"I Funny" Series by James Patterson: Books in Order
By Lily | Published 7 October 2022 | Book titles and covers are affiliate links.
If you're looking for funny books for your child, look no further than the I Funny series by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein. This New York Times bestseller follows the story of Jamie Grimm, a middle schooler and aspiring comedian. Jamie is wheelchair-bound but that doesn't stop him from pursuing his dream of becoming the world's best stand-up comic.
Throughout this graphic novel series, Jamie is joined by his best friend, Uncle Frankie, and a cast of new friends as he navigates the ups and downs of being a young comedian who dreams of winning the Planet's Funniest Kid Comic Contest.
The I Funny series is a hilarious and heartwarming middle school story that will have your child laughing out loud while also learning important lessons about friendship, perseverance, and following your dreams. With this guide to the I Funny books in order, help your child explore the wacky world of Jamie Grimm and his friends as they navigate the challenges of middle school and pursue their dreams of becoming comedians.
The I Funny Books in Order: Publication Order
1. I Funny: A Middle School Story – In the first book of the I Funny series, readers are introduced to middle schooler Jamie Grimm as moves in with his Aunt and Uncle and discovers a passion for comedy. With the help of his new friends and his best friend Gloria, Jamie enters the Planet's Funniest Kid Comic Contest and follows him as he advances through the stages of the competition.
2. I Even Funnier: A Middle School Story – In the second book of the series, Jamie has won the Planet's Funniest Kid Comic contest and is now on his way to the New York State Finals. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about friendship and perseverance.
3. I Totally Funniest: A Middle School Story – In the third book, I Totally Funniest, is the last act of Jamie's journey to becoming the funniest kid comic in the world! Jamie faces his toughest gig yet when he competes in the International Finals of the Planet's Funniest Kid Comic Contest. In Hollywood, he faces tough competition from all over the world but is determined to win. With the support of family and friends, Jamie delivers his best comedy act yet and learns important life lessons about never giving up on your dreams.
4. I Funny TV: A Middle School Story – This is a graphic novel that follows Jamie as he hits the big time and becomes the star of a new TV show. He has to navigate the ups and downs of fame while also dealing with the challenges of middle school.
5. School of Laughs: A Middle School Story – This is a companion novel to the I Funny series that follows a new character, Jacky Ha-Ha, as she pursues her big dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian.
The Story of the I Funny Series
The I Funny series is a hilarious illustrated series that has become a popular choice for middle-grade readers. The series has won several awards and has been praised for its outrageous hijinks and classic Grabenstein humor. It is a must-read for any young reader who loves comedy and wants to learn more about the world of standup comedy. Though the series is appropriate for children of all ages, some of the humor and themes may be better suited for children over the age of 8 or 9.
Best-selling author James Patterson, considered one of the most prolific authors of all time, is known for his other popular book series, including the Maximum Ride, Alex Cross, and the Women’s Murder Club series. The I Funny series was his first children's book.
Chris Grabenstein, on the other hand, is an American author who has written several bestselling books for children and young adults. Chris Grabenstein books include the Mr. Lemoncello’s Library series, the Jacky Ha-Ha series, and the Wonderland Motel series.
Other James Patterson & Chris Grabenstein Books for Children
In addition to the I Funny series, James Patterson has written several other books for children and young adults that are part of the larger middle school books universe created by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein. Books in this universe include:
The Middle School series - In his acclaimed and #1 bestselling middle-grade comic debut, Children's Choice Award Author of the Year James Patterson has never been more hilarious--or heartwarming. This popular series follows the adventures of Rafe Khatchadorian as he navigates the tough years of middle school. It includes books such as Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life and Middle School: Big Fat Liar.
The Max Einstein series - What Harry Potter did for magic, Max Einstein does for kids' imaginations! Max leads a group of kid geniuses in this #1 New York Times bestseller officially approved by the Albert Einstein archives.
The Treasure Hunters series - This action-packed series follows the adventures of the Kidd siblings as they search for treasures around the world. But when their parents disappear on the job, the kids are suddenly thrust into the biggest treasure hunt of their lives.
The Mr. Lemoncello's Library series - This series by Chris Grabenstein follows a group of kids as they compete to find their way out of the "coolest library in the world" designed by the eccentric Mr. Lemoncello. Have your child join gamer-fan Kyle Keeley as he competes in the escape game of a lifetime!
The Crazy House books series - This bestselling series follows the adventures of twins Becca and Cassie as they fight back against a society that values conformity over individuality.
Other Funny Books for Kids
As always, it's important to support your child's reading habits by providing them with a variety of chapter books, graphic novels, and comic books to choose from. This will help them develop a love of reading that will last a lifetime. So if your child enjoys the I Funny series, here are several other funny books that they may enjoy.
The Big Nate series - This hilarious illustrated series follows the adventures of an irrepressible sixth-grader named Nate Wright as he navigates life in elementary school. Lincoln Peirce is the bestselling author of the Big Nate series in which the jokes and laughs are always flying!
The Mr. Wolf's Class series - This popular series of graphic novels follows the wacky adventures of Mr. Wolf and his fourth-grade students. Written by Aron Nels Steinke, an elementary school teacher, and Eisner Award-winning cartoonist.
The Bad Guys series - The Bad Guys is an illustrated children's graphic novel series by Australian author Aaron Blabey. The book series centers around a gang of animals known as the Bad Guys who attempt to perform good deeds to change society's perception of them as criminals, despite their efforts usually going wrong.
Recommendations for Parents
The series has become a cultural touchstone and has influenced many other authors and illustrators. So, whether your child is a fan of graphic novels or just looking for a new series to enjoy, the I Funny books are a must-read for any young reader who loves to laugh.
Whether your child is a new reader or a longtime fan of James Patterson books, the I Funny series is a must-read for any parent who wants to encourage their children to develop a love of reading. By joining Jamie and his friends on their adventures, your child will learn about the joys of humor, the importance of friendship, and the power of pursuing your dreams.
So go ahead and add the I Funny series to your child's reading list and watch as they laugh and learn with Jamie Grimm, the world's favourite kid comic!