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Marcus #2
Marcus Makes It Big
From celebrity author Kevin Hart comes the laugh-out-loud highly illustrated sequel to Marcus Makes a Movie about a young boy who has big Hollywood dreams--and the hustle to make it happen.
"Everybody, grab a ticket and run for a front row seat to Marcus Makes a Movie !" —Judd Winick, New York Times bestselling author of the Hilo series
Marcus’s movie, Toothpick vs. the Doom, is a HIT! But the only thing harder than making a movie is making a SECOND one. Marcus needs to come up with another great idea fast. Too bad his film crew (aka friends) are too preoccupied with their MeTube channels to notice. An invite to The Helen Show has Marcus thinking they’ll be back on top, but will nerves, unchecked ambition, and a rivalry between friends shut down this show before it even begins?
In the laugh-out-loud sequel, actor and comedian Kevin Hart delivers a message about being creative, working hard, and learning that sometimes the best dreams are the ones you achieve with your friends.
"Everybody, grab a ticket and run for a front row seat to Marcus Makes a Movie !" —Judd Winick, New York Times bestselling author of the Hilo series
Marcus’s movie, Toothpick vs. the Doom, is a HIT! But the only thing harder than making a movie is making a SECOND one. Marcus needs to come up with another great idea fast. Too bad his film crew (aka friends) are too preoccupied with their MeTube channels to notice. An invite to The Helen Show has Marcus thinking they’ll be back on top, but will nerves, unchecked ambition, and a rivalry between friends shut down this show before it even begins?
In the laugh-out-loud sequel, actor and comedian Kevin Hart delivers a message about being creative, working hard, and learning that sometimes the best dreams are the ones you achieve with your friends.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published May 3, 2022
20 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Hart
8 books638 followersKevin Hart is an award-winning actor and comedian. His films, including Central Intelligence, Think Like a Man, Get Hard, Ride Along, The Wedding Ringer, and The Secret Life of Pets have earned over $3.5 billion at the box office. His stand-up comedy tours, including Let Me Explain, Laugh at My Pain, and What Now?, have sold out arenas and football stadiums, leading Forbes to name him the “king of comedy.” He is also the first comedian with a Nike sneaker line; a television producer, creating the BET show Real Husbands of Hollywood and the Laugh Out Loud Network; and CEO of Hartbeat Productions. Hart currently lives in Los Angeles with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 26, 2022
Short kids story with Kevin Hart contributing his skills to uplift his community. It's okay to be a role model when used in right ways. 7 of 10 stars
September 29, 2022
Not as funny as the first one. But cute enough to grab kids who were excited about the series.
July 21, 2025
Yo Kevin Hart I’m way to hungry for more Marcus🤑🤑🤑
Stupid question: is toothpick fights the Doom an actual movie on Metube(YouTube)??????
Stupid question: is toothpick fights the Doom an actual movie on Metube(YouTube)??????
July 8, 2022
3.5 really. Marcus shows some growth here, yet he is more of a loud mouth than the first. I hoped they would have left Darren and Trish to guide Marcus, as he doesn't listen much until his feelings are hurt. Marcus' character has many opportunities for growth as an individual and friend but is distracted by others desires/goals. His anger and need for attention takes him out!
I get the message the author wants to send, yet there are several other messages that get left behind in the process....IMO of course. This would be a great series as a buddy read with a young person and their parent/teacher or class. Group questions on conflict resolution, bullying, self love, poisitive self images, social media, communication etc. The sky's the limit!
I get the message the author wants to send, yet there are several other messages that get left behind in the process....IMO of course. This would be a great series as a buddy read with a young person and their parent/teacher or class. Group questions on conflict resolution, bullying, self love, poisitive self images, social media, communication etc. The sky's the limit!
November 15, 2022
in Your Head
This book was funny and we were in Marcus head. Marcus had a lot going on but what kid doesn’t. This is a great book to help your youth learn that the internet has to be used wisely because if not you will end up believing that “likes” really mean the number of people that like you. That’s sad but the book is not. It’s worth your time to read it, especially with a youth.
This book was funny and we were in Marcus head. Marcus had a lot going on but what kid doesn’t. This is a great book to help your youth learn that the internet has to be used wisely because if not you will end up believing that “likes” really mean the number of people that like you. That’s sad but the book is not. It’s worth your time to read it, especially with a youth.
July 25, 2022
I haven’t been reading or listening to audiobooks much this year. But finally said I need to finish the books I’ve started.
This is a fun book. And it is for kids. I love that Kevin Hart wants to “give back.” And influence Kids that they can work hard and make dreams!
This is a fun book. And it is for kids. I love that Kevin Hart wants to “give back.” And influence Kids that they can work hard and make dreams!
May 26, 2024
Heyy, ain't seen you in forever Marcus Makes It Big by Kevin Hart
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2022
Not as good at the first one but was cute!
November 8, 2022
Public library copy
After his experiences in Marcus Makes a Movie, Marcus is riding high on his fame. He has been using social media, like MeTube and ClickChat, and has even been in contact with actor Tevin Bart, who liked the movie that he and Sierra made. His friends keep encouraging him to post things, but without Sierra's help, he struggles to develop content, although this doesn't stop him from trying to get 1,000 followers so that he can monetize his account. This ends up being harder than he imagines. It seems easy for Sierra, who has a lot of good ideas about the quality of the videos and the value of the content. When the two are interviewed on a talk show, Marcus makes a terrible mess of it, showing up in a moldy shirt, throwing up backstage, and arguing with Sierra in a way that makes him look particularly foolish. She's managed to navigate social media really well, and even has collaborated with friends, who are angry with Marcus because he is not including them on his channel... mainly because it's a hot mess, but they think he's keeping money from them. When his new Toothpick Man video looks like it belongs in the trashcan he's trying to use for the Hatebot 3000 costume, Marcus starts to despair. Will he be able to slow down and take the advise of those around him to focus on what is really important to his creative life?
Strengths: Remember Web 1.0 before social media? It's probably hazy; I've had a Twitter account for ten years, thanks to The Brain Lair's teacher vs. librarian summer reading smack down. I remember talking my daughter down from a Facebook bit of nastiness around the same time. Students are on social media, and many of them think they can be YouTube stars without understanding the work it takes to really become big. This is an excellent overview of the nuts and bolts of social media and creating and monetizing content. It escapes being didactic thanks to Marcus' goofiness and the plentiful page illustrations. While Marcus is rather over-the-top goofy, he is surrounded by cooler heads like Sierra and his father. Even Tevin Bart has some sage advice. I liked that Marcus had to deal with realistic problems as well, like doing chores and having an older phone with a battery that died frequently. Young readers will be attracted to Marcus' brush with fame, but find a lot of helpful information about using social media.
Weaknesses: I've thought about it a lot, and heave determined it is better if authors use the names of actual social media sites and other pop culture phenomena. Yes, MySpace is moribund, but MeTube instead of YouTube (and Flitter instead of Twitter) just sounds silly and will be every bit as dated if YouTube folds. Tevin Bart isn't fooling us, either.
What I really think: I'm not a huge fan of celebrity authors (usually because I don't know who they are), but Rodkey's writing is strong, and maybe my students know who Hart is. The first book has circulated well in my library.
After his experiences in Marcus Makes a Movie, Marcus is riding high on his fame. He has been using social media, like MeTube and ClickChat, and has even been in contact with actor Tevin Bart, who liked the movie that he and Sierra made. His friends keep encouraging him to post things, but without Sierra's help, he struggles to develop content, although this doesn't stop him from trying to get 1,000 followers so that he can monetize his account. This ends up being harder than he imagines. It seems easy for Sierra, who has a lot of good ideas about the quality of the videos and the value of the content. When the two are interviewed on a talk show, Marcus makes a terrible mess of it, showing up in a moldy shirt, throwing up backstage, and arguing with Sierra in a way that makes him look particularly foolish. She's managed to navigate social media really well, and even has collaborated with friends, who are angry with Marcus because he is not including them on his channel... mainly because it's a hot mess, but they think he's keeping money from them. When his new Toothpick Man video looks like it belongs in the trashcan he's trying to use for the Hatebot 3000 costume, Marcus starts to despair. Will he be able to slow down and take the advise of those around him to focus on what is really important to his creative life?
Strengths: Remember Web 1.0 before social media? It's probably hazy; I've had a Twitter account for ten years, thanks to The Brain Lair's teacher vs. librarian summer reading smack down. I remember talking my daughter down from a Facebook bit of nastiness around the same time. Students are on social media, and many of them think they can be YouTube stars without understanding the work it takes to really become big. This is an excellent overview of the nuts and bolts of social media and creating and monetizing content. It escapes being didactic thanks to Marcus' goofiness and the plentiful page illustrations. While Marcus is rather over-the-top goofy, he is surrounded by cooler heads like Sierra and his father. Even Tevin Bart has some sage advice. I liked that Marcus had to deal with realistic problems as well, like doing chores and having an older phone with a battery that died frequently. Young readers will be attracted to Marcus' brush with fame, but find a lot of helpful information about using social media.
Weaknesses: I've thought about it a lot, and heave determined it is better if authors use the names of actual social media sites and other pop culture phenomena. Yes, MySpace is moribund, but MeTube instead of YouTube (and Flitter instead of Twitter) just sounds silly and will be every bit as dated if YouTube folds. Tevin Bart isn't fooling us, either.
What I really think: I'm not a huge fan of celebrity authors (usually because I don't know who they are), but Rodkey's writing is strong, and maybe my students know who Hart is. The first book has circulated well in my library.
May 30, 2022
I'm not usually a fan of celebrity authors writing for a young audience, but this series by Kevin Hart and Geoff Rodkey is humorous and packs quite an emotional punch while delivering important lessons about fame. The second in a series, this particular title picks up where the last one left off. Marcus Jenkins is thrilled when his movie, Toothpick Fights the Doom, goes viral, due to some love offered it by comedian Tevin Bart. He and Sierra Martinez, his collaborator, are even invited to appear on the Helen show. But as alluring as fame might seem to be, Marcus quickly learns that it has a downside. He has to deal with Internet trolls determined to tear him down, greedy friends, and his own obsession for likes, subscribers to his channel, and the notoriety that comes with success. Plus, there's always pressure to create something new, which can be hard to do when someone is distracted or unhappy. Once he realizes that he can make money if he gets 1,000 subscribers, Marcus becomes completely obsessed with that, and all the fun of creating the movie dissipates. Plus, his appearance on the talk show does not go as he planned, and he ends up making something of a fool of himself. There are subplots that will make readers snort in amusement; for instance, what happens to his only nice dress shirt when he forgets to take it out of the laundry or how he misunderstands Sierra when she calls him a prima donna. But Marcus has a supportive, understanding father who decides he needs a technology break and time to do some soul-searching. By the time everything is sorted out, Marcus has learned some important lessons about what really matters in life, the importance of collaboration, and the perils of seeking fame just for the sake of fame and money. Readers who missed the first book will easily be able to pick up the plot thread in this follow-up, but they will probably want to go back and read that one to watch the characters develop. The stylized black-and-white illustrations provide interesting visual support to the story. I'll be ready to read the next installment of Marcus's further adventures.
July 14, 2023
The first book, Marcus Makes a Movie, was so good that it gave me unrealistically high hopes for this book. The first book reminded me of the Michel Gondry film “Be Kind Rewind” in that it was about imagination, creativity, and emotionally complex characters. This book is about fame and monitiziation.
It was difficult to recognize the characters in this book as they seem to have eschewed every lesson they learned from the first book even though this boom was supposed to take place the following week.
I felt like the first book foregrounded things that were real and important for a community of kids. This one was about trying to become famous. It was deeply narcissistic and bleakly capitalistic. I was so disappointed that whatever lip service the book paid to friendship and family, the problems were always solved by money and fame. I found this book to be hugely disappointing.
I wish I had not read it. Stick to the first book. The first book, “Marcus Makes a Movie” is one of the best YA books out there. This book does everything in its power to undermine everything good about that book. Marcus Makes it Big is the book version of a selfie.
It was difficult to recognize the characters in this book as they seem to have eschewed every lesson they learned from the first book even though this boom was supposed to take place the following week.
I felt like the first book foregrounded things that were real and important for a community of kids. This one was about trying to become famous. It was deeply narcissistic and bleakly capitalistic. I was so disappointed that whatever lip service the book paid to friendship and family, the problems were always solved by money and fame. I found this book to be hugely disappointing.
I wish I had not read it. Stick to the first book. The first book, “Marcus Makes a Movie” is one of the best YA books out there. This book does everything in its power to undermine everything good about that book. Marcus Makes it Big is the book version of a selfie.
October 5, 2023
Another great book in the series. I admit at first I was a little underwhelmed by the focus on social media and concerned that the book didn't have the depth that the first installment did.
I was wrong. On closer examination I think the author tackles exactly what kids are dealing with in relation to social media. The characters are obsessed with monetizing, refreshing likes, branding and all the ugly truths that come along with access to smart phones and the social media.
The characters struggle with how interpersonal relationships fit can be affected both positively and negatively by focusing too much on technology.
In the end I think the right messages were sent and received. I love the role model parent characters and think they are spot on. I like how the characters are complex and that the relationships between the kids seem very real and deal with problems they can relate to.
Overall a great read and a great message about how to create balance in your life and how to be true to yourself and support those around you to be their best self.
I was wrong. On closer examination I think the author tackles exactly what kids are dealing with in relation to social media. The characters are obsessed with monetizing, refreshing likes, branding and all the ugly truths that come along with access to smart phones and the social media.
The characters struggle with how interpersonal relationships fit can be affected both positively and negatively by focusing too much on technology.
In the end I think the right messages were sent and received. I love the role model parent characters and think they are spot on. I like how the characters are complex and that the relationships between the kids seem very real and deal with problems they can relate to.
Overall a great read and a great message about how to create balance in your life and how to be true to yourself and support those around you to be their best self.
December 11, 2024
In the usual Kevin Hart style, Marcus Makes It Big didn't disappoint. Following on the heels of the first instalment, this sequel follows the success of Marcus' making a movie with his friends and the fame it brought him in the first book.
Now, in this story, the fame is about to become Marcus' undoing. Driving a wedge between him, his friends, mental state and his general well-being.
The book revolves around fame, self-denial, trying to be someone else, popularity, family and friendship.
The bad choke-hold social media and the Internet has over us was highlighted in this book. A great map for middle graders and young adults trying to find their footing amidst the noise and attention seeking of the world we live in.
Yes, it's a book for middle graders but there's so much an adult would learn here and so much more to laugh about.
I particularly still enjoy the use of brand names that have funny connotations to real ones. Metube, Tevin Bart, Helen Show, Sierra Cinematic Universe, Flutter, to name a few.
A good read and I highly recommend.
Now, in this story, the fame is about to become Marcus' undoing. Driving a wedge between him, his friends, mental state and his general well-being.
The book revolves around fame, self-denial, trying to be someone else, popularity, family and friendship.
The bad choke-hold social media and the Internet has over us was highlighted in this book. A great map for middle graders and young adults trying to find their footing amidst the noise and attention seeking of the world we live in.
Yes, it's a book for middle graders but there's so much an adult would learn here and so much more to laugh about.
I particularly still enjoy the use of brand names that have funny connotations to real ones. Metube, Tevin Bart, Helen Show, Sierra Cinematic Universe, Flutter, to name a few.
A good read and I highly recommend.
October 10, 2022
Marcus Makes It Big by Kevin Hart
Published May 3rd 2022
<3 This is geared towards the Juvenile audience and it was cute and a bit educational on the topic of #YouTubing. I wished Kevin had done the narration himself though; I felt like the narrator was trying unsuccessfully to imitate Kevin Hart during the voice acting IMO. <3
Marcus’s movie, Toothpick vs. the Doom, is a HIT! But the only thing harder than making a movie is making a SECOND one. Marcus needs to come up with another great idea fast. Too bad his film crew (aka friends) are too preoccupied with their MeTube channels to notice. An invite to The Helen Show has Marcus thinking they’ll be back on top, but will nerves, unchecked ambition, and a rivalry between friends shut down this show before it even begins?
In the laugh-out-loud sequel, actor and comedian Kevin Hart delivers a message about being creative, working hard, and learning that sometimes the best dreams are the ones you achieve with your friends.
Published May 3rd 2022
<3 This is geared towards the Juvenile audience and it was cute and a bit educational on the topic of #YouTubing. I wished Kevin had done the narration himself though; I felt like the narrator was trying unsuccessfully to imitate Kevin Hart during the voice acting IMO. <3
Marcus’s movie, Toothpick vs. the Doom, is a HIT! But the only thing harder than making a movie is making a SECOND one. Marcus needs to come up with another great idea fast. Too bad his film crew (aka friends) are too preoccupied with their MeTube channels to notice. An invite to The Helen Show has Marcus thinking they’ll be back on top, but will nerves, unchecked ambition, and a rivalry between friends shut down this show before it even begins?
In the laugh-out-loud sequel, actor and comedian Kevin Hart delivers a message about being creative, working hard, and learning that sometimes the best dreams are the ones you achieve with your friends.
June 17, 2022
If you are into gaming and social media, you might find this book appealing. I listened to an audio version so I missed out on the illustrations. I think the author does a great job at explaining the work behind becoming an Internet/“MeTube” sensation. I would have appreciated his using real names and actual social media sites rather than “MeTube” and “Flitter”. The problems Tevin Hart faced were incredibly realistic though, chores, an outdated phone and friends who also wanted to be the next Internet sensation. This wasn’t really my kind of book, but I can see how it would appeal to middle-grade readers.
November 28, 2023
This book wasn't quite what I expected, but I absolutely love it. Marcus has to overcome some challenges that I don't think many who read the first book would have anticipated - I certainly didn't. Fame, although it seems amazing, isn't quite what it's cracked up to be, and Marcus learns this in true Marcus fashion. He turns it around, however, with the help of his dad (I LOVE Marcus's dad in these books; he's level-headed and genuinely wants what's best for his son) and his friends.
You'll laugh, cry, and cringe, but the read is so worth it.
Kudos to Kevin Hart and his writing buddies for making something REAL.
You'll laugh, cry, and cringe, but the read is so worth it.
Kudos to Kevin Hart and his writing buddies for making something REAL.
June 20, 2022
This is a book about what happens after Marcus's movie, Toothpick Fights the Doom, goes viral. My favorite part involved misunderstandings of words. I would say that the dialogue involved a lot of humour. I would recommend this book for people who dream of being famous because it shows what fame is really like.
December 31, 2022
I loveddd listening to Hart narrate this audiobook, it added another comedic element to his already-funny story! Pretty predictable with the story, like the one person wants to work on the movie but the others have their own lives and that person feels burned out and the friedns notice and then everyone teams up at the end to make it happen. Will still read anything else he writes though :)
January 4, 2023
3.5 is my number. Kids will enjoy this one...lots of talk about social media/making it big in social media, but also some good lessons about friendship and taking chances. I especially enjoyed the note from Kevin Hart at the end. I think it is definitely for upper elementary and middle grades with all of the potty humor.
June 12, 2023
This book is coauthored by the KEVIN HART and is both heartfelt and hilarious. Marcus is a normal kid who loves drawing his own comics. When a movie his friends and he make goes viral, Marcus kind of loses his head. This book shows both sides of internet fame and helps Marcus learn what and who really matter.
December 4, 2024
We started this (June 26, 2022), but didn't finish it, on a road trip with the kids. It seems they liked it, but not as much as Marcus Makes a Movie. Unlike the first book, we didn't listen to it at home after our trip to finish it. During the trip, I think the kids chose to listen to John Green's The Anthropocene Reviewed over this book.
May 13, 2022
Nice continuation of the series. Could read it without reading the first book.
Marcus let's fame go to his head and his friends do the same. Can they work together and get over their egos to make another movie?
Marcus let's fame go to his head and his friends do the same. Can they work together and get over their egos to make another movie?
June 29, 2022
Love these books, wish Kevin Hart had read this audio version, but new voice actor did a good job. I like how all the characters come to life and their personalities shine throughout the story. My kids enjoy listening to something a little different and laughing more.
September 26, 2022
3.5 stars. Honestly, I expected so much less from this book, but it was quite enjoyable. Funny, good pacing, emotionally intelligent. I'd so much rather my elementary age kids read this than something like Big Nate.
January 15, 2023
I really like it, especially where I find this Marcus in the story Relatable. Doing things, because you love it and not for the money and how much working together can accomplish. Now, My Granny wants to read both of these books.
May 17, 2022
A heartfelt journey about personal growth and life lessons. Wonderfully entertaining and relatable to the challenges kids face today with social media. 100% recommend for kids (and parents) to read.
July 9, 2022
I LOVED Marcus Makes a Movie, and this sequel is just as wonderful. The perfect middle grade novel about friendship, resiliency, and life lessons. A great read!
July 23, 2022
A fun book about friendship & growing up. It was great as an audiobook that middle grades would enjoy.
July 25, 2022
Not as good as the first book, but still funny.
January 3, 2023
Audiobook
I was prepared for Kevin Hart to narrating again and when it wasn't him, it took a little bit to get used to the new narrator. I did enjoy it and hope for a book 3.
I was prepared for Kevin Hart to narrating again and when it wasn't him, it took a little bit to get used to the new narrator. I did enjoy it and hope for a book 3.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews