Jacky Ha-Ha Gets the Last Laugh

Jacky Ha-Ha #3

by James Patterson, Chris Grabenstein, Kerascoët (Illustrator)

Jacky Ha-Ha is off to theater camp and funnier than ever in this hilarious illustrated novel from James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein's #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Jacky Hart finally knows the thrill of having people laugh with her (not at her). She tries to put her comedy and theater skills to use in her summer job, but the boardwalk crowds aren’t exactly adoring. So Jacky jumps at the opportunity of a an all-expense paid trip to theater camp!

When Jacky gets to Camp Footlights, she realizes she’s way out of her depth. The highly trained campers all seem to know everything about performing, and exactly how to command the spotlight. All Jacky wants is to prove she fits in, but the more she tries, the more she stands out—and not in a good way. With help from her new friends, can Jacky Ha-Ha earn her place in the spotlight…or will she flop?

Packed with illustrations, jokes, and hijinks, the latest book in the #1 bestselling Jacky Ha-Ha series delivers a hilarious and heartwarming dose of summer fun, perfect for reading all year round!

Genres: Middle Grade, Humor, Childrens, Fiction

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2023

About the author

Official US Site
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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.

Reviews

[Gara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! Capturing the angst of the middle school years, the main character Jacky struggles to be her authentic self in spite of the opinions of some adults and peers. What middle schooler is not familiar with these doubts and frustrations? I have not read the other books in this series, but I was able to quickly understand the characters created by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein. I especially enjoyed the supportive adults that surrounded Jacky - her family and her teacher, Ms. Mara, as well as some special friends she met at Camp Footlights. I look forward to sharing it with my grandchildren!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute series! Jacky Hart overcomes her stutter to become a famous actress. This book is about how she got her break in show business. I love how it takes place in the early 90’s and they talk about how there’s no such thing as cell phones and how long it takes to dial a rotary phone. I’m sure most kids have no idea about these things and are shocked. Overall an easy, pleasant read that I would recommend

[Klare · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another easy to read Jacky story.

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the Jacky Ha-Ha series immensely and this one was no different. I did feel bad about the bullying but in the day of Jacky Ha-Ha it wasn’t called bullying it was just a spoiled child being a brat. The bullied child usually had their friends to surround them. 9/10 when we grew up the bullies are losers. I did enjoy the surprise at the end with Brooklyn!

[Brandon Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt some nostalgia from Jacky’s story. She reminded me of some core childhood memories that kids today would have no clue what it even means. James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein did a wonderful job of helping them understand.

The story takes Jacky back to her days in summer camp where she test her ability to act and be funny around kids she thinks are way more talented than she will ever be. How will she fit in? Why did she get encouraged to go by one of Hollywoods biggest stars? And why is the camp only catering to its one biggest talent?

A fun and funny story to help kids understand talent isn’t everything, humor can be helpful and hurtful. And that even when you think you should give up, you might be surprised on how close you were to getting where you wanted to be all along.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacky is back with her witty sense of humor as she tells her daughters about her experience at theater camp in the summer of 1991. Justice finally prevails for the wrong treatment given to Jacky and her friends.

[Hayden Byler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It is by far one of my favs!

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🎭 are a self proclaimed comedian
🎢 grew up on the Jersey shore
👯‍♀️ have a lot of sisters
🤩 know someone famous

• 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄

Jacky Hart is back with another story for her two girls - this time she’s reminiscing about her time at a theater summer camp!

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Jacky Hart has been invited by the one and only Latoya Sherron to Camp Footlights, a summer camp for aspiring theater kids. With not much else to do for the remainder of her summer, she decides to give it a try. Jacky immediately befriends Brooklyn and the girls go to their first audition. Straight away, Jacky is told to get off the stage - she’s ruining everything for the star, Ashley Jones. Will these 3 weeks be all about Ashley’s talent, or will Jacky be able to prove herself?

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

I really love this series, even if it’s technically geared toward a younger crowd. Jacky gives us a lot of great life lessons. She’s always had a stutter, but she’s still determined to get on stage and show everyone what’s she capable of - making people laugh! I also just enjoy the flow of the story. It’s easy to read and perfect for middle grade kids, and even younger kids who may be on a higher learning level! I hope to see more from the Jacky Haha series!

[Anika · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I found this book, it wasn't one of my usual reads. I prefer crime or fantasy, so I decided to give this genre a shot. I don't regret reading this book, but I didn't enjoy reading it either. First, the characters. They're interesting to learn about as you read the book and you can sort of tell how they grow as the book goes on. For one of the characters, Ashley, she doesn't end up changing and continues to be the pick-me-girl she is, just kicked out of the camp. It would be better to show the growth in Ashley, even though she isn't the main character, should at least grow to be a better person. Jacky, the main character, shows many strengths and weaknesses as a person, but she can be a Mary Sue at times. For example, near the end of the book, Ashley gets overthrown and kicked out. In reality, that isn't always the case. Most of the time, the person who's in the spotlight doesn't care and continues to stay in the program. (Especially if there's a written contract or a bias towards her.) Also, there are many unrealistic portions of the story, like when Jacky is on the phone and everyone (Or almost everyone) is out of the room and suddenly when Jacky talks about how unfair it is to have Ashley, everyone appears in the room and agrees.

[Kirsten Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not what I was expecting… while I liked the new atmosphere and friendships, I wish we had more time at home in New Jersey with the old gang. I will admit at times the writing felt almost forced, not as funny, and slightly annoying. I didn’t hate it, and if another comes out I’ll still probably read for sake of younger me, but pretty much nothing can top the first and second books. Maybe I’m getting older and more cyclical, but it felt a bit fake if that makes any sense. Like the author was thinking I HAVE to write another, Jacky will say this and not do that, she’ll crack that joke and make that mistake… formulaic is the word that comes to mind. I’m also in a book slump, so I’m kinda grumpy, but at least I read a book when I haven’t hardly picked one up in weeks!!

[⊹ ࣪ ˖ maddie ⋆˚࿔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was about Jacky Hart getting a scholarship to Camp Footlights, a performing arts summer camp, paid for by Broadway star Latoya Sherron. At the camp, she starts to think she doesn't belong there, as all the kids that are there are talented in things like dancing, singing, and acting, while Jacky is more of a comedienne. The more she tries to fit in, the worse it gets for her. Jacky encounters bullies and raccoons in trees, and a camp director who has obvious favorites. With her new friends, she finally gets to show off her real talents at a dinner show nearby. Join Jacky as she goes through the ups and downs of Camp Footlights.

[Teresa Alpizar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary realistic fiction
4th-6th grade
This book was very funny and entertaining to read! I love the silly details, illustrations, and overall, the character/personality of Jacky. She allows young readers to use their imagination for fun and experience the events that she goes through. For this book particular (3rd book of the series), she describes her time at summer camp and how she felt different and set apart. I appreciate the authors including these vulnerable moments of Jacky to show young students that it is okay to be different.

[Alannah Alomar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can find no words for this except my childhood had a crappy update that was, this book.

Now, Jacky Haha is an essential apart of moi, growing up. And I hate to hate on books but this was just disappointing. My favorite characters weren't there, they just reused the same old jokes. And I guess I kinda enjoyed a blast from the past, but I just didnt enjoy it as much as I thought I would

[Tehya · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was incredibly painful. It felt like it was written by a 12-year-old (which might have been the author's intention). It just wasn't for me right now. I feel bad because I really liked this series but I just feel too old for the humor and the scenarios felt really cringe. eek

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacky gets a chance to go to Camp Footlights, a drama camp, paid for by a famous actress who is friends with Jacky's drama teacher. Jacky was expecting to get some stage experience at camp, but the director can only see one girl as stage material.

[Ginger Mcclintick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book.

[Instensified · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had trouble following this one. Supposedly this is Jacky telling the story for her kids. I liked Jacky's antics.

[Casey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two and three quarters. A little better than the second one. Summer drama camp was a fun setting but the first one is still my favorite.

[Malynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really funny!

[Brig · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a summer read with my kid. It was cute. It would have been a quick read, however we’ve been very busy this summer. 3 1/2 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ✨

[Ejatu Bah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just such fun, one to read and as quick as all the others.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

After Jacky Ha-Ha and Jacky Ha-Ha: My Life is a Joke, we return to Seaside Heights to see what Jacky and her five sisters are up to. Because their dad isn't a full-time cop yet, and their mother is still in college to be a cop after serving in the Gulf War, Jacky is working on the board walk. It's not terrible, but since it's 1991, it's also only $4.50 an hour. When she runs into Latoya Sherron, with whom she had worked previously, the actress strongly suggests Jacky for to Camp Footlights to improve her acting skills, and offers to foot the bill. Soon, Jacky is spending three weeks in August at the elite camp. It's not exactly up her alley; they don't appreciate her jokes. Still, she and her roommate Brooklyn get up to lots of fun, even though the first thing they do is to get in trouble for singing and dancing and are sent to the costume department as punishment. There are Acting in Commercials classes, the Spontaneous Combustion Improv group, and trips to New York to see plays. There are also rich mean girls who make fun of her, and the evil Mr. Beasley, who treats Jacky poorly and doesn't blink when she says she wants to go home! Luckily, her patron steps in, and it isn't long before she is back at the camp. She finds out a fun secret about Brooklyn, and ends the summer knowing that her own daughters (whom she addresses in a letter at the beginning of the book) will do fine in their own summer camps.
Strengths: While I was more interested in Jacky's life on the boardwalk, summer stories are always popular, and there are a lot of fun drama related activities that children who are interested in acting will enjoy reading about. Brooklyn is a good friend, and she stands up for Jacky when kids make fun of her. Jacky has an upbeat outlook on life, and is always trying out new jokes. The illustrations will appeal to reading who like books like Libenson's Invisible Emmy, but the plot is more humorous.
Weaknesses: While I always appreciate being told when and where a book takes places, there are a LOT of mentions that it is 1991, and it seemed a bit odd.
What I really think: I need to hand this series to readers who enjoy Russell's Dork Diaries and Holm's Babymouse: Tales from the Locker books. Patterson's books like Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life and I Funny are more popular with the boys in my school, but they don't pick this series up as much.

[Sukriti Mavuri · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got boring at the end so I skim read like 100 pages. Very forgettable and disappointing.