xteax's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tlchand's review against another edition
4.0
My son (4th grader) got this for Christmas and I thought I should read it before he did. The book has a strong full plot with likeable, and not so likeable (Stevie) characters. Enjoyed reading the book and I think my son will too. I'm glad he is reading something other than the Diary series - as a parent I like the learnings/life lessons.
surpriseitem's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. It's wonderful. I like it a lot more than I liked James Patterson's other books, even though I enjoyed those too. This book was hilarious. Seriously. It was also depressingly sad. But, in a good addicting way. Okay, so now I'm not making any sense, am I? Oh, well.
The Plot: I thought the plot was a creative idea and excecuted perfectly. Like, I'm not sure if they wrote it together, but if they did, then you couldn't tell it was told by two different people at all. The story had me laughing out loud the whole way through, and I had read 320 pages on my kindle without even knowing it.
The Characters: I really like all of the characters. Sure, Stevie was your typical bully, and he was like a Dudly Dursly, but I still enjoyed the characters and all of them, including the Smileys, made me "smile."
The Plot: I thought the plot was a creative idea and excecuted perfectly. Like, I'm not sure if they wrote it together, but if they did, then you couldn't tell it was told by two different people at all. The story had me laughing out loud the whole way through, and I had read 320 pages on my kindle without even knowing it.
The Characters: I really like all of the characters. Sure, Stevie was your typical bully, and he was like a Dudly Dursly, but I still enjoyed the characters and all of them, including the Smileys, made me "smile."
deepfreezebatman's review
4.0
This is the 3rd James Patterson middle grade book I've read (along with Robots and Middle School The Worst Years of My Life), and I have to say that all of them are pretty solid. Great mix of humor and serious topics, along with great illustrations and short chapters that really suck you in. All of his books have been fun and entertaining, but I can't say that any had any lasting impressions on me.
benisatree6177's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
tabatha_shipley's review against another edition
4.0
This book is clearly a product of a man who seriously believes in engaging all children (and adults) in reading. Mr. Patterson has written a funny book geared towards children in another beautiful installment to make his Read, Kiddo, Read campaign proud.
As a middle school Reading teacher, I often read books that are designed for teens. This one, which I purchased 2 copies of for my classroom library, I happily read through is less than 24 hours. Actually, it was probably less than 12 hours.
The book was funny, easy to read, interesting, and creative. I enjoyed the story line (young Jaime is an aspiring comedian who enters the New York funniest child competition) and the jokes were great. I can easily see a child enjoying this book. In fact, I immediately recommended it to my 8 year old (and my husband, actually).
Highly recommended. In fact, get 2 copies and read it with your kids!
As a middle school Reading teacher, I often read books that are designed for teens. This one, which I purchased 2 copies of for my classroom library, I happily read through is less than 24 hours. Actually, it was probably less than 12 hours.
The book was funny, easy to read, interesting, and creative. I enjoyed the story line (young Jaime is an aspiring comedian who enters the New York funniest child competition) and the jokes were great. I can easily see a child enjoying this book. In fact, I immediately recommended it to my 8 year old (and my husband, actually).
Highly recommended. In fact, get 2 copies and read it with your kids!
shighley's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. To keep up with my students, I've listened to almost all of the Middle School, the Worst Years... books. I liked this better. Even though Jamie is in a tough situation, I think this setting is more hopeful than what Rafe experiences. The part with Steve bullying him is too over the the top and hopefully would never happen, but I liked the fact that some people could change, that Jamie himself was not perfect, and that the fact he was in a wheelchair was not a case for pity. Yes, many of the jokes were old, but it was nice to realize what my students are finding as funny contains some "clean" humor.
lmuthler's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0