In this story set in the 90’s, Jackie is trying to change her ways from being a class clown, and, of course, is failing miserably at it. Since her mom’s stationed in Saudi Arabia and her dad’s busy, Jackie looks for attention through her antics. At the suggestion of one of the teachers, Jackie tries to harness her innate talent of goofiness into acting. The story seemed a bit bland, but there’s some heart here. I think Jackie’s journey to expressing her true feelings was done well.

Also, there is such an undeniably LONG vomiting sequence that I’m surprised no one else has mentioned it as of yet. I get some kids like gross-out humor, but this was far too gross. Yes, this shows Jackie is a light-hearted goof who doesn’t think things through, but I just feel that could’ve been portrayed another way. As an opening scene, that just turned my stomach, and I don’t have emetophobia.

Anyway, the art style is certainly bright-eyed and super cute. The art is what grabbed my attention, and I enjoy the style a lot. This is an overall cute story with a character overcoming the need to overcompensate with humor.

3.5 ( )

I usually like books by Patterson, but I mostly just found this to be a dull stream of consciousness from a middle school prankster. Jacky Hart gets herself into a lot of trouble because her mouth is missing a filter and to get out of the month of detentions she has racked up, she agrees to audition for the school musical; You're a good man Charlie Brown. She gets a part as Snoopy, and suspects her dad is having an affair. Won't tell you what happens but will tell you that it comes to a satisfactory and logical conclusion. ( )

The illustrations were reminiscent of Bill Keane's Family Circus. The story was predictable, readers in the intended age group could handle a more complex plot and more character development. The book's narrator has just won an Oscar and is writing this story about her childhood to her two daughters. She tells how she was always in trouble at school but got involved with drama the drama club and oratory club as a way of serving detention. Both of these clubs were essential to overcoming her stutter - a less interesting story would have involved speech therapy. Her mother is a marine serving in the Middle east and her father is a lifeguard who she is angry with as he appears to be flirting with "the prettiest girl on the beach" - another lifeguard. One of seven sisters who never fight and offer each other support and love at all times. Most kids will recognize that the unrealistic nature of the relationships in the book. ( )

This book is a great example of fantasy because it tells about events in the 1990s, like when George H.W. Bush was the president and Nintendo was popular. It speaks about a child with a disability someone could easily have. It resembles a familiar story to children and parents. And it's relatable.
recommend 4-6 grade
I would use this book as an independent reading book, or as a class book where we talk about understanding people with disabilities.

Media: ink sketches