The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh
By Helen Rutter
A stammering schoolboy discovers an unexpected talent that could silence his bully—and change everything.
Pageticker community rating
Average score: 4.5
From 8 readers
What do our readers think of The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)
Children find the story funny, moving and easy to connect with, especially Billy’s jokes and his determination to follow his dreams. They also value the way the book shows friendship, kindness and the importance of accepting people for who they are.
What does the Pageticker team say about The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh?
The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh is a funny, warm hearted and encouraging story about finding confidence without having to change who you are. Billy’s honest voice, love of jokes and growing friendship with others make this an engaging choice for junior readers.
Genres
What is The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh about?
Billy Plimpton, an eleven-year-old with a stammer, dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian. Determined to make people laugh, he faces challenges at his new school, including a bully. With the support of friends and a caring teacher, Billy discovers his talent for drumming and learns to embrace his unique voice, proving that determination and humour can overcome obstacles.
About the author
Helen Rutter is a brilliant British author known for her funny and heartfelt stories. She wrote 'The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh', a book about finding your own voice and making friends. Helen loves to make people smile with her writing, and she hopes her stories inspire children to be kind and confident.
Discussion ideas around The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh
Finding your voice: Why does Billy believe he must get rid of his stammer, and how does his understanding of himself change?
Laughter and kindness: What makes a joke funny, and when can laughter hurt someone's feelings rather than bring people together?
Bullying and bravery: Which choices help Billy deal with difficulties at school, and what could classmates do to make the school a kinder place?
Unexpected talents: How does drumming give Billy a different way to express himself, and what talent might someone discover when they try something new?
Supportive adults: How do Billy's family, friends and teacher help him, and what makes someone a good person to turn to when life feels difficult?
Pages
360 pages
Reading age
Junior (8-13)
This edition
2021
First published
2021
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