Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fraught, funny tale of grief, loss, and internet fame.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Twelve-year-old Zeke Stahls knows perfectly well that he's not THE WORLD'S GREATEST KID. He's the middle child of a fatherless family that's barely getting by, and he lives for pranks (preferably gross and/or dangerous ones) as a coping strategy. But when he gets word that he's been selected for an online contest -- and the prize would have a life-changing effect on his family -- he decides to give it his best shot. But what does it mean to be great anyway?
Is It Any Good?
John David Anderson takes on internet fame in this fraught, funny, poignant tale of a bereaved family barely getting by and seeing life-changing opportunity in an online contest. The World's Greatest Kid features tragedy and loss in a sometimes uneasy mix with gross-out humor and slapstick, over-the-top pranks. But poignant moments of understanding and minor victory deliver a strong message that sometimes, all you can do is your best, and that's not so bad.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about internet fame as shown in The World's Greatest Kid, as well as a lot of other stories these days. Do you follow any online celebrities or influencers? What do you like about them?
Does your family have traditions -- like Sunday morning pancakes for Zeke's family -- that are really an important part of your life? What are they?
Do you think it would be fun to be famous, or would you prefer to stay out of the public eye? Why?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Family Life
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Self-control
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Walden Pond Press
- Publication date : May 9, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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