Jamie Grimm is a middle school stand-up comedian that doesn’t fit the job description, as he is in a wheelchair. He is one of the “Elite Eight” in the “Planet’s Funniest Kid Comic” competition, along with Judy Nazemetz, Patricia “Chatty Patty” Dombrowski, Grafton Maddox Bacardi, Ben Baccarro, Antony Guerrerro, Samuel Bromely Oravetz, and the Klien sisters. Somehow, he makes it to the Final Four! While resting and reviewing lines, Jamie is seriously discouraged into thinking that he is not actually funny, and that America gave him a sympathy vote. Then a hurricane crashes into his home, and he realizes his problems are nothing. Some people in the Red Cross shelter have lost their homes. He thinks that this will delay the competition, but it doesn’t. Can Jamie be funny enough to win the contest?
I enjoyed the writing style of the book. The actual story isn’t that funny, but the way it is written, along with hilarious pictures just made me laugh so hard. I didn’t like the way Judy tricked everyone into thinking that her dad was seriously ill even though he wasn’t. People who enjoy a good laugh would appreciate this book. Overall, I would give this book four stars.
One memorable thing about the book is Jamie’s comedy routine that he performed in the Red Cross Shelter. It was hilarious and heartwarming at the same time. I think everyone appreciated it in the Red Cross shelter because it let them forget their troubles and laugh.
Reviewed by Kalakriti, Grade 6, Twin Hickory Area Library
HCPL TeenScene's Read + Review 