I Even Funnier: A Middle School Story

I Even Funnier: A Middle School Story offers good insight into the ins and outs of middle-school life. As Jamie's good friend Gilda almost becomes his girlfriend, readers pick up wisdom about handling that complex balance. Along the way, the story helps middle schoolers make good decisions about the difficult issues they face every day. Jamie is a positive role model for studying and persevering. He's in a wheelchair, orphaned, and bullied by his own cousin, yet he finds the strength to carry on with a positive attitude.

Despite the many troubles of his short life, Jamie remains positive but doesn't become saccharine. His life with his dull aunt and uncle reminds him of the oat gruel they serve each morning for breakfast, but he's grateful they took him in when he had nowhere else to go. There's much more to Jamie than your typical smart-aleck middle-school character, thanks to his experience and insights. The fact that Jamie's in a wheelchair is dealt with in an upfront and pitiless way. His disability doesn't get in the way of his crushes and friendships or his dream of becoming the Planet's Funniest Comic.

Mild kissing and very middle school-appropriate dialogue between boys and girls.

James Patterson's books always include lots of brand names and product placements, and this is no exception. Mentions include Nestle Crunch, iPhone, YouTube, McDonald's, Red Bull, and Madden NFL Football, as well as many references to movies, books, and TV shows.