Maxx Comedy: The Funniest Kid in America

by Gordon Korman

After hearing about a competition for "The Funniest Kid in America," Max Carmody renames himself and begins to make a tape that will surely win him the prize, but things don’t go as easy as he expected and all the other distractions in his life are certainly not helping the situation. Reprint.

Genres: Humor, Fiction, Childrens, Juvenile

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Gordon Korman is a Canadian author of children's and young adult fiction books. Korman's books have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide over a career spanning four decades and have appeared at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list.

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was the perfect choice because it had unexpected parts that change your emotions to all different cinds

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This didn't really keep my attention. Good for middle school jokes.

[Asher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the tittle says otherwise, this was not a very funny book. I think that this one was just ok.

[Jackie Guifarro · Rating 5 out of 5]

it seen a good book

[Chance Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taking in this cover I really read this book wrong. While this book is focused on comedy it is just a simple drama. I repeat it isn't a ridiculous joke filled book which is how I took reading it. There are some good jokes but some did go over my head.
I'm calling it out most if not all the names fit with real world characters. Such as Mario and Yoshi being used coincidentally within the same chapter.
I'm also going to call out that in the beginning Mario sees the worlds largest Easter egg. Hence Vegreville Alberta, Canada. (He gets fictional points for both references.)
I LOVE the ending. I love the twists, choices, and blindsides, in this book.
Interestingly enough this book to it's core is about never giving up on your dreams even if your friends don't support you. PERFECT!
While reading this book I wasn't sure if I liked it. His friends have an illusion that made me think they were annoying, and I didn't quite enjoy it. BUT as I think through this book I really like it and I stopped taking it as off the wall chaos comedy I really started liking the book.
My favorite character has to be Mario. (No joke!) Between the quirks, support, care, willingness. This character was in the book at the perfect times and wasn't over used.
Korman has a formula to making books and this book follows along with it. It a good book.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max Carmody, a sixth-grader, has wanted to be a professional stand-up comic since he was seven years old. When he discovers a contest searching for “The Funniest Kid in America”, Max feels that he’s found his destiny. He creates the stage name Maxx Comedy, has his friends help him with his video of his act to submit for the contest, and adds a laugh track to his tape. A couple of weeks later, Max receives a letter that his audition tape was funny enough to qualify him for the contest. Max then works on perfecting his routine, but encounters failed attempts to perform his act in front of a live audience. Unfortunately, he arrives at the contest too late to perform but unexpectedly gets a second chance at the spotlight when a Chicago news station airs his audition tape and gets an opportunity to perform at his hometown’s comedy club. However, fate isn’t on his side and he botches another attempt at his destiny. Max is able though to see the humor in the end at his partly successful attempt as a comedian. Readers will laugh at Max and his friends in this quick and amusing read that also demonstrates loyalty and support of family and friends. I’d recommend this for readers who like a fast and funny read.

[Chad Cantin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maxx Comedy by Gordon Kormon is a great book. I have read several of Gordon Kormon's books and I think this was one of my favorites! This book even made me laugh at some parts. I kind of wish he made a sequel to the book. I hope to read more of gordon Kormon's books in the future!

Max Carmody has always dreamed about being a comedian. So, when an opportunity for the "Funniest Kid in America" opens up, Max is determined to show the judges what he can do. However, getting into the contest is a little more complicated than Max though it would be. Max has to go through all sorts of problems along the way. Will Max Carmody become the Funniest Kid in America and get his own T.V show?

I would recommend this book to whoever likes to read adventure books.

[Lora · Rating 3 out of 5]

With each chapter beginning there is an excerpt of Max’s routine, Korman is able to draw the reader into the text with laughter. The book is targeted at an older audience; specifically middle schoolers would love the sarcasm and witty humor of Max. In this aspect the story is very similar to The Transmogrification of Roscoe Wizzle. Adults and fans of the television show Seinfeld would also truly enjoy this book. Seinfeld is one of Max’s true idols and this is reflected in Korman’s writing style. The intelligent writing of this tale is reflected in the plot twists and character development providing each character has their own special personality that is distinguishable and memorable.

[Salsabrarian]

Booktalk: First there was "American Idol." Then "America's Got Talent." Now when Maxx sees the poster for "The Funniest Kid in America," a comedy contest in Chicago, he knows destiny is calling. Ever since he was 7 years old he's wanted to be a professional stand-up comic. But it's tough trying to hone his act in front of his 4-year-old sister who doesn't get the jokes, or his best friend Maude Dolinka who DOES get the jokes but doesn't think they're funny. Not to worry: Max plans to create a video that will make him world famous. Will he leave the judges rolling in the aisles? Or will Max discover the truth of the saying: dying is easy, comedy is hard?

[Sam S]

This book was descent. It was about a kid who thinks he is the funniest kid in sixth grade.
This book is about a kid named Max and everyone who knows him thinks he is the funniest kid in the sixth grade. His step dad Mario laughs at everything he says for no reason and it makes Max so mad every time. Max enters a contest called the funniest kid contest and he does all this stuff to prepare for the contest. He has many challenges before gets to the contest.
I would recommend this book to kids in 6-8 grade. People who like funny books would like this one.

[Whitney · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was neither funny, nor suspenseful, nor interesting. I appreciate that Korman was distancing himself from his more humorous books but it isn't as interesting as his completely dramatic works like Son of the Mob or The Deep nor as charming as his funnier ones. It's a mediocre work from an author I really enjoy. If this was your first Korman, try again.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am beginning to think I don't like Gordon Korman's writing. This is the second book I've read of his and, while it was okay, I really didn't like it. Max Carmody is suppose to be a comedian but the few jokes he tells in the story aren't funny. He is consistently lying to get what he wants. He is very self centered. The only good thing about him is when he realizes he messed up and tries to fix it. I will give the author another try but I just don't think his type of writing appeals to me.

[Kelly Ghartey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is Alright. I think the book is for kids that are maybe 1-2 years younger then me. But otherwise the book is really funny. Its about this kid who thinks he is he funniest guy in America. So then when the compantition comes up where they are looking for the funniest kid in America. Of course he enters, but what will happend?

[Tomas J · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a very interesting story about a boy called Max, who has always been a house comedian for his family, trying to make everyone laugh. Suddenly, he begins to think about trying for a contest for the funniest kid in America. He soon learns that it is not that easy...
It's a good read, you get hooked and you have a guaranteed laughter.
I recommend it.

[Peter Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

What does a kid have to do to become a hit comedian? Apparently, a lot! Max Carmody suffers setback after setback in his quest to be the Funniest Kid in America. Max knows he's funny, the trouble is in convincing everyone else. His story is a quick read and lots of fun.

[Colten · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is funny at the beginning. Towards the end the book starts to be boring, thats what I think about this book.This book is about him going on this journey to be a comedian. Whoever wins get thousand dollars. Also his mom and dad dont live together.

[Brenten Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

RATING 3.33(repeating)

Quaint. Charming. Not a classic Gordon Korman book, though.

Not one I'll want to re-read many times like "I WANT TO GO HOME" or the BUGS POTTER series or the BRUNO AND BOOTS series.

[Deborah Horton Core · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. Enjoyable. Good life lessons for kids that include: patience, disappointment, split families, working with step-parents, etc, Maxx is excited to get to participate in a comedy contest, but one thing after another happens and Maxx is struggling to get to the competition.

[Mary E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

funny light read

[Noah Fisher · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was rather pathetic and more for a third grader. It had corny jokes and sort of had some outlandish third grader hopes. Very disappointed.

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Asher (8yo) read. Described as "kinda funny."

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about a kid who wants to be the Funniest Kid in America. He is a good character, but his friends and their mishaps make the story fun.

[Ty Kennedy]

eh not so funny

[Mr. Graham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Given its title and subject matter this book conspicuously and disappointingly lacked funny material.

[Aden Schmidt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not really like it because I thought it would be funnier. I mean it was kinda funny just not that funny.

[Bailey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Geared for younger kids

[Sarah Thornton]

Mild in comparison to his usual work.