I Funny: A Middle School Story

Why might a love for comedy help someone who is recovering from serious injury and severe loss? How does Jamie continue to use comedy to aid his climb toward a well-balanced life?

What details do the illustrations in I Funny provide that the text does not? How would this story be different if it were written as a traditional novel rather than a graphic novel? Consider the various devices used in the illustrations and how they add to the story.

Why does Jamie hate it when people pity him or give him special treatment, and how does he find ways of Challenging the Social Stigma of Disability?

What are the philosophical advantages of reading stories from the perspective of a person with a disability? How might these stories encourage understanding and promote a healthier social environment?

How are Jamie’s goals and subsequent success facilitated by the people in his life, such as Uncle Frankie and Suzy? How do the Smileys ironically inspire Jamie to improve his routines?

How does Jamie handle bullies and criticism? How does Jamie use his comedy to both inspire himself and to bring out the best in others? Analyze specific examples from the text to support your interpretation.

What steps does Jamie take on the journey toward Overcoming Hardship and Fear? What hardships and anxieties continue to hold him back, and how does he find a way to fully embrace his comedic self?

How does Jamie’s attitude toward himself and the world change as the story progresses, and how do his moments of doubt create a more nuanced sense of his character and inner conflicts?