Adam Mansbach

Craig Robinson

Having faked his way into the Music and Art Academy, a performing arts school for gifted students where his talented older sister rules, sixth-grader Jake, a jokester who can barely play an instrument, will have to think of something quick before the last laugh is on him.

Jake the Fake Keeps It Real

Jessica Nottingham

Okay, this book was adorable! I admit I was kind of wondering how Craig Robinson was going to tackle a Middle Grade book, since his humor is usually more on the adult side, but I shouldn't have worried at all. Jake the Fake Keeps it Real manages to fit some real life middle school hardships and lesson in, while still being utterly hilarious. Impressive sirs. Thoroughly impressive.

See, Jake feels like a fake in his new magnet music and art school. Kids who excel at everything from peanut stacking (yes, I cracked up at that too) to singing opera are all around him, and he has no idea where he really fits in. Sound like a normal middle school experience? Yup, I thought so too. What sets Jake apart is that he's lucky enough to have a best friend who tells him like it is. Lo and behold, when Jake starts listening and stops trying so hard, he actually starts having a lot of fun!

It would be totally unfair not to mention Keith Knight's illustrations in this book. They are on practically every page and they really bring the humor home. Sure, hearing about an eccentric teacher is a lot of fun. Seeing him illustrated in a hilarious manner though? Way more fun! Plus the thoughts in Jake's head are illustrated in all their glory (and randomness), making this so much more amusing than I expected. If your young reader loves the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, they'll love this!

Funny, heartfelt, and with a great message, Jake the Fake Keeps it Real stole my heart! I'm now eagerly waiting for more, and I know that your young reader will be too.

Jake the Fake Keeps It Real

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