The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh by Helen Rutter

My friend Billy has a stutter, but he needs to get out of his own head. He's really funny and smart, but his fear of speaking keeps him from showing it. I sometimes step in to stop him from being bullied, but he's got to start doing it himself. He's started sneaking into the school auditorium during lunch, but it's taking all of his nerves just to take the steps up onto the stage. How does he ever expect to perform in front of actual people? I'm very happy that he trusts me, and I'll do everything I can to support him. I hope he lets the world see the real Billy. 

I received an ARC.

What works:

From page one, the story focuses on a young boy’s struggles with stuttering. This disorder is very traumatic for Billy, as he hopes for a miracle cure before his first day of middle school. He comes up with creative ideas to avoid talking and makes lists of ways to get rid of stuttering. He works with a speech therapist once a month, but he’s frustrated nothing has helped. She wants him to speak as much as possible, especially in uncomfortable situations, but that doesn’t make sense for a boy terrified to reveal his stutter in school. The author effectively describes the myriad of emotions experienced by Billy, including his excitement when sharing jokes. He aspires to become a comedian even though it seems impossible for someone with a stutter. Therein lies a huge conflict!

Supporting characters contribute to the plot in different ways. A class bully amplifies Billy’s problems and stress. He quickly identifies Billy as a victim, and the stuttering draws him like a moth to light. However, their relationship transforms in unexpected ways. Several new friends greet Billy on the first day of school and can form a support group if Billy will only speak to them. Ironically, one of the boys has a hearing disorder and can’t hear Billy’s stutter. Skyla is a friend from Billy’s previous school, and she has always helped him in the past. She’s willing to step in when Billy needs help, although he’s not sure why. Her own issues are slowly revealed as the story moves along. Close friendships are something new for Billy, and the skills needed don’t come easy for him. He’s going to need all the friends he can get in dealing with disappointment, anxiety, and the death of a loved one.

The story is written in the first person, which is perfect to express a character’s thoughts and emotions, especially when that character doesn’t want to speak. Fear of what others will think, love for his grandmother, and passion for humor consume Billy’s mind. The positives of love and passion are overshadowed by fear. Billy’s is blinded by perceived negatives about himself, so he fails to consider what others might truly think about him. His teacher is invaluable in nurturing the positives and helping Billy become happier and more confident.

What I might have changed:

The title implies the book will be funny, and every chapter begins with a short joke. However, the seriousness of his stutter takes over the plot, and Billy is forced to face many different complications in his life. The conflicts are really quite severe, especially for a boy starting sixth grade in a new school. His stammer, the bully, his friends, his grandmother, a talent show, and comedy each take over the story at different times. The author is able to manipulate the events toward a most satisfying and happy resolution. Readers with feelings of self-doubt will be able to make connections with Billy’s character.

Skyla is critical to Billy’s mental wellbeing, but her character isn’t developed much beyond the basics. She’s forced to care for her mother at times, but the rest of her family life is a mystery. It always seems like there’s a lot going on in her mind even while she’s talking to Billy or pushing him to take risks. She creates a gift later in the book that exemplifies her empathy.

The Final Verdict:

A heartwarming journey where reality clashes with dreams. Billy’s underdog story will impact readers emotionally with humor being a common thread throughout. I highly recommend you give this book a shot!