Review by destdest - Jacky Ha-Ha: My Life is a Joke (A Graphic Novel)

Jacky Ha-Ha: My Life is a Joke (A Graphic Novel) by Betty C. Tang, Chris Grabenstein, Adam Rau, James Patterson

3.0

lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Pros

The artwork is super cute. I love the coloring style and the overall cartoony look.

Jackie’s family has financial issues while they’re waiting to be hired as full-time police officers, so they need all the children to work to contribute income. This will be relatable to kids who have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders and/or have to help out financially already at a young age.

A boy gains character growth and stops bullying others (tho mostly because he gets a crush on the MC) and becomes a decent person.

When a character is being bigoted, they get called out rightfully so and face consequences.

Neutral

Like the first book, Older Jackie is recounting this story to her daughters. It’s still set in the 90’s, so the slang is goofy-sounding by today’s standards.

Cons

During play auditions, one of the actors (butthole extraordinaire) makes racial remarks to Meredith (token Black best friend) and mocks Jackie’s stuttering. I believe this is to show kids “microaggressions,” but it comes off so heavy-handed. Only the boldest racist/bigot comes out plainly with what they’re saying.

The parents tell the kids if they don’t work, they can’t afford groceries, which I understand... Some families don’t have the luxury of maintaining on one salary… But it’s a doggone shame to be depended on the kiddies to help out. Y’all couldn’t downsize or take on a second job? It’s different to teach kids the value of money or responsibility, then to forcefully need it. That part was not cute. Um, y’all are supposed to provide!