Aint It Funny by Margaret Gurevich

What happens when a teenage girl’s dream of becoming a stand-up comedian clashes with the realities of high school, friendships, and self-doubt? Ain’t It Funny by Margaret Gurevich is a delightful, heartfelt middle-grade novel that explores ambition, resilience, and the power of humor in the face of life’s awkward moments.

Gurevich, known for her relatable and engaging storytelling (including the Chloe by Design series), delivers another winner with this book. It’s a story that will resonate with young readers navigating the messy, hilarious, and sometimes painful journey of growing up. Whether you're a fan of coming-of-age tales, comedy, or stories about chasing dreams, Ain’t It Funny offers a fresh, entertaining perspective.

Twelve-year-old Amelia (Mia) Martinez has always been the class clown, cracking jokes to deflect from her insecurities. But when her best friend, Kaitlyn, suggests she try stand-up comedy at their school talent show, Mia hesitates—what if she bombs? What if people don’t laugh?

Encouraged by her family (especially her abuela, who loves comedy) and inspired by her favorite female comedians, Mia decides to take the plunge. But the road to the stage isn’t smooth. Between school pressures, shifting friendships, and the fear of failure, Mia must figure out whether she has what it takes to turn her humor into something more than just a defense mechanism.

Without giving away major spoilers, the story follows Mia’s journey through open mic nights, embarrassing mishaps, and moments of self-discovery. It’s a story about finding your voice—both on and off the stage.

Mia is a wonderfully flawed protagonist. She’s quick-witted but also deeply insecure, using humor to mask her fears of not being good enough. Her journey is less about becoming a star comedian and more about learning to embrace vulnerability. Gurevich does an excellent job of showing Mia’s growth—from someone who jokes to avoid real emotions to someone who uses comedy to express them.

• Kaitlyn (Best Friend): The supportive but sometimes pushy friend who pushes Mia out of her comfort zone. Their dynamic feels authentic, with moments of tension and loyalty.
• Abuela: A standout character who provides wisdom, warmth, and a love for classic comedy. Her influence on Mia’s passion is touching.
• School Rivals & Crushes: The typical middle-school social hierarchy is present, but Gurevich avoids clichés, making even minor characters feel real.

Gurevich’s writing is accessible and engaging, perfect for middle-grade readers. The dialogue is snappy, and the humor lands well—no easy feat when writing about comedy! The book balances laugh-out-loud moments with deeper emotional beats, making it both fun and meaningful.

The first-person perspective keeps the story intimate, letting readers experience Mia’s nervous excitement, embarrassment, and triumphs firsthand. The pacing is brisk, with short chapters that keep the story moving without feeling rushed.

At its core, Ain’t It Funny is about:

• Courage & Self-Belief: Mia’s struggle with stage fright mirrors real-life fears of failure and judgment.
• Authenticity vs. Performance: Is comedy just a mask, or can it be a way to express truth?
• Friendship & Change: How relationships shift as kids grow into their own identities.

The book also subtly addresses representation—Mia’s Latina heritage is woven naturally into the story, adding cultural richness without being the sole focus.

As someone who loves stories about underdogs and creative passions, Ain’t It Funny hit all the right notes. Mia’s journey felt relatable—who hasn’t doubted themselves before taking a big risk? The humor kept me smiling, but the emotional moments (especially Mia’s bond with her abuela) added depth.

One scene that stood out: Mia’s first disastrous open mic night. It was cringe-worthy in the best way, capturing that universal fear of public failure—but also the resilience needed to try again.

Fans of these books will likely enjoy Ain’t It Funny:

• Smile by Raina Telgemeier (graphic novel about growing up and self-confidence)
• The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez (another middle-grade story about creativity and identity)
• Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim (similar themes of comedy and self-discovery)

While Ain’t It Funny isn’t as heavily focused on cultural identity as some of these, it shares their spirit of perseverance and authenticity.

✅ Authentic, relatable protagonist – Mia feels like a real kid, not a caricature.
✅ Great balance of humor and heart – Never too silly or too heavy.
✅ Strong family dynamics – Abuela is a scene-stealer!

❌ Some predictable beats – The talent show climax isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s satisfying.
❌ Wish we saw more of Mia’s material – A few more jokes woven in would’ve been fun.

• Middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) who enjoy funny, heartfelt stories.
• Kids interested in comedy or performing arts – A great intro to stand-up!
• Parents/educators looking for books about confidence and resilience.

"Laughing at yourself is easy. Making others laugh? That’s the scary part."
"Abuela always said comedy was like life—messy, unpredictable, and better when shared."

Ain’t It Funny is a charming, uplifting story about finding the courage to be yourself—jokes, flaws, and all. Margaret Gurevich delivers a book that’s as funny as it is meaningful, perfect for kids (and adults!) who love stories about chasing dreams.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions:

• Have you ever used humor to hide your insecurities?
• What’s a dream you’ve been too scared to pursue?
• Who’s a fictional character (or real person) who inspires you to be brave?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear if Ain’t It Funny made you laugh (or cry!) like it did for me. Happy reading!

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