Blog Tour Review: Jake the Fake Keeps It Real

Jake the Fake Keeps It Real by Craig Robinson and Adam Mansbach, art by Keith Knight


Review by Lauren


source: copy from publisher; all opinions are my own


Official Summary: Jake can barely play an instrument, not even a kazoo. And his art? It’s better suited for Pictionary than Picasso. Which is a real problem because Jake just faked his way into the Music and Art Academy for the gifted and talented (and Jake is pretty sure he is neither). More jokester than composer, Jake will have to think of something quick before the last laugh is on him. 


Featuring more than 160 illustrations, Jake the Fake is sure to bring the laughs with his hilarious high jinks!


Review: I’m so glad the publisher allowed me to read and review this one for the blog tour! I was too old to really get into the Diary of a Wimpy Kid craze, but I’ve read the first one and still really enjoyed it. Despite that, I was really excited to check out Jake the Fake Keeps It Real because I DO love humorous books with illustrations. This book was created by some amazing guys that you may know – Actor/Comedian/Musician Craig Robinson, Author of Go the F*** to Sleep Adam Mansbach, and awesome illustrator Keith Knight. Bring them all together and you get a sixth-grader named Jake who found himself accepted to the Music and Art Academy without much talent…or so he thinks.

The characters are all pretty quirky and interesting, but I loved them! It was great getting to know them, and this includes our MC Jake who is easily likeable. He doesn’t think he really has any talent and feels like a fake at his new school. This book is an introduction to him, his family and friends, and his first semester at the Academy as he struggles to find what makes him stand apart.

I thought the book was fun and relatable, but it also has plenty of humor that I just adored! The book also includes some great illustrations by Keith Knight that just adds to the funny moments. Definitely a good buy for any kids in your life – and even for yourself!