Ever since he was little, Max Carmody has been trying to make people laugh. So when he sees a poster announcing a contest for "The Funniest Kid in America," he feels that he has finally found his destiny. Dubbing himself "Maxx Comedy," he sets about to create the tape that will win him the contest and national fame-but it isn't quite as easy as he thought it would be. In what soon becomes a comedy of errors, Max first has to help a cow named Madonna give birth, keep a wildcat from attacking his classmates, save a friend from getting beaten up by a jealous boyfriend, and make it all the way to Chicago with a truckload of cherries. Will Max leave them rolling in the aisles? Or will he discover, as an old actor once said, "Dying is easy; comedy is hard." Grade 5-7-Korman puts a humorous twist on issues of divorce, fitting in, and following big ambitions. Since he was five years old, Max Carmody has dreamed of being a professional stand-up comic. When he discovers a national talent search looking for "The Funniest Kid in America" that carries a $1000 prize and a TV appearance, he becomes obsessed. He enlists his friends to help him create a video to submit for the contest and tries out jokes on anyone who will listen. Bits and snatches of his routine open each chapter and add to the presentation. The story is a comedy of errors; Max's friends are as prone to bad luck and foiled attempts at success as he is. But they are also very forgiving of one another and their mutual understanding and support make this a positive book. The role of Max's stepfather also adds to the strength of this novel. A truck driver with a heart of gold and also a lot of patience, he never pushes Max into having a relationship with him; he just never gives up. Max is a resilient character who finally gets some of the recognition and attention that he craves. Edith Ching, St. Albans School, Mt. St. Alban, Washington, DC Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. Gr. 4-6. With appropriate lightness, this novel focuses on a sixth-grader who wants to be a stand-up comedian. After learning about a comedy contest for kids, Max Carmody adopts the stage name Maxx Comedy, makes a videotape of his comedy routine with the help of his friends, and then tries to record a laugh track to add to the tape. Humorous scenes with his three best friends that exaggerate the kids' eccentricities convey the main theme about loyalty to friends and family, which is also dealt with in a subplot about Maxx's growing appreciation of his stepfather. The theme takes second place to jokes, however, which open each chapter and infuse the dialogue. That some of the jokes will raise a groan rather than a laugh fits with Max's mixed success in attaining his goal. For Korman's fans and other readers looking for a quick, entertaining read. Kathleen Odean Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved