The Dumbest Idea Ever by Jimmy Gownley

Pages: 236
Intended Audience: Tweens and up
Genre: Graphic novel / Memoir
Notes for Parents: There’s an off-panel kiss (♥)!

The Inside Cover

At thirteen, Jimmy was popular, at the top of his class, and the leading scorer on his basketball team. But all that changed when chicken pox forced him to miss the championship game. Then things went from bad to worse when he got pneumonia and missed even more school Before Jimmy knew it, his grades were sinking and nothing seemed to be going right.
How would Jimmy turn things around, get his momentum back, and maybe even land a date with the cutest girl in school?

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

According to the author’s notes, this is based on Jimmy Gownley’s own story set in his hometown of Girardville, Pennsylvania.

What’s good?

This endearing story of a young boy pursuing his dream of being a graphic novelist comes alive with bold, colourful artwork and easy-to-follow dialogue. This is a well-structured story with a good pace that makes it a fast and fun read. The quaint settings lends itself well to the story and the characters are wonderfully likeable, especially Jimmy, the main character.
Best Part: Tony (especially after reading the Author’s Notes at the end).

What isn’t good?

I can honestly say that there wasn’t anything that I thought wasn’t good. I suppose I would have liked to know more about “the breakup” and would have liked an extended scene in the comic book store, even a little more information about how one does go about self-publishing, but everything flowed just fine exactly how it was.
Worst part:  None.

Recommendation þþþþo

This endearing graphic novel hits all the coming-of-age highlights: starting high school; making new friends; even going on a first date. Most of all, it tackles the pressures involved in following your passion and reaching for your dreams. Absolutely recommended!

Gownley, Jimmy. The Dumbest Idea Ever! New York: Graphix, 2014.