What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fizzy Whiz Kid
Readers will laugh along with all the misadventures—and sneak a peek behind the Hollywood curtain—in this sweet and funny novel.
When Mitchell Mathis moves to Hollywood with his academic parents, he soon realizes he’s the only ordinary kid in a school of the powerful and famous. There’s Skywalker Wong, whose parents are special effects gurus. And Julia Jodie Schwartz, named after her agent father’s two highest-earning clients. And Dash Silverman, whose parents write the movies that everyone else seems to have memorized. In an attempt to feel like less of an outsider, Mitch goes to an open casting call, where he ends up being cast in a soda commercial that launches a popular catchphrase. Suddenly he’s on TV, signing autographs, and riding in limos. But when the ad starts getting negative attention and he doesn’t have time for his old friends and interests, fame doesn’t seem like so much fun anymore. He’ll need all his “acting” skills—and the help of his Hollywood-savvy classmates—to figure out how to go back to being a normal kid again.
When Mitchell Mathis moves to Hollywood with his academic parents, he soon realizes he’s the only ordinary kid in a school of the powerful and famous. There’s Skywalker Wong, whose parents are special effects gurus. And Julia Jodie Schwartz, named after her agent father’s two highest-earning clients. And Dash Silverman, whose parents write the movies that everyone else seems to have memorized. In an attempt to feel like less of an outsider, Mitch goes to an open casting call, where he ends up being cast in a soda commercial that launches a popular catchphrase. Suddenly he’s on TV, signing autographs, and riding in limos. But when the ad starts getting negative attention and he doesn’t have time for his old friends and interests, fame doesn’t seem like so much fun anymore. He’ll need all his “acting” skills—and the help of his Hollywood-savvy classmates—to figure out how to go back to being a normal kid again.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
7 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 7, 2018
This book is about a boy who moves place to place because of his father keeps getting fired and also his dad is opposed with cockroaches. That boy is now called "The Fizzy Whiz Kid" Read on for why!
Boys and girls with enjoy this humorous book!
Boys and girls with enjoy this humorous book!
January 26, 2011
The Fizzy Whiz Kid is my ultimate favorite book of all time. I love it i am almost finished with it. I would recommend it for a person who likes comedy books because it has alot of funny sentences in the book. I would rate it a 10 on a scale from 1 to 10. Because its about a boy named Mitchell (Mitch) Mathis. Mitch signs up for an audition to be in a commercial for a soda called "Fizzy Whiz."
He got the part but only 1 little tiny sentence "You like bubbles" and then open a shaked soda and spray it on another person in the commercial. Mitch got told that he did great so he went to school and everyone went up to him and said his line "You like bubbles." Also the studio wanted him to do more commercial for them. A whole series of Fizzy Whiz soda commercial and Mitch said well i cant tell you that.
But what i can tell you is that his #1 goal was to popular and that he accomplished. So he got to go to one of the most popular people in the school which was Brandon because he had a house like a mansion but there was one problem about the party. Dash who is one of Mitch's best friends. Well because Brandon's dad was Dash's dad's boss soBrandon's fired Dash's dad.
Skywalker also one of Mitch's friend tries to let Mitch do all the fun stuff without them because Dash gets mad at Mitch. But the weirdest thing of all is that Mitch's dad is like a bug scientist. His favorite bug which he played with all the time was a cockroach. But also something bad happens.
He got the part but only 1 little tiny sentence "You like bubbles" and then open a shaked soda and spray it on another person in the commercial. Mitch got told that he did great so he went to school and everyone went up to him and said his line "You like bubbles." Also the studio wanted him to do more commercial for them. A whole series of Fizzy Whiz soda commercial and Mitch said well i cant tell you that.
But what i can tell you is that his #1 goal was to popular and that he accomplished. So he got to go to one of the most popular people in the school which was Brandon because he had a house like a mansion but there was one problem about the party. Dash who is one of Mitch's best friends. Well because Brandon's dad was Dash's dad's boss soBrandon's fired Dash's dad.
Skywalker also one of Mitch's friend tries to let Mitch do all the fun stuff without them because Dash gets mad at Mitch. But the weirdest thing of all is that Mitch's dad is like a bug scientist. His favorite bug which he played with all the time was a cockroach. But also something bad happens.
March 31, 2011
Mitchell Christopher Mathis, who prefers Mitch, is a sixth-grader who has just moved to Hollywood, California from St. Paul, Minnesota. One of Mitch's hobbies is to make lists. On his "Ten Things Not To Do On The First Day Of School (Because They Make You Look Like A Jerk)" list, his most important thing is "DON'T STAND OUT".
However, that's exactly what happens when he starts at Cecil B. DeMille Elementary School. His name is a family name (after his grandfathers) unlike his classmates who are named after actors, movie characters, etc. He's never owned a television, has never seen Star Wars, and his dad who's an entomologist (scientist who studies bugs) shows up to career day in a giant, hideous cockroach costume!
Mitch is desperate to fit in and goes to an open casting call, where he's cast in a commercial for a soda pop company as the Fizzy Whiz Kid. Suddenly kids are stopping him for his autograph, repeating his catch phrase "You like bubbles?", and dressing like him as a Halloween costume! However, just as quickly as his stardom started, it takes a drastic fall after a national commercial is aired on the effects of childhood obesity due to unhealthy products with Fizzy Whiz Soda at the top of the list. Mitch must figure out if he wants to be a bona fide star or a regular kid. This was a humorous read and kids will relate to Mitch and fitting in.
However, that's exactly what happens when he starts at Cecil B. DeMille Elementary School. His name is a family name (after his grandfathers) unlike his classmates who are named after actors, movie characters, etc. He's never owned a television, has never seen Star Wars, and his dad who's an entomologist (scientist who studies bugs) shows up to career day in a giant, hideous cockroach costume!
Mitch is desperate to fit in and goes to an open casting call, where he's cast in a commercial for a soda pop company as the Fizzy Whiz Kid. Suddenly kids are stopping him for his autograph, repeating his catch phrase "You like bubbles?", and dressing like him as a Halloween costume! However, just as quickly as his stardom started, it takes a drastic fall after a national commercial is aired on the effects of childhood obesity due to unhealthy products with Fizzy Whiz Soda at the top of the list. Mitch must figure out if he wants to be a bona fide star or a regular kid. This was a humorous read and kids will relate to Mitch and fitting in.
November 25, 2010
No one likes to be the "new" kid. When Mitch Mathis and his parents move to Hollywood, California he really feels like an outsider. All of the kids have parents who are involved in one way or another with the movies. That is all except Mitch. His father is a professor and studies cockroaches. To fit in Mitch auditions for a commercial and quickly learns that there are two sides to everything. One of the things I really liked about this book was the lists that Mitch was constantly making. When I told my family about this book and Mitch making lists, they reminded me that I still make lists. No matter what the age, everyone who has ever been the "new kid" will relate to this book. There are subtle lessons for kids on the price one pays for fame no matter where it comes from. What price you ask? Read the book.
Read
July 26, 2011The Fizzy Whiz Kid by Maiya Williams
When Mitchell Mathis moves to Hollywood with his academic parents, he soon realizes he’s the only ordinary kid in a school of the powerful and famous. In an attempt to feel like less of an outsider, Mitch goes to an open casting call, where he ends up being cast in a soda commercial that launches a popular catchphrase. Suddenly he’s on TV, signing autographs, and riding in limos. But when the ad starts getting negative attention and he doesn’t have time for his old friends and interests, fame doesn’t seem like so much fun anymore. He’ll need all his “acting” skills—and the help of his Hollywood-savvy classmates—to figure out how to go back to being a normal kid again. (Ages 8-12)
When Mitchell Mathis moves to Hollywood with his academic parents, he soon realizes he’s the only ordinary kid in a school of the powerful and famous. In an attempt to feel like less of an outsider, Mitch goes to an open casting call, where he ends up being cast in a soda commercial that launches a popular catchphrase. Suddenly he’s on TV, signing autographs, and riding in limos. But when the ad starts getting negative attention and he doesn’t have time for his old friends and interests, fame doesn’t seem like so much fun anymore. He’ll need all his “acting” skills—and the help of his Hollywood-savvy classmates—to figure out how to go back to being a normal kid again. (Ages 8-12)
August 31, 2011
I loved the beginning - very funny and real. But the last half became didactic and flat. Fifth grader Mitchell Mathis has just moved again, this time to Hollywood CA, to start school after the beginning of the year. He has a list of things he has learned in his many moves to make things easier - but none of them work. And his father, the roach expert/scientist, "ruined his life" by coming to the classroom dressed as a - yes - roach. So Mitch goes to a casting call and gets picked to be the new Whizzy Fizz Kid, advertising a super sweet soda. It is a fun and lucrative ride - until the news media starts talking about how awful the soda is nutritionally. The book goes downhill from there. In the end, the loose bits are tied up very neatly - and I don't think the book will sell well.
August 16, 2014
Mitch Mathis just moved to Hollywood, California, and started a new school. He quickly realizes that he is an outcast as he does not own a TV, his father is an entomologist, and he's never seen Star Wars. He auditions for a commercial, lands the part, and is suddenly popular. However, he has to decide if he truly wants to be himself, or if he wants to be a star.
I'm sorry, but from the couple chapters I read of this, I was not a fan. The characters are all so full of themselves, and even though they're all 12 and 13, they read much, much older. The characters were primarily stereotypes, and I couldn't connect to a single one of them. I'm not sure I know who would recommend this book to.
I'm sorry, but from the couple chapters I read of this, I was not a fan. The characters are all so full of themselves, and even though they're all 12 and 13, they read much, much older. The characters were primarily stereotypes, and I couldn't connect to a single one of them. I'm not sure I know who would recommend this book to.
March 9, 2011
Sometimes I am in the mood for a funny book and this one was just what I needed. Mitch has a good sense of humor and his lists are hilarious. He is a good kid.
This book tells quite a bit about how commercials are filmed. I learned some new things. I had no idea that it took so long to film a 30 second commercial!
I can relate to Mitch’s story because I have been the new kid at school too. It is not easy to be the outsider and it can take awhile to make new friends. I remember being very nervous my first day at my new school.
The Fizzy Whiz Kid is a light and enjoyable book to read. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and it just plain fun!
This book tells quite a bit about how commercials are filmed. I learned some new things. I had no idea that it took so long to film a 30 second commercial!
I can relate to Mitch’s story because I have been the new kid at school too. It is not easy to be the outsider and it can take awhile to make new friends. I remember being very nervous my first day at my new school.
The Fizzy Whiz Kid is a light and enjoyable book to read. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and it just plain fun!
February 9, 2011
Mitch has just moved to Hollywood with his academia parents. As soon as he starts school he knows he does not fit in with the rest of the kids who have parents who are actors, directors, and agents. In order to enter their world and hopefully gain their acceptance, he auditions to be a commercial and lands the part. While his life as an actor is taking off his busy schedule begins to interfer with activities he could be doing with his new friends. You will learn some show biz terms while reading this entertaining book.
April 2, 2010
Boys 8 and up. Mitch Mathis is the new kid in school. His family has just moved to Hollywood and Mitch is trying to fit in. Mitch makes a few friends with interesting names like Dashiell and Skywalker. To fit in even more tries out for an open audition for a soda pop commercial and becomes the "Fizzy Whiz Kid" Suddenly he finds himself thrust into stardom but still losing the friends he made. Will he learn how to balance stardom and his friends or will he lose both?
August 7, 2010
I had no intention of picking up this book, but one Saturday when I was working a girl asked me for it. A couple hours later, a boy asked me for it. Then one of the other librarians asked me if I knew the name of the book about the kid who becomes a soda commerical star. At that point, I knew I should pick this up. And it was a lot of fun. It's a quick read and has appeal for boys and girls.
Recommended for 4th and 5th grade.
Recommended for 4th and 5th grade.
November 2, 2011
A little... bland, but a cute story. Fun read, good for boys. I personally liked the messages about being happy with who you are, although I did not like the "go ahead and quit something if it isn't what you expected" attitude that pops up. Thought it was appropriate for younger readers who are reading higher. Fun intro to Hollywood for middle grades! Hoping that if they ever make a movie of it, they cast Luke from Modern Family as the main character.
June 16, 2010
I appreciated the insider's view of Hollywood that was given in this fresh tale about "the rise and fall of a Hollywood nobody." Clearly Williams knows it's flaws, but is still a fan of the Hollywood sub-culture, and she gives the reader a glimpse into why people choose to be a part of it, despite the horror stories about it that are too often true.
June 19, 2010
Moving to Hollywood with his academic parents, eleven-year-old Mitch feels like an outsider in his school where everyone has connections to the powerful and famous in the entertainment industry, until he is cast in a soda commercial that launches a popular catchphrase.
June 28, 2010
A great story for every kid who thinks being a star would be just fantastic. A nobody if tossed into the Hollywood machine, gaining friends anf fame--- but, strangely enough, realizes he was happier without it all.
February 3, 2016
An extremely amusing story about a boy who becomes a famous celebrity overnight. I loved this book. It gave me a behind the scenes look at the movie making industry. I know quite a few kids who would really enjoy this story. gr: 4-6
June 25, 2010
super cute story! About a little boy and his rise to fame but his fall too, really enjoyable! :)
March 4, 2012
once it started I quite liked it, though I think main character should have been 6th grade...
February 1, 2017
Quirky story but hits a good balance, not trying too hard. I like the kid's lists and how they contribute to the plot. Problem is it's set in ES, and should be middle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2012
this book wasnt as good to me as it was to some of my friends i wasnt really feeling the book
May 22, 2013
This book was slightly pedantic, but the characters saved it for me.
February 10, 2015
Very entertaining and amusing; some good laugh out loud moments there. Would recommend it to people I know, with no major problems.
Love the changing dynamics and friendship!
Love the changing dynamics and friendship!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews