Content Warning: This section of the guide contains descriptions of bullying, ableism, and slurs directed toward people with disabilities.

Protagonist and narrator Jamie Grimm sits on the stage for “The Planet’s Funniest Kid Comic Contest” (1)—a contest with no adults and no lame jokes allowed. As he stares out into the audience and freezes up before he even says his first joke, he believes that his decision to enter this contest is “extremely stupid” (1). Sweat pours from his face as he stares at the microphone and an audience of peering eyes. Jamie accidentally says his punchline first, but he manages to start his joke again. He gets a few chuckles, which gives him a little confidence.

Jamie Grimm sits on the stage in his wheelchair, waving awkwardly at the reader (his audience). After a devastating car accident about a year ago, Jamie lost the use of his legs and will need to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Upon his recovery, he decided to study comedy in order to learn how to make people laugh.