Step into the wacky world of My Weird School, where every teacher is weirder than the last, and second-grader A.J. navigates the hilarious chaos of Ella Mentry School! Written by Dan Gutman and illustrated by Jim Paillot, this beloved children’s series blends side-splitting humor with relatable school adventures, captivating young readers since its debut in 2004. With over 100 books across multiple arcs, My Weird School has become a go-to for reluctant readers, proving that school can be anything but boring.
Through A.J.’s witty, school-hating perspective, the series delivers laugh-out-loud moments and subtle lessons about friendship, teamwork, and embracing differences. Whether it’s a principal skateboarding to work or a teacher obsessed with fire, My Weird School’s quirky charm has sold over 35 million copies, making it a cornerstone of modern children’s literature.
How My Weird School Began
Dan Gutman’s inspiration for My Weird School sparked when his daughter, Emma, was hooked on Barbara Park’s Junie B. Jones series. Wanting a similar vibe from a boy’s perspective, Gutman created A.J., a video game-loving kid who’d rather be anywhere but school. The first book, Miss Daisy Is Crazy!, hit shelves in 2004, introducing a teacher who can’t do math. HarperCollins saw its potential, and what started as a single story grew into a sprawling series, with Gutman drawing ideas from his 60 annual school visits, where real kids fuel his zany plots.
The Heart of My Weird School
At Ella Mentry School, every book spotlights a new eccentric adult, from teachers to custodians, each with a rhyming title like Mr. Klutz Is Nuts! or Mrs. Roopy Is Loopy!. In Miss Daisy Is Crazy!, A.J. and his pals discover their teacher’s secret plan to make learning fun. Mr. Klutz Is Nuts! features a principal promising a chocolate party for a million math problems, while Mrs. Cooney Is Loony! reveals the school nurse’s spy-like antics. My Weird School Special: Bummer in the Summer! takes A.J. on a ghostly vacation adventure, complete with puzzles.
The series thrives on its slapstick humor, running gags—like A.J. claiming everyone laughed when he wasn’t funny—and themes of embracing quirks and finding joy in learning. The school setting feels familiar, yet the outlandish grown-ups keep stories fresh. Gutman’s simple, repetitive language and Paillot’s comical illustrations make these books perfect for ages 6–10, especially for kids daunted by reading.
Beyond laughs, My Weird School weaves in educational tidbits, like science facts or homophones, so kids learn without realizing it. The diverse cast, from brainy Andrea to class clown Ryan, mirrors real classrooms, letting every reader find a character to root for.
Why My Weird School Resonates
My Weird School’s magic lies in its ability to turn reading into a joyride for reluctant readers. Parents and teachers praise Gutman for sparking a love of books in kids who once shunned them, with over 35 million copies sold and 19 state book awards. Its blend of humor and heart has led to a Nickelodeon movie greenlight in 2024, cementing its cultural impact. The series’ timeless appeal—rooted in universal school experiences and absurd adult antics—ensures it remains a favorite across generations.
- Publication Years: 2004–present
- Number of Books: Over 100 across My Weird School, Daze, Weirder, Weirdest, Weirder-est, and Weird-tastic arcs
- Awards: 19 state book awards, 92 nominations
- Sales: Over 35 million copies worldwide
Grab Miss Daisy Is Crazy! and dive into My Weird School’s hilarious world—where learning is sneaky, teachers are bonkers, and every day is an adventure!