Matt Stanton, Funny Kid for President (Funny Kid #1), ABC Books/HarperCollins Australia, 19 June 2017, 240pp., $9.99 (pbk), ISBN: 9780733335976
Funny Kid for President, written and illustrated by Matt Stanton, is a fast-paced read with an engaging protagonist. From page one, we are immediately thrown into Max Walburt’s world at Redhill Middle School. Max is running for class president, but has no special talents on offer, other than being the ‘funny kid’ in school.
As election day draws near, Max is still no closer to winning the vote of his class mates. Shenanigans involving stray ducks and plenty of toilet humour keep the story zooming along, aided by comic-book style illustrations that are seamlessly integrated into the prose. Candidates start to drop out and when election rigging is suspected, Abby – the smartest girl in the class, and Max’s rival for president – steps up to help him figure it all out.
The style is reminiscent of Marcus Emerson’s successful Diary of a Ninja series. Humour is injected into every page, making the story a great magnet for younger readers, including those who struggle to read independently. Suitable for ages 8-12.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Foster
