Funny Kid for President by Matt Stanton is the first book in the “Funny Kid” series. It is an illustrated chapter book in the same vein as Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Captain Underpants with parts of it graphic novel and parts of it text heavy. Max, the main character, is a bit of a class clown and has to deal with a duck that’s following him, a teacher who hates him, and a smart classmate who has it in for him. Despite these obstacles, Max decides to run for class president on the basis that he’s the “funniest kid.” There are a few gross-out jokes that kids will find funny (Max being blamed for a poop found in the classroom, a vomit explosion in the library, and some boogers) and the simple, but hilarious illustrations help break up the text for reluctant readers. Kids will want to keep reading to find out who is rigging the election and trying to take down Funny Kid. This book is a fun middle grade read and is a great addition to any library that has lots of fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid-type books.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook