This Will Be Funny Someday
on Goodreads (2,720)
What’s inside...
Sixteen-year-old Izzy is used to keeping her thoughts to herself, but when she mistakenly walks into a stand-up comedy club and performs, she finds it cathartic. She meets Mo, an aspiring comic, who introduces her to the Chicago open mic scene and invites her to join her group of friends. As Izzy juggles her dual lives, lying about her age and sneaking out to perform stand-up, her two worlds collide. She must ultimately decide whether to continue hiding her true desires or to stand up for herself. The story is perfect for fans of John Green and Becky Albertalli, blending humor and self-discovery in a coming-of-age tale reminiscent of 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' set in high school.
Age
13-17
Length
400 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Izzy
Mo
Alex
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Isabel to find her voice and express herself through comedy?
How did Isabel's relationship with her family and friends change throughout the story? What factors contributed to those changes?
What challenges did Isabel face when trying to fit into the world of stand-up comedy, and how did she overcome them?
How do you think Isabel's experiences in the book help her understand herself better? What lessons did she learn?
If you were in Isabel's shoes, would you have made the same decisions she did? Why or why not?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to explore their thoughts and feelings about Isabel's journey, prompting them to reflect on how they would feel in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of self-expression and finding one's voice, relating it to personal experiences or aspirations your child may have.
Talk about the role of humor in coping with difficult situations, and ask your child if they've ever used humor to deal with their own challenges.
Highlight Isabel's interactions with supportive characters in the book, discussing how friendships and mentorships can impact personal growth and confidence.
Conclude conversations by connecting themes from the book to real-life scenarios, enhancing practical understanding and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Finding one's voice
Explanation: The protagonist, Izzy, overcomes her shyness and fear of speaking out, which is demonstrated through her journey into the world of stand-up comedy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express themselves more confidently in school presentations or when sharing their opinions.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Izzy learns the hard way that lying, especially to those she cares about, leads to complications and hurt. Her growth in telling the truth is a crucial part of her character development.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value truth in their interactions, understanding that honesty builds trust and strengthens relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Throughout the book, Izzy faces various personal and social challenges but learns to navigate them, which showcases her resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to persevere through difficulties whether it's in their academic, social, or personal lives.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting diverse perspectives
Explanation: Izzy encounters a variety of other characters in the comedy club, each bringing their own unique perspectives and backgrounds, which broadens her worldview.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate diversity and foster a more inclusive attitude towards others from different cultures or backgrounds.