|
I Funny: A Middle School Story
Last updated Friday, August 4, 2023
Author: James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein
Illustrator: Laura Park
Date of Publication: 2013
ISBN: 0316322008
Grade Level: 5th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Aug. 2023
Synopsis:
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 Plane''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?
| Note to readers: |
| • |
This book is about an orphaned, middle school boy who aspires to be a comic.
|
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
| • |
Jamie Grimm is a middle school boy who wants to be a comic. Is there
something that you aspire to be or to do?
Vocabulary:
|
| • |
comic: a person who tries to create laughter or amusement through an act.
|
| • |
zombie: a person held to resemble the walking dead.
|
| • |
hick: a person considered to be unsophisticated due to his rural origins.
|
| • |
bicep: the large muscle of the upper arm.
|
| • |
brainiac: slang for a very smart person.
|
| • |
diner: a small, informal, inexpensive restaurant.
|
| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
| • |
Is there an anti-bullying program at your school? What does it involve? Do you think it is effective?
|
| • |
Do you like to watch stand-up comic routines? Do you like anyone in particular? Have you ever been to
a live performance? Would you like to be a comic?
|
| • |
Note to Readers: The kids will want to read the rest of the book to find out why Jamie is an orphan and
in a wheelchair.
|
| Craft ideas: |
| • |
As a group: Share some jokes you have heard (e.g., knock/knock jokes, Dad jokes, riddle jokes).
|
| • |
Draw a picture of somewhere you went this summer or something you did.
|
| Special activities: |
| • |
Do the Word Search.
|
*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
|
