Book Reviews and More: Maxx Comedy - Gordon Korman

Maxx Comedy

Scholastic Canada

ISBN 9780439961219

Maxx Comedy - Gordon Korman - The Funniest Kid in America

This book was originally published in 1993 by Scholastic, in has been through numerous reprint since then, though currently not in print. According to Goodreads there are 8 editions and versions format including paperback and hardcover. The covers have been through 2 different styles, one for the Canadian editions from Scholastic and a different for the US editions. Some editions have a subtitle of ‘The Funniest Kid in America’. My introduction to Korman’s works was the 39 Clues back in 2009. Since then I have read 61 of his books. Over half way thorough his canon, but with each one I read I am entertained and often challenged, and always entertained. I do plan on trying to read them all. My son, who is 17 often, reads these books to me or with me, and he still loves them.

A description of this volume states:

“Will Max leave them rolling in the aisles? Or will he discover, as an old actor once said, "Dying is easy; comedy is hard." It's classic Korman once again! Gordon shows his command of the middle-school voice and the real reactions of kids, and mixes them with completely outrageous situations to create a hilarious novel that kids will love. Eleven-year-old Max Carmody has wanted to be a stand-up comedian since he was five. And he believes it is truly his destiny when he discovers a national talent search for "The Funniest Kid in America." The prize is $1000 and a TV appearance. Armed with a stage name, Maxx Comedy, he proceeds to manipulate his friends and family in the singleminded pursuit of his goal. Hilarity ensues as Korman brilliantly portrays the humour that can be found in any kid's life, especially when the kid is Max. He is living proof of the old saying "anything that can go wrong, will."”

The description of the American edition is:

“Ever since he was little, Max Carmody has been trying to make people laugh. So when he sees a poster announcing a contest for "The Funniest Kid in America," he feels that he has finally found his destiny. Dubbing himself "Maxx Comedy," he sets about to create the tape that will win him the contest and national fame-but it isn't quite as easy as he thought it would be. In what soon becomes a comedy of errors, Max first has to help a cow named Madonna give birth, keep a wildcat from attacking his classmates, save a friend from getting beaten up by a jealous boyfriend, and make it all the way to Chicago with a truckload of cherries. Will Max leave them rolling in the aisles? Or will he discover, as an old actor once said, "Dying is easy; comedy is hard."”

Each chapter title is Max telling a joke. With an illustration of him holding a mic. The main story focuses on four close friends in middle school. They are Max, Maude, Syndi, and Andrew Byrd known as Big. Each of the four are trying to find their place in grad 6 and the school. Maude who believe that if anything can go wrong it will and it will impact her the most. Syndi who just wants to get a toehold on the student council. Big is just odd, and yet he is a loyal friend and then we have Mac Carmody who comes up with the stage name of Maxx Comedy.

Maxx has his heart set on a comedy contest in Chicago. Most of the story focuses around him trying to record his act to send in as an audition tape. He comes up with scheme after scheme, even playing his divorced parents off against each other. And even trying to gain good will with his step-father. But nothing goes as hoped or expected.

This story is another good read from Korman’s pen. It does a good job of capturing middle school groups, cliques, and feel. Max might not get his heart’s desire but he and his friends figure out some of the more important things in life along the way. This book has the lowest rating on Goodreads of any of Korman’s works, with a 3.2 average across 264 ratings and 27 reviews. Chronologically it falls about in the middle of Korman’s stand-alone works. It is an interesting concept and In my opinion well executed.

This was the last of Korman’s stand-alone books for me to read. I still have about 40 books from series left to read to have completed the canon of Korman’s works. I am grateful I gave it a read. It is a fun School Story and Korman is a master of the genre. If you can track it down pick it up and give it a read I am certain it will entertain and you will likely laugh out loud a few times!

Books by Gordon Korman:

MacDonald Hall Series:

This Can't Be Happening at Macdonald Hall (1978)

Go Jump in the Pool (1979)

Beware the Fish! (1980)

The Wizzle War (1982)

(formerly The War With Mr. Wizzle)

The Zucchini Warriors (1988)

Light’s Camera, Disaster (1991)

(aka Macdonald Hall Goes Hollywood)

The Jokes on Us (1995)

(formerly Something Fishy at Macdonald Hall)