great read-alike for Wimpy Kid fans, with the added bonus of its' main character being in a wheelchair. The only beef I had with the book is that
**SPOILER** when Jamie realizes he was a HUGE JERK to his friends and family in his jokes, and thinks they all hate him, they aren't actually mad, but he doesn't apologize for being mean at their expense anyway! It seemed like a great set-up for a lesson about being funny, but didn't pay off. **END SPOILER**
The other lesson in the book, however, about Jamie's desire to be treated just as normal as anyone able to walk, was pretty solidly done.
I can't wait to recommend this book.
Actual review for library website:
Grades 4+
Jamie Grimm, soon to be the world's greatest stand-up (actually sit-down-in-wheelchair) comedian, lives with his aunt, uncle, and cousin - an extremely boring version of the Durlseys. He has an uncanny ability to make anyone (other than the aforementioned boring Durlsey-esque relatives) laugh. Jamie Grimm just funny!
When Uncle Frankie (not the boring one) suggests to Jamie that he compete in The Planet's Funniest Kid Comic contest, he knows he's got to try. His only problem is stage fright!
I Funny is a fabulously funny story about being brave enough to stand up for your own talents, even if you can't actually stand up. Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans are sure to love Jamie Grimm.
**SPOILER** when Jamie realizes he was a HUGE JERK to his friends and family in his jokes, and thinks they all hate him, they aren't actually mad, but he doesn't apologize for being mean at their expense anyway! It seemed like a great set-up for a lesson about being funny, but didn't pay off. **END SPOILER**
The other lesson in the book, however, about Jamie's desire to be treated just as normal as anyone able to walk, was pretty solidly done.
I can't wait to recommend this book.
Actual review for library website:
Grades 4+
Jamie Grimm, soon to be the world's greatest stand-up (actually sit-down-in-wheelchair) comedian, lives with his aunt, uncle, and cousin - an extremely boring version of the Durlseys. He has an uncanny ability to make anyone (other than the aforementioned boring Durlsey-esque relatives) laugh. Jamie Grimm just funny!
When Uncle Frankie (not the boring one) suggests to Jamie that he compete in The Planet's Funniest Kid Comic contest, he knows he's got to try. His only problem is stage fright!
I Funny is a fabulously funny story about being brave enough to stand up for your own talents, even if you can't actually stand up. Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans are sure to love Jamie Grimm.
jbrooxd's review against another edition
4.0
Funny. Great main character - courageous, resilient. My only fear is that my students will read this one and want to test their own stand-up skills in the middle of my class.
ellaraine's review against another edition
4.0
Even though I'm almost 18 years old, I'm always a sucker for a good kids' book. [b:I Funny: A Middle School Story|14781201|I Funny A Middle School Story|James Patterson|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1355080573s/14781201.jpg|20434271] is a hilarious illustrated narration that everyone should read. Since the book came out, it really caught my attention.
I Funny is a really entertaining and well written book with a moral: don't give up on your dreams. I really liked this book because with it [a:James Patterson|3780|James Patterson|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1284492096p2/3780.jpg] and [a:Chris Grabenstein|95190|Chris Grabenstein|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1298424803p2/95190.jpg] encourage people to never feel down and to pursue their dreams. I really love books with messages.
This book was never boring or tiring, I really enjoyed reading it and I never wanted to put it down.
I Funny receives 4 of 5 stars from me!
I Funny is a really entertaining and well written book with a moral: don't give up on your dreams. I really liked this book because with it [a:James Patterson|3780|James Patterson|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1284492096p2/3780.jpg] and [a:Chris Grabenstein|95190|Chris Grabenstein|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1298424803p2/95190.jpg] encourage people to never feel down and to pursue their dreams. I really love books with messages.
This book was never boring or tiring, I really enjoyed reading it and I never wanted to put it down.
I Funny receives 4 of 5 stars from me!
hayleythegoose's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Bullying, and Car accident
Moderate: Death of parent, Child death, and Grief
Minor: Misogyny
bibli0phagist's review against another edition
3.0
Being a huge fan of James Patterson's books for children I was excited to read this book. It is one that I have heard about and one that a lot of my students have read or are currently reading. Overall, I found myself to be disappointed with the book. I felt as though the book did not hold up to the high standard his other books have set, nor was it all that (dare I say)... funny. Sure there were a few moments I found myself chuckling, but I feel as though I have laughed more reading some of this other books. Seeing as how I have book number 2 on my bookshelf already (thanks to used book sales), I will probably read it at some point, but it won't kill me if I read other books before then.
johnhowell's review against another edition
4.0
This is an excellent book for fifth grade reluctant readers. It's filled with humor, illustrations that help keep the story going, and even a hint at some deeper themes that kids will be able to grapple with. I'll certainly be recommending this to my students.