I Totally Funniest
Everyone knows the kid is funny. He's proven he can be even funnier. But is Jamie Grimm really, totally the funniest kid in the world?
- From the back of the book
After the car accident that killed Jamie's parents and sister and left him in a wheelchair, Jamie spent time in a rehab center. The staff there encouraged him to read joke books and watch videos of comedians. They said laughter is the best medicine. Because of this, Jamie has become a comedian. He loves telling jokes. Despite the fairly grim past, this book is not sad. It is not about his parents being dead. It happened a while ago and Jamie is a strong kid. He thinks about his sister and parents but it is not the main focus of the story. The trilogy is about Jamie in school and competing in various contests to try to prove he is the Planet's Funniest Kid Comic.
I read all three of these books with my son (I Funny, I Even Funnier and I Totally Funniest). They are quick reads with short chapters. The main character, Jamie is very funny and likable. He goes through various difficulties of being in middle school including being bullied, navigating friendships and liking girls. In this book he is faced with the extra pressure of being a finalist in the contest and trying to deal with the fame that comes with it. It's a lot of pressure for a middle school kid and he has difficulties. Jamie's journey and resilience are inspiring.
My son (11) and I both really enjoyed all of the books and though the ending is predictable, the journey is still fun. I think Middle School kids will find this a fun, easy read. The entire series is a good choice to try for reluctant readers.
Recommended to:
Grades 4 through 8. Anyone who likes funny stories or stories about middle school. Reluctant readers.
 - James Patterson, Chris Grabenstein, Laura Park)
