Confessions of a Class Clown

Starred review from January 1, 2021

Gr 4-8-An excellent take on the challenges of navigating social media for adolescents. Costner explores a horrible situation (cyberbullying) through four very different perspectives: Jack Reynolds, the class clown; Tasha, the new kid; Mario, aka Mario-Kart; and Brielle, Ms. Goody Two-Shoes. Jack has been entertaining his classmates since first grade, when he realized it was more comfortable to be laughed at for being silly than for messing up. Tasha has just moved to town and nobody really knows her, including that her brother died and her parents split. Nobody has asked why she shaves her head or even about the colorful hats she wears, which she crochets herself. Mario is a typical tween whose parents are not very cool-his mom won't even let him have a cell phone until he gets his driver's license. Brielle is as perfect as she appears, but she is a complex person who genuinely cares about others. Costner has found a way to highlight the innocence of tweens while never underestimating the unique pressures that children face along with puberty, acne, and popularity. She tackles complex, deeply relevant issues, such as feelings of insecurity and arrogance and the difference between how we present ourselves in a media-centric world and the people we are in private. VERDICT Costner offers some thoughtful ways of encouraging readers to reflect on what kind of a person they want to be, and what they want to be known for. An absolute must-purchase for all middle school libraries.-Christina Paolozzi, Bonaire Elem. Sch., GA

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 15, 2021
A middle school jester jockeys with real-life friendships and internet fame. Despite seventh grader Jack Reynolds' confident demeanor, he suffers from a paucity of pals--a crisis belying his reputation as Franklin Middle School's resident comedian and his thousands of MyTube subscribers. When fair-weather friend Zane ditches him for a jock, Jack attends an after-school speed friendshipping session, seeking free doughnuts and fresh acquaintances. He connects with Mario, fun yet phoneless due to an uber-strict mother; Brielle, who's pretty, smart, and motivated; and Tasha, a brainy, reserved fashionista. The first spark fizzles when Mario's mom objects to their joint MyTube appearance. When Jack loses his smartphone privileges, a viral video he made with Brielle catches the eye of a MyTube superstar--but Jack drops the ball, leaving Brielle feeling used. Time with Tasha boosts Jack's math grade, but a Slurpee mishap threatens this relationship, too. When Jack reunites with his phone--and Zane--he makes a final misstep, forcing him to reflect upon and adjust his approaches to humor and other people. Can he find a way to mend his fledgling friendships--or is he destined to become a sad clown? Costner's nondidactic exploration of digital technology and social media sustains a quiet insistence that lasting connections are sweetened by humor but leavened with sincerity. The book features occasional expressive cartoon-style illustrations. Jack reads as White; there is diversity in the supporting cast. A kindhearted, authentic outing. (Humor. 9-13)

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February 15, 2022
Grades 5-7 A talent for inventive online and classroom tomfoolery gets a Utah seventh grader both into and out of pickles in this funny, perceptive ensemble sitcom. Having a tendency to burn through sidekicks willing to hold the camera for his goofy ""MyTube"" posts, Jack signs up for an after-school "Speed Friendshipping" club in hopes of making new connections. Splitting narrative duties between her glib protagonist and three of his classmates (all with issues and backstories of their own), Costner steers Jack through crises ranging from having his smartphone confiscated until he can pull his math grade up to accusations of cyberbullying for a mean-spirited prank. His instant and real remorse for the latter mark him out as a fundamentally decent sort, though, and along with chortling at his antics both online and in the classroom, readers will applaud his efforts to atone for his misdeeds and to build more lasting relationships with his new friends. Yong's occasional monochrome freeze frames and character cards add to the tale's cinematic quality.

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