My Life As A Joke

Description: Derek Fallon discovers all the angst that comes with being twelve - he just wants to feel grown up, but life gets in the way with a series of mishaps that make him look like a baby. He passes out during a worm dissection in science class, falls flat on his face in gym class and gets a fat lip that causes him to lisp all day, and his plans for a monster-truck party turn into a bouncy house disaster. Why isn't being in middle school as great as Derek imagined? Thankfully, with a little help from his friends - and, ironically, a Toys for Tots fundraiser - things seem like they could start shaping up at last.

Review: "Readers will connect with likable Derek and his efforts to improve himself that don't ever go right . . . It's sure to be a hit with fans of the previous installments." --School Library Journal "Give this to kids who think they don't like reading. It might change their minds." --Booklist, starred review on My Life as a Book "A kinder, gentler Wimpy Kid with all the fun and more plot." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review on My Life as a Book "A fast-moving plot and relatable protagonist make this stand-alone sequel a good choice for boys who, like Derek, would rather reach for a TV remote or game controller than a book." --School Library Journal on My Life as a Stuntboy





Author Biography: Janet Tashjian is the author of the popular My Life series including My Life as a Stuntboy, My Life as a Book, and My Life as a Cartoonist, illustrated by her son, Jake Tashjian; as well as The Gospel According to Larry and For What It's Worth. She lives with her family in Los Angeles, California.