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Unabridged Digital Audiobook
Runtime: 4 hours, 32 minutes
Read by Tara Sands
As we’re growing up, there are moments that change everything—people who help to shape the person we become. And in the audio version of Jacky Ha-Ha by authors James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein, a couple of teachers help a wise-cracking kid channel her comedy for good.
The story introduces Jacky Hart, a 12-year-old who’s known for making kids laugh (and, usually, making teachers angry). Really, though, Jacky’s jokes are meant to cover up her insecurities about things like her stutter and the heartbreak of knowing that her mom is serving the country in a war overseas. Before the school year starts, she makes a promise to herself that she’ll make a change—no more Jacky Ha-Ha. But she just can’t seem to stop. And when her jokes get her in deep trouble, she ends up with a bigger problem on her hands: a teacher who wants her to try out for the school play.
As Jacky reluctantly trades weeks of detention for weeks practicing for the school play, she learns that she doesn’t have to be a troublemaker—and she doesn’t have to spend her afternoons in detention—in order to get laughs. She doesn’t have to use her sense of humor to cover up her insecurities, either. And somewhere along the way, she finds something that she loves: performing for an audience. She’s able to take pride in her accomplishments. And, most importantly, she learns that it’s not just okay to be herself—it’s actually pretty awesome.
Jacky Ha-Ha is a fun-filled story that’s loaded with laughs, thanks to wise-cracking Jacky and her sisters. The characters are likable—each of the sisters with her own unique and very strong personality. But this isn’t just a silly, brainless comedy for kids. Grown-up Jacky writes the story with honesty and self-awareness, looking back at an important turning point in her young life. She opens up about her greatest fears, her insecurities, and the challenges that she and her sisters faced during that time. And that lends itself to plenty of sweet, heartwarming moments—and even some tear-jerking ones, too.
The humor of Jacky Ha-Ha will definitely keep young readers (and their parents) laughing out loud. But it’s also a lovable and moving story about being yourself and discovering what you’re truly passionate about. And after finishing it, readers will be eager to pick up the follow-up, to see what’s next for this clever young entertainer and her family.
Listen to the review on Shelf Discovery:
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