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Pottymouth and Stoopid
Bestselling author James Patterson's best book for boys in years! Tired of being bullied, middle-school underdogs "Pottymouth" and "Stoopid" finally fight back with the power of funny.
David and his best friend Michael were tagged with awful nicknames way back in preschool when everyone did silly things. Fast-forward to seventh grade: "Pottymouth" and "Stoopid" are still stuck with the names--and everyone in school, including the teachers and their principal, believe the labels are true.
So how do they go about changing everyone's minds? By turning their misery into megastardom on TV, of course! And this important story delivers more than just laughs--it shows that the worst bullying doesn't have to be physical...and that things will get better. A great conversation starter for parents to read alongside their kids!
Official Notice to Parents:There is no actual pottymouthing or stupidity in this entire book!(Psst, kids: that second part might not be entirely true.)
David and his best friend Michael were tagged with awful nicknames way back in preschool when everyone did silly things. Fast-forward to seventh grade: "Pottymouth" and "Stoopid" are still stuck with the names--and everyone in school, including the teachers and their principal, believe the labels are true.
So how do they go about changing everyone's minds? By turning their misery into megastardom on TV, of course! And this important story delivers more than just laughs--it shows that the worst bullying doesn't have to be physical...and that things will get better. A great conversation starter for parents to read alongside their kids!
Official Notice to Parents:There is no actual pottymouthing or stupidity in this entire book!(Psst, kids: that second part might not be entirely true.)
336 pages, Hardcover
Published June 12, 2017
111 people are currently reading
4176 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
955 books356k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
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James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
June 6, 2017
When I received the ARC of this title, it came with a letter from James Patterson, saying: "This book gets at one of the chief reasons why young men become unhappy, angry, and sometimes even violent. Bullying, like everything today, has gotten complicated[...] it also represents an essential message for young readers." If Patterson truly believes this is the "most important book I have ever written", he should have made sure the finished product hinted at that message. It does not.
If you are looking for a realistic and sensitive depiction of school bullying, this is NOT the book for your child. There is no emotional substance, painful stereotypes and frequent behavior by teachers and administrators that would cost any real professional their jobs, and a painfully rushed non-ending that never gets around to teaching any lesson that Patterson may have set out to teach.
David (the narrator) and his best friend Michael are given cruel nicknames at young ages, which follow them into middle school. They are frequently teased by the popular kids (led by a stereotypical cheerleading queen bee) and their only other friend is a girl, Anna, who is teased about being a brainiac. Had this been the driving plot, and the story remained some sense of realism, it could have earned a place at the table beside 'Wonder' and Spinelli's 'Loser'.
However, the authors attempt too hard to make the story comedic, and the school abuse becomes incredibly unrealistic — notably by the fact that the brunt of insults and exclusion come from school adults. From the gym teacher refuses to let them try out for the basketball team because he believes Michael's personality will lead to the team getting disqualified, to judges leaving to go to the bathroom while the pair present their project, to none of their teachers knowing their real names and calling them stupid in front of the class, the story quickly crosses the line into unbelievable, and most of the jokes in this story are directed at Michael and David, encouraging the reader to laugh at them and their situation, completely contradicting the message of being able to identify with bullied young men that I was promised. The 'cartoon-based-on-their-lives' plot missed an opportunity to discuss how insult-based humor in the media impacts viewers, and instead focuses on the stolen-identity plot and the one-dimensional villain that is David's 'ex-dad'.
The worst part that is taken away from the story is that, contrary to what Patterson claims, there is no lesson to be learned. The principal only begins taking David and Michael seriously when he discovered they have high standardized test scores, students only begin to treat them nicely when they become famous, and their home lives only become better when their fame translates into a profit. There was a perfect opportunity during the climax of the story for David to deliver a speech to the school and share how he feels and how this treatment has affected him and his friend, but instead of delivering a speech to the reader, he says, quote: "My long life story you've been reading is the story I told". A textbook example of Patterson/Grabenstein 'telling' and not 'showing'; it's hard to understand why an author who wants this story to be meaningful misses so many blatant opportunities to add emotion and a broader discussion to a story that is stale and cliched without it.
The target audience of this book appears to be much younger than Grabenstein's other books, as I don't think middle schoolers would find this realistic; level-wise and stylistically it's comparable to Wimpy Kid, just without the charm of Kinney's characters. This book aims to combine Wimpy Kid and Wonder, and falls short of both, being both unoriginal and un-relatable. As a bookseller, I don't think I could in good faith promote this book with the words Patterson uses. It's not important or meaningful, but for young kids (7-10) looking for an easy summer read, selling it as a farcical school tale about ridiculed kids suddenly becoming famous may work.
If you are looking for a realistic and sensitive depiction of school bullying, this is NOT the book for your child. There is no emotional substance, painful stereotypes and frequent behavior by teachers and administrators that would cost any real professional their jobs, and a painfully rushed non-ending that never gets around to teaching any lesson that Patterson may have set out to teach.
David (the narrator) and his best friend Michael are given cruel nicknames at young ages, which follow them into middle school. They are frequently teased by the popular kids (led by a stereotypical cheerleading queen bee) and their only other friend is a girl, Anna, who is teased about being a brainiac. Had this been the driving plot, and the story remained some sense of realism, it could have earned a place at the table beside 'Wonder' and Spinelli's 'Loser'.
However, the authors attempt too hard to make the story comedic, and the school abuse becomes incredibly unrealistic — notably by the fact that the brunt of insults and exclusion come from school adults. From the gym teacher refuses to let them try out for the basketball team because he believes Michael's personality will lead to the team getting disqualified, to judges leaving to go to the bathroom while the pair present their project, to none of their teachers knowing their real names and calling them stupid in front of the class, the story quickly crosses the line into unbelievable, and most of the jokes in this story are directed at Michael and David, encouraging the reader to laugh at them and their situation, completely contradicting the message of being able to identify with bullied young men that I was promised. The 'cartoon-based-on-their-lives' plot missed an opportunity to discuss how insult-based humor in the media impacts viewers, and instead focuses on the stolen-identity plot and the one-dimensional villain that is David's 'ex-dad'.
The worst part that is taken away from the story is that, contrary to what Patterson claims, there is no lesson to be learned. The principal only begins taking David and Michael seriously when he discovered they have high standardized test scores, students only begin to treat them nicely when they become famous, and their home lives only become better when their fame translates into a profit. There was a perfect opportunity during the climax of the story for David to deliver a speech to the school and share how he feels and how this treatment has affected him and his friend, but instead of delivering a speech to the reader, he says, quote: "My long life story you've been reading is the story I told". A textbook example of Patterson/Grabenstein 'telling' and not 'showing'; it's hard to understand why an author who wants this story to be meaningful misses so many blatant opportunities to add emotion and a broader discussion to a story that is stale and cliched without it.
The target audience of this book appears to be much younger than Grabenstein's other books, as I don't think middle schoolers would find this realistic; level-wise and stylistically it's comparable to Wimpy Kid, just without the charm of Kinney's characters. This book aims to combine Wimpy Kid and Wonder, and falls short of both, being both unoriginal and un-relatable. As a bookseller, I don't think I could in good faith promote this book with the words Patterson uses. It's not important or meaningful, but for young kids (7-10) looking for an easy summer read, selling it as a farcical school tale about ridiculed kids suddenly becoming famous may work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2017
I received a free copy of this book and gave it to the 9 year-old in my life. He told me to rate it 4 3/4 stars, so I'm translating that to five. :) For a kid who's shied away from thicker books, this was quite the accomplishment for him! I was going to read it when he was finished, but he's passed it along to one of his classmates. Easy come, easy go I suppose.
March 4, 2024
Lol, pretty cool. Never heard of this but I am glad I listened to it.
May 25, 2020
It's hard to rate this. When I first started reading it, I thought it would be this book about kids doing goofy things to get laughs in class. Not so at all. These kids are treated horribly by students, teachers and in one instance, by David's dad. One thing I didn't like was that he kept calling his dad his ex-dad. He is not the ex-dad, he is dad. He was a horrible man, but he can't be the ex-dad. Michael's parents are foster parents who don't work and swear all the time. Hence his nickname Pottymouth, as he is constantly making up new words as swear words, essentially. There was just something off about this, I'm not sure if it was the constant use of these made up words to replace swears, but it just felt wrong.
On the other hand, a lot of kids go through this stuff. Parents not paying child support while they live much better than the child, foster parents living off the state and not caring about the kids they are fostering as long as they get their money, classmates being bullies with their actions and words and not getting in trouble for it. It's horrible and this book does show this.
On the other hand, a lot of kids go through this stuff. Parents not paying child support while they live much better than the child, foster parents living off the state and not caring about the kids they are fostering as long as they get their money, classmates being bullies with their actions and words and not getting in trouble for it. It's horrible and this book does show this.
June 25, 2017
I really loved this book. At first I assumed it'd be really childish and well, stoopid. But as they say, never judge a book by its cover! I really related to David and Michael. I've never been called names in school but I was bullied other ways. But that's another story. Anyways, if you need a good wholesome pick me up book, don't be a fluffernutter and go read Pottymouth and Stoopid!
February 14, 2017
My 10 year old son and I both loved this and hope the sequel comes out in the voice of Pottymouth! Teaches a valuable lesson while funny and at times sad! A great partner to the I Funny books by Grabenstein and Patterson's Jimmy books!
June 30, 2017
Michael and David, aka Pottymouth and Stoopid have been best friends since preschool. Because of their wild and crazy antics and colorful, made-up language, they have been bullied for years. Fast forward to middle school, where their cruel nicknames have followed them. Everyone calls them by Pottymouth and Stoopid, even their teachers and principal. Michael and David just expect this to always be the case.
But, when their actions and pranks that have gone awry become fodder for a series on the Cartoon Network, they become famous, sort of. Most of their classmates cannot believe that these two class jokes have anything to do with this hit show. Even Michael and David are wondering where the producers got ahold of their goof-ups. It is up to Michael and David to figure it out.
With mostly clueless parents, David's mom works 3 jobs since his ex-dad won't pay child support and Michael's foster parents are only in the game for the money, it leaves a big question mark in everyone's mind. When the mastermind behind the series is revealed, a frenzy ensues. But, does the bullying stop...well, not completely.
Pottymouth and Stoopid is full of laugh-out-loud humor about a very serious subject. Bullying is rampant in schools today. Teachers, administrators, and staff can talk until they're blue in the face about kindness, compasssion, and empathy, and still the bully finds a way to confront their victims. This book has an important message: stay strong, don't heed the bully's message, and find strength and commaradirie in numbers.
Pottymouth and Stoopid would be a great read-aloud since it will bring students and adults together to discuss the underlying message. With manageable, short chapters, loads of humor, and relateable characters the book should be on every library's shelf. Cannot wait to put it on my elementary school's shelf.
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways, Jimmy Patterson Books, James Patterson, Chris Grabenstein, Sabrina Benun, and Alexis Gilbert for this copy.
But, when their actions and pranks that have gone awry become fodder for a series on the Cartoon Network, they become famous, sort of. Most of their classmates cannot believe that these two class jokes have anything to do with this hit show. Even Michael and David are wondering where the producers got ahold of their goof-ups. It is up to Michael and David to figure it out.
With mostly clueless parents, David's mom works 3 jobs since his ex-dad won't pay child support and Michael's foster parents are only in the game for the money, it leaves a big question mark in everyone's mind. When the mastermind behind the series is revealed, a frenzy ensues. But, does the bullying stop...well, not completely.
Pottymouth and Stoopid is full of laugh-out-loud humor about a very serious subject. Bullying is rampant in schools today. Teachers, administrators, and staff can talk until they're blue in the face about kindness, compasssion, and empathy, and still the bully finds a way to confront their victims. This book has an important message: stay strong, don't heed the bully's message, and find strength and commaradirie in numbers.
Pottymouth and Stoopid would be a great read-aloud since it will bring students and adults together to discuss the underlying message. With manageable, short chapters, loads of humor, and relateable characters the book should be on every library's shelf. Cannot wait to put it on my elementary school's shelf.
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways, Jimmy Patterson Books, James Patterson, Chris Grabenstein, Sabrina Benun, and Alexis Gilbert for this copy.
August 5, 2017
David and Michael have had the unfortunate challenge of being dubbed with horrible nicknames in school by their peers. Michael, who tends to speak with additional made-up words, was dubbed Pottymouth since everyone assumed the words were curses, and David has the moniker Stoopid because he often makes mistakes, particularly since he gets nervous. Thes all goes back to kindergarten and a particular girl they have gone to school since then.
Now, they are in middle school, and their world is about to change. It all starts when David's ex-father, a deadbeat dad, decides to take the two of them out to lunch. David is really excited because he thinks his dad has changed and is going to be more involved in his life and better about changing child support.
The other thing that changes is the premiere of a new cartoon on a network not unlike the Cartoon Network. It is a huge hit ... and it is called Pottymouth & Stoopid... and it is clearly based on them. Everyone loves the show. The thing they can't figure out is how the creators have learned so much about David and Michael ... and things that have actually happened to them. What are they going to do about it.
Even before these types of books started being published by the jimmy brand, Patterson has worked with authors for intermediate readers to write stories that touch on the concept of bullying. This one is about as blunt as it gets when including bullying in a story. It is fun and interesting, but it does seem to drag as the message seems to overwhelm the fun of the plot. Grabenstein has used a different illustration style than he has traditionally used when creating works under the general Patterson brand and now the jimmy brand. It is interesting and fits quite nicely with the feel of the characters.
Not a great book.
Now, they are in middle school, and their world is about to change. It all starts when David's ex-father, a deadbeat dad, decides to take the two of them out to lunch. David is really excited because he thinks his dad has changed and is going to be more involved in his life and better about changing child support.
The other thing that changes is the premiere of a new cartoon on a network not unlike the Cartoon Network. It is a huge hit ... and it is called Pottymouth & Stoopid... and it is clearly based on them. Everyone loves the show. The thing they can't figure out is how the creators have learned so much about David and Michael ... and things that have actually happened to them. What are they going to do about it.
Even before these types of books started being published by the jimmy brand, Patterson has worked with authors for intermediate readers to write stories that touch on the concept of bullying. This one is about as blunt as it gets when including bullying in a story. It is fun and interesting, but it does seem to drag as the message seems to overwhelm the fun of the plot. Grabenstein has used a different illustration style than he has traditionally used when creating works under the general Patterson brand and now the jimmy brand. It is interesting and fits quite nicely with the feel of the characters.
Not a great book.
April 22, 2017
This books is pretty adorable. Both of my eight year old sons loved it, so I'm confident that Patterson knows the desires of his target market.
It was just fine for me, but I appreciate the humor, lessons and graphics. My favorite comic is on page 202, saying "I'd love to marry you but I can't. Your permanent record says you failed naptime in kindergarten."
It was just fine for me, but I appreciate the humor, lessons and graphics. My favorite comic is on page 202, saying "I'd love to marry you but I can't. Your permanent record says you failed naptime in kindergarten."
April 13, 2017
*arc received from ALA*
Patterson/Grabensteins are mighty popular with my middle school readers, but I am not sure how much they'll like this one. There's a lot of episodic preamble towards the beginning and the story (to the extent there's a story -- about David's "ex dad" who attempts to commercialize his son's experiences being bullied) doesn't emerge until the middle.
It's not that funny nor does it have the heart and charm of the Lemoncello's library series.
I will probably buy a copy and if it doesn't do well in middle school, I will shop it down to elementary.
Patterson/Grabensteins are mighty popular with my middle school readers, but I am not sure how much they'll like this one. There's a lot of episodic preamble towards the beginning and the story (to the extent there's a story -- about David's "ex dad" who attempts to commercialize his son's experiences being bullied) doesn't emerge until the middle.
It's not that funny nor does it have the heart and charm of the Lemoncello's library series.
I will probably buy a copy and if it doesn't do well in middle school, I will shop it down to elementary.
June 6, 2018
Pottymouth's characterist was Humility.
January 17, 2020
A good story about how bullying is bad :) A must read
May 1, 2023
The book's premise was okay over all but I didn't really enjoy the themes and the mean girls in the story were kind of like they took them right out of the movie mean girls, but the plotn was pretty good so 3/5 stars over all.
August 2, 2017
We have a lot of new words in our house now, thanks to this book!
June 24, 2017
Fun to read. A middle school story.
April 21, 2017
I started using the silly words after reading this book!
January 10, 2024
If I could I would give it a zero the story didn’t make me love the characters and the plot was bad I’ll save ur time and say I don’t recommend. I also think it was overrated.
July 12, 2017
I loved the book. Poor Michael and David were made fun of since preschool until Middle school. James Patterson made a work of art creating a one of a kind book like this.
August 22, 2017
I can't explain how much I love that James Patterson, one of my favorite authors, started writing books for this age group! I started reading the middle school series with my 5th grade daughter, who hated reading chapter books because they were too long and took too much time to read and that she couldn't meet her AR goal at school, etc etc. Excuses! I told her that maybe she just needed the right kind of book to appeal to her. Once we started reading James Patterson together, she would say things like, "I wonder if.... I think this might happen next.... No, just one more chapter, pleaseeeeee!" One more chapter turned I into 5 into 10, into half a book in a night! Not only did she meet her AR goals, she surpassed them! Her test scores in reading went up! The teacher called to brag on her and said whatever you're doing with her reading at home, keep it going! Mr. Patterson can do no wrong in my opinion as he helped my daughter find the true joy and beauty of reading! I definitely recommend this book and all of his books for children, and especially those children that struggle and find reading to be a chore! I always thought the short chapters were genius! Not at all intimidating, so you know that you can get through 10 chapters in the same time it takes to read one in other books, yet keeps you going chapter after chapter because you have to know what's going to happen next! Also, I think all the subjects are so relevant to kids today, even I could relate to the subjects in a lot of ways! And the great thing about that is that it allows an opportunity for my daughter and I to discuss it as it relates to her world and anything that she's seen or experienced or felt or thought! Now we're just waiting 6 more days for his new release of Laugh Out Loud! My daughter wants it for her birthday, two days after the release! I never thought I'd hear a request for a book as a present! My heart (and bookshelves) overflow!
October 17, 2017
Pottymouth and Stoopid by James Patterson is a great book, although the name would make you think it's for second graders. This book is one of the books that start where the book ends as well, and goes back in time. I personally don't like this style of book, but it was a good read nonetheless. It starts with Pottymouth (Michael) and Stoopid (David) on stage. Then the book goes back in time to tell the story of how they got there. It started in kindergarten when David got his nickname, then went to how Pottymouth got his nickname by saying hicklesnickelpox and other words like that. He never actually said any 'potty' words, but that is the nickname he got.
This book shines some light on verbal bullying, which is different from other types of bullying. I thought this was a cool approach because it shows this topic in a funny way, while showing how much this kind of bullying hurts. Although the book overall was good, the book spent a little too much time with Michael and David wallowing in pity, because of David's Ex-Dad not paying for child support, and Michael's foster parents always fighting. Eventually David's Ex-Dad shows up, and wants David and Michael to tell him about everything that has happened to them. When they tell Ex-Dad everything, he decided to sell all of this information to a cartoon company, and makes a show out of them. After a while, everything goes wrong for Ex-Dad. Ex-Dad is forced to pay more child support, and then Pottymouth and Stoopid get to go on stage to talk about what has happened to them. The end! The ending was a little to 'happily ever after' like, but it was good.
This book shines some light on verbal bullying, which is different from other types of bullying. I thought this was a cool approach because it shows this topic in a funny way, while showing how much this kind of bullying hurts. Although the book overall was good, the book spent a little too much time with Michael and David wallowing in pity, because of David's Ex-Dad not paying for child support, and Michael's foster parents always fighting. Eventually David's Ex-Dad shows up, and wants David and Michael to tell him about everything that has happened to them. When they tell Ex-Dad everything, he decided to sell all of this information to a cartoon company, and makes a show out of them. After a while, everything goes wrong for Ex-Dad. Ex-Dad is forced to pay more child support, and then Pottymouth and Stoopid get to go on stage to talk about what has happened to them. The end! The ending was a little to 'happily ever after' like, but it was good.
January 30, 2019
This book caught me by surprise! Not only did I laugh (as I expected to with a James Patterson book), but I found myself thinking deeply about name-calling, bullying, and how adults can be just as bad as kids when it comes to picking on others! As a teacher and school librarian, I loved how the author approached topic in a kid-friendly and light-hearted way.
Things I loved:
- Pottymouth's amazing vocabulary - it's not exactly what you might be expecting :)
- How the author shows that bullying behavior can begin even at the youngest ages
- Showing that adults are not perfect and can often be a part of the problem!
Things I didn't like as much:
- Pottymouth's foster parents' language. While the author uses symbols (*$%@) and there are no swear words in this book, I worry that families may not be okay with the words that are suggested. I think it was a great idea to describe his parents this way, but it may turn off some readers
- The antagonist (bully) in this book just seems bad through and through. I'd like to think there is some good in her, but maybe not?
Who might like this book:
- Fans of realistic fiction
- Fans of funny books
- Anyone who's ever been picked on (by kids OR adults!)
- Anyone who would love to see more kindness in our schools
Things I loved:
- Pottymouth's amazing vocabulary - it's not exactly what you might be expecting :)
- How the author shows that bullying behavior can begin even at the youngest ages
- Showing that adults are not perfect and can often be a part of the problem!
Things I didn't like as much:
- Pottymouth's foster parents' language. While the author uses symbols (*$%@) and there are no swear words in this book, I worry that families may not be okay with the words that are suggested. I think it was a great idea to describe his parents this way, but it may turn off some readers
- The antagonist (bully) in this book just seems bad through and through. I'd like to think there is some good in her, but maybe not?
Who might like this book:
- Fans of realistic fiction
- Fans of funny books
- Anyone who's ever been picked on (by kids OR adults!)
- Anyone who would love to see more kindness in our schools
October 9, 2017
Seventh graders Michael and his best friend David have been tagged with the terrible nicknames of "Pottymouth" and "Stoopid" since they were young, and these names have followed them throughout their school years. Michael uses creative language when he is upset or excited, and Michael once spilled paint in his preschool class. The two best buds are tired of being bullied and are ready to fight back with laughter. When stories of Michael and David appear on a cable TV show, their middle school has quite the different reaction to Pottymouth and Stoopid. Good messages of how to stand up to bullies and to not to follow the crowd. Great book for fans of House of Robots and I Funny series.
Patterson and Grabenstein make a great team for middle school reluctant readers!
Patterson and Grabenstein make a great team for middle school reluctant readers!
April 30, 2019
As a rule, I don't read books of the type in which James Patterson receives top billing as author, followed by some other writer, usually listed in a smaller typeface. Patterson is only one of a handful of authors to whom this rule applies – authors who have allowed their names to become a brand and who, I rather imagine, did less of the actual writing of most of those books than the less famous writer operating in their shadow. The book racks at Walmart and your neighborhood supermarket tend to offer more of this type of book than any other except, perhaps, those cheesy romance novels whose selling point is the hunky guy depicted on their covers. I might be induced, someday, to peruse the books actually written by James Patterson, Clive Cussler, Robert Ludlum, Tom Clancy and Michael Crichton; in fact, I've already read one or two by those last two guys. But on principle, I try very hard to avoid books whose big-font author is, for all I know, a front for a sweat-shop talent factory in which almost all the work is done by someone who isn't getting the credit they deserve. Also, there's a legitimate concern that the quality of the work may not be very high, since, on the one hand, you may wonder why it needs a great big brand name stuck on it to make it sell, and, on the other hand, the brand is coming out with new products at such a rapid pace that quality control must suffer.
Now I've gotten that off my chest, I'll give you a hint why I bothered to read this book. One reason is that I was frankly curious. I guess the cover art, and the fact that it was always there when I looked at the book rack at a particular store for months on end, made me wonder. Another reason is that the second-billing author, Chris Grabenstein, is one whose books (credited to him alone) I have already read and enjoyed. So, I gave it a shot. But don't expect me to start spewing reviews of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" or "Middle School Diaries" production line. Not gonna happen.
It is, after all, a nice little book, in an unusual niche between a chapter book and a graphic novel, with lots of illustrations and even bits of dialogue in the form of comic panels. (The Last Kids on Earth had something similar going on.) It features a pair of misadventure-prone, lifelong buddies who, from the first day of kindergarten on, are bullied by their classmates, teachers and even their principal. Nobody calls them by their real name, but always by a couple of hurtful nicknames that, in spite of their mean-spirited intent, everyone comes to assume is all right. Then the deadbeat dad of one of the boys pitches the most hurtful version of their life story to the Cartoon Network, and animated characters based on them become an overnight TV sensation. This doesn't make things any easier for David and Michael – especially when their bullies realize that they, too, are being ridiculed on TV. Only when the media catches on to the fact that David and Michael are the real-life Pottymouth and Stoopid do things start to turn around.
This book isn't outrageously funny, but it has a nice streak of gentle humor that lightens up the touching and often sad story of two boys who can't help being a little different. They are lovable, distinctive characters. As for the talent displayed in this book, I really think Chris Grabenstein and Stephen Gilpin should have been trusted to carry it to success without sticking a great big James Patterson seal of soulless commercialism on it. Most of Grabenstein's numerous titles come under the Patterson umbrella, but Patterson's umbrella shelters so many other ghost writers that it's hard to believe he had much to do with them personally. Meantime, Grabenstein solo-authored the John Ceepak, Christopher Miller, Haunted Mystery, Mr. Lemoncello and Welcome to Wonderland series, The Explorer's Gate and The Island of Dr. Libris, as well as some Christmas-themed short stories and a play for children. Gilpin, meanwhile, has also illustrated at least some of the books in the Super Chicken Nugget Boy, Gecko and Sticky, and A-Z Mysteries series, as well as other children's books and comics, including Fart Squad and What to Do When You're Sent to Your Room. I've just looked through some of his catalog, and they're exactly the kind of pictures I want to look at when I'm feeling like a kid.
Now I've gotten that off my chest, I'll give you a hint why I bothered to read this book. One reason is that I was frankly curious. I guess the cover art, and the fact that it was always there when I looked at the book rack at a particular store for months on end, made me wonder. Another reason is that the second-billing author, Chris Grabenstein, is one whose books (credited to him alone) I have already read and enjoyed. So, I gave it a shot. But don't expect me to start spewing reviews of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" or "Middle School Diaries" production line. Not gonna happen.
It is, after all, a nice little book, in an unusual niche between a chapter book and a graphic novel, with lots of illustrations and even bits of dialogue in the form of comic panels. (The Last Kids on Earth had something similar going on.) It features a pair of misadventure-prone, lifelong buddies who, from the first day of kindergarten on, are bullied by their classmates, teachers and even their principal. Nobody calls them by their real name, but always by a couple of hurtful nicknames that, in spite of their mean-spirited intent, everyone comes to assume is all right. Then the deadbeat dad of one of the boys pitches the most hurtful version of their life story to the Cartoon Network, and animated characters based on them become an overnight TV sensation. This doesn't make things any easier for David and Michael – especially when their bullies realize that they, too, are being ridiculed on TV. Only when the media catches on to the fact that David and Michael are the real-life Pottymouth and Stoopid do things start to turn around.
This book isn't outrageously funny, but it has a nice streak of gentle humor that lightens up the touching and often sad story of two boys who can't help being a little different. They are lovable, distinctive characters. As for the talent displayed in this book, I really think Chris Grabenstein and Stephen Gilpin should have been trusted to carry it to success without sticking a great big James Patterson seal of soulless commercialism on it. Most of Grabenstein's numerous titles come under the Patterson umbrella, but Patterson's umbrella shelters so many other ghost writers that it's hard to believe he had much to do with them personally. Meantime, Grabenstein solo-authored the John Ceepak, Christopher Miller, Haunted Mystery, Mr. Lemoncello and Welcome to Wonderland series, The Explorer's Gate and The Island of Dr. Libris, as well as some Christmas-themed short stories and a play for children. Gilpin, meanwhile, has also illustrated at least some of the books in the Super Chicken Nugget Boy, Gecko and Sticky, and A-Z Mysteries series, as well as other children's books and comics, including Fart Squad and What to Do When You're Sent to Your Room. I've just looked through some of his catalog, and they're exactly the kind of pictures I want to look at when I'm feeling like a kid.
October 26, 2018
Gavin Smeeton
Book Plug
10/25/18
8B
The book Pottymouth and Stoopid by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein is a Realistic Fiction and is not of a series. This book is about two best friends, Micheal, and David who are in seventh grade together. This book will have parts that are funny, and also parts that will bring you to tears. Both boys have had a rough life so far and good thing they have each other to get through the good and the bad times. Micheal lives with foster parents that are unsupportive of him and bring him down whenever they can. Micheal likes to talk by making up word that doesn't exist and that is how he got his nickname Pottymouth. David lives with only his mom who is never home because she works allot. Davis's parents are divorced and he doesn't see his father that often who he misses. David's nickname is Stoopid, from his classmates because he makes funny and stupid jokes. The more people called them by their nicknames they started acting like them. I rate this book a 9 out of 10 because it was funny and I enjoy funny stories. Also, it kept me interested throughout the whole book. I could interpret how the boys felt because I have been made fun of and people have called me names.
I would recommend this book if you like to laugh. If you like the like the series Middle School and I Funny you will enjoy this book.
Book Plug
10/25/18
8B
The book Pottymouth and Stoopid by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein is a Realistic Fiction and is not of a series. This book is about two best friends, Micheal, and David who are in seventh grade together. This book will have parts that are funny, and also parts that will bring you to tears. Both boys have had a rough life so far and good thing they have each other to get through the good and the bad times. Micheal lives with foster parents that are unsupportive of him and bring him down whenever they can. Micheal likes to talk by making up word that doesn't exist and that is how he got his nickname Pottymouth. David lives with only his mom who is never home because she works allot. Davis's parents are divorced and he doesn't see his father that often who he misses. David's nickname is Stoopid, from his classmates because he makes funny and stupid jokes. The more people called them by their nicknames they started acting like them. I rate this book a 9 out of 10 because it was funny and I enjoy funny stories. Also, it kept me interested throughout the whole book. I could interpret how the boys felt because I have been made fun of and people have called me names.
I would recommend this book if you like to laugh. If you like the like the series Middle School and I Funny you will enjoy this book.
June 7, 2017
I am quite torn after reading Pottymouth and Stoopid. I understand the premise behind this book. Yet I cannot fully support it. I do agree that young boys are all too often an overlooked group of readers. I see that as I make recommendations. And yes, when the boys read this they will walk away laughing; but at whose expense? I want young boys to read but..... we're trying to curb bullying, not encourage it. Not only were these boys victims of verbal bullying since preschool but the staff as well as the educators were doing their fair share. Not exactly role models for our kids.
We are exposed to deadbeat dads, to foster parents who are abusing the system and are portrayed as lazy and verbally abusive. Is this something we wish to promote?
I don't think that humor justifies the means.
The one sentence that speaks to the way I feel can be found in the introduction letter.
"Name-calling and put-downs paired with a lack of support from educators and family can affect kids very deeply."
I will still recommend it - with parental guidance. But, this is not a book that I am fully invested in.
We are exposed to deadbeat dads, to foster parents who are abusing the system and are portrayed as lazy and verbally abusive. Is this something we wish to promote?
I don't think that humor justifies the means.
The one sentence that speaks to the way I feel can be found in the introduction letter.
"Name-calling and put-downs paired with a lack of support from educators and family can affect kids very deeply."
I will still recommend it - with parental guidance. But, this is not a book that I am fully invested in.
May 2, 2018
This was a “Great” book, I really enmouthjoyed it. The way the story goes, is these two kids Michael, aka pottymouth, and David, aka stoopid, are given these names in I think kindergarten. The way they get their names is interesting. If you’re wondering, Michael, or if you’re calling him by his nickname, pottymouth, doesn’t swear at all. The way he gets his name, is he makes up words that have different meanings. Some examples include “flufferknuckle”, or “hicklesnicklepox”. If you’ve read or seen the first diary of a wimpy kid movie, it’s similar to zoo wee mama. The way stoopid gets his name is by being called stoopid in I think kindergarten, by a girl in his same grade. She couldn’t spell stupid, so she spelled Stoopid, instead.I think this is a great read for middle grade boys, and boys in general, as well as anyone who’s ever been called different, mean names by kids in school.in the illustrations, there are a few phrase bubbles where one of the kids parents appear to be swearing, but it’s in the form of this, “@&$#”. Other than that, there’s no pottymouthing. I’d probably give this book between an 8 to a 10 out of 10. Highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2019
Oh boy, “Pottymouth and Stoopid”? First of all, what kind of name of a book is that. Before I even START this book report, I want you guys to know this is the worst book I’ve ever read, and this is going to be the worst review I’ve ever wrote on a book! To be honest, it was very disappointing, especially since it was written by a very good author, James Patterson... The book, “Pottymouth and Stoopid” Is about two kids, who go back the name, Pottymouth and Stoopid. They’ve been the bestest of friends ever since pre - k, and they have come a pretty far. They both came from okay homes, but they are misbehaving children, and you can tell why by there nick names. They are introduced to a new year at school. Obviously, nobody is interested in saying hi. They want everybody to know who hey actually are, and that they aren’t what they seem. How will they do that? I dont know! Because I dont even want to remember how bad the book was. Sure, you can go and read it, but no.. I dont reccomend it. It could me more realistic because it has a lot of events going on that would not happen in real life. Sorry for the horrible review. Still really disappointed about this book. Its just bad..!
May 12, 2018
An entire community creates the environment where bullying is condoned. Case in point: Michael and David, protagonists of James Patterson's novel, Pottymouth and Stoopid.
It only took one person, in each case, to saddle the boys with cruel nicknames, but then those nicknames stuck. Those names gave rise to a collective attitude about who these boys were, and what they had the potential to be.
I take stories about bullying to heart, because I myself am its survivor. I was called names, I was physically abused, and I was shunned by my schoolmates.
Today I work around students, and I worry about the ways that bullying can manifest. Am I observant enough to catch them? Are there behaviors that slip by me?
In my day-to-day at school, do I contribute to a problem, or am I part of the solution: an entire community that, instead of condoning, unites in support of the victims?
Patterson and co-author Chris Grabenstein have my enduring gratitude for crafting a book that, while entertainingly funny, conveys a serious message about the hurtful effects of bullying.
It only took one person, in each case, to saddle the boys with cruel nicknames, but then those nicknames stuck. Those names gave rise to a collective attitude about who these boys were, and what they had the potential to be.
I take stories about bullying to heart, because I myself am its survivor. I was called names, I was physically abused, and I was shunned by my schoolmates.
Today I work around students, and I worry about the ways that bullying can manifest. Am I observant enough to catch them? Are there behaviors that slip by me?
In my day-to-day at school, do I contribute to a problem, or am I part of the solution: an entire community that, instead of condoning, unites in support of the victims?
Patterson and co-author Chris Grabenstein have my enduring gratitude for crafting a book that, while entertainingly funny, conveys a serious message about the hurtful effects of bullying.
August 14, 2020
*** - MS - Aug 12 - 13, 2020 -
Pottymouth and Stoopid is a book about two boys who are given their unfortunate nicknames by some MEAN kids in their pre-school class. Those names stick with them all through middle school.
Overall, I think that this story is an inspiration to those who feel like they are alone. I don't think that there is ANYONE OF US who haven't been called names or made fun of at one point or another. I did feel a little grumbly at the adults who stood by and let the kids make fun of David and Michael, though. I felt even MORE grumbly at the adults who actively made fun of them along WITH the kids. Grr.
I think that this book serves as a great reminder to kids and adults alike - WE ARE ALL AWKWARD, WE ARE ALL GOOFY, WE ARE ALL UNIQUE, but we are also ALL BEAUTIFUL, and IMPORTANT, and just trying to find our own ways through this life, and that's ok.
I wish all the David's and Michael's (and little Mrs. Blaises - yes, even I was picked on in school) a great day - because WE DESERVE IT!
NO BULLYING!
Spread kindness.
-Mrs. B.
Pottymouth and Stoopid is a book about two boys who are given their unfortunate nicknames by some MEAN kids in their pre-school class. Those names stick with them all through middle school.
Overall, I think that this story is an inspiration to those who feel like they are alone. I don't think that there is ANYONE OF US who haven't been called names or made fun of at one point or another. I did feel a little grumbly at the adults who stood by and let the kids make fun of David and Michael, though. I felt even MORE grumbly at the adults who actively made fun of them along WITH the kids. Grr.
I think that this book serves as a great reminder to kids and adults alike - WE ARE ALL AWKWARD, WE ARE ALL GOOFY, WE ARE ALL UNIQUE, but we are also ALL BEAUTIFUL, and IMPORTANT, and just trying to find our own ways through this life, and that's ok.
I wish all the David's and Michael's (and little Mrs. Blaises - yes, even I was picked on in school) a great day - because WE DESERVE IT!
NO BULLYING!
Spread kindness.
-Mrs. B.
October 1, 2017
"Things Continue to Suck Weasel Eggs" is the heading for chapter 31, but is appropriate for all except the last 25 pages of the book. Our protagonists overcome their bullying (by every character in the book except the infrequent influence of their mom and a third wheel at school) by having high IQ scores and getting financial reimbursement after legal action towards Davids 'ex-Dad'.
The only time their influence is appreciated and respected is at the very end, when they band together with other 'losers' ...all adults now. They are united by their outsider status, rather than shared interests, or ambitions.
My siblings and I were bullying victims, and I hoped this book would bring some humanity and empathy to the subject, but the only message I got is get famous, but don't work hard or try to do the things you most care about because the way people treat you is more important that what you want.
Instead, read the Charlie Bumper series, or Jerry Spinelli's Loser.
The only time their influence is appreciated and respected is at the very end, when they band together with other 'losers' ...all adults now. They are united by their outsider status, rather than shared interests, or ambitions.
My siblings and I were bullying victims, and I hoped this book would bring some humanity and empathy to the subject, but the only message I got is get famous, but don't work hard or try to do the things you most care about because the way people treat you is more important that what you want.
Instead, read the Charlie Bumper series, or Jerry Spinelli's Loser.
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