Jack Strong Takes a Stand

Charlie Joe Jackson Spinoffs

by Tommy Greenwald, Melissa Mendes (Illustrator)

Jack Strong just wants to be a regular kid. But his parents have overscheduled his week with every extracurricular activity under the sun: tennis, baseball, cello, karate, tutoring, and Chinese language lessons—all on top of  regular homework. His parents want him to be “well-rounded” and prepared for those crucial college applications. Jack’s just about had enough.

And so he stages a sit-in on his couch and refuses to get up until his parents let him quit some of the extracurriculars. As Jack’s protest gains momentum, he attracts a local television host who is interested in doing a segment about him. Tensions rise as counter-protesters camp out across the street from Jack and his couch. Jack’s enjoying this newfound attention, but he’s worried that this sit-in may have gone too far.

Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Middle Grade, Juvenile, Family, Young Adult

240 pages, Hardcover

First published September 24, 2013

About the author

Tommy Greenwald's book GAME CHANGER has been named an Amazon Best Book Of The Month, a 2019 YALSA Top Ten Pick for Reluctant Readers, and a Junior Library Guild Premier Selection. Tommy is also the author of the CRIMEBITERS, CHARLIE JOE JACKSON and PROJECT Z series, among many other books for children.

Day-job-wise, Tommy is the Co-Founder of Spotco Advertising, an entertainment advertising agency in New York City, and the lyricist and co-bookwriter of JOHN & JEN, an off-Broadway musical.

To read woefully outdated information about Tommy, visit tommygreenwald.com. (To send an email telling him how much you liked whatever book it was that you just read, holla at tommy@tommygreenwald.com.)

Reviews

[Lisa Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was chuckling by page three...gosh, I loved this kid. He has heart, wisecracks that come out of nowhere and he endears us to all of the kooky folks in his life - mustached English teacher included. The premise is one most kids will connect with...aren't we all just tired of trying to be everything we should be? When do we get the time to actually find out? Loved it.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Charlie Joe Jackson books are among the most beloved in my seventh grade classroom and they are one of the few titles with 50/50 male/female appeal. My least experienced readers find the books relevant and close to their personal lives; my most experienced readers are afraid that I'll think less of them if I catch them reading the series. I have more than a few students who will try to hide a CJJ book inside of a title like Nazi Hunters or The Family Romanov.

But for the vast majority of my readers, these books are like snuggling on the couch with a mug of hot cocoa, a big bowl of popcorn, and a favorite blanket. They love these books and they're not afraid to let the world know.

Jack Strong's story will strike a chord with my students... even though Jack's just in middle school, his father constantly talks about college and his mother shleps him from activity to activity. One day, Jack decides enough is enough.... until HE gets to decide what activities HE wants to do, he's not getting up from his couch.

Overscheduled and hyperpresent parents are a reality that most of my students face; Jack gives them a way to articulate these concerns.

[Nam · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is true. So many parents over-schedule their kids. While Jack's methods may have been extreme, he got his message across loud and clear. Parents, let your kids be kids. They'll be grown up before you know it, and by then, they'll be wishing that they had had the carefree days of youth that the older generation always had. After school activities are not a bad thing, but children need to learn how to entertain themselves too. It is vital for their development.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read out loud to my son it's one of our quality time activities we favor. We both enjoyed this book. I was able to relate ideas to him too. This was a "Virginia reader" recommended book. He got 10/10 on the AR test too!

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars

The way this could never be me when I was Jack's age because my family couldn't afford to send me to some of these extracurricular activities when they were struggling to pay for my tuition fee. But what I can relate to is doing stuff that I don't like or have no interest in that consumes a large portion of my time. As Nana, Jack Strong's grandmother, once said, "Life is short... Too short to be doing things you don't want to do. But way too short to not be doing anything at all."

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle grader Jack Strong is certainly one busy boy. At times it seems as though every minute of his day has been scheduled. When he isn't in school or completing his homework, he has cello lessons, plays baseball, goes to Chinese class, and takes EMT lessons. There's nothing wrong with keeping busy, but when Jack asks to drop some of these activities, his father refuses since he thinks they will make Jack well-rounded and look impressive on his college applications. Jack decides that he is fed up with being over-scheduled and stages a protest from his living room couch. Naturally, the protest gains the attention of classmates and the media, and before Jack knows it, he's become an overnight sensation. Many middle graders will relate to Jack's plight, but they will also understand Jack's unwillingness to blame his father in public and recognize that there are many sides to this particular issue. The author captures middle grade dynamics and dialogue quite well as he does in his popular earlier books featuring Charlie Joe Jackson. This title will be fun to discuss in the classroom since it explores whether it's better to have too much or too little time on your hands.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle-schooler Jack Strong learns about burnout first-hand after his dad enrolls him in numerous extracurricular activities so that he will be well prepared for college. But after only a week into the hectic schedule of Chinese, tennis, EMT training, cello, math tutoring, baseball and soccer, Jack rebels. He stages a sit-in on the family couch, refusing to budge until his dad concedes to his demands and lightens his load. This in turn causes strife between Jack’s parents and his maternal grandmother. Jack’s cause celebre spreads to the high school paper and then to the local media. Their front yard turns into a remote news venue, complete with protestors for and against Jack’s stand. When it seems that the impasse will never be resolved, a family health crisis causes everyone to re-evaluate their positions, much to Jack’s satisfaction. The story is a cautionary tale about excess and overreaching parenting. Jack’s first-person narrative moves the plot along and will keep young readers amused and engaged. The few illustrations are simple and spot-on. Themes and lessons abound here, but they don’t get in the way of a good story.

[Georgene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack, who is 12, is a typically overscheduled middle school boy. His father thinks that is the way to get into a good college--to try all kinds of activities. His mother just goes along with his father. But when Jack wants to go to the party given by his crush, he can't because of his activities. When he wants to hang out with his friends at the ice cream store, he can't. One day Jack decides that he will go on strike and not leave his sofa until he can quit some of his activities and only keep the ones he really likes. He doesn't go to school or anywhere else except to use the bathroom or to eat. He even sleeps on the sofa. He feels that this is a reasonable thing to do and he is only exercising his right of free speech. After a few days, word gets around about his strike and he is invited to be on TV. That is when things really get interesting.
I enjoyed this story, but it sounds like something Andrew Clements would write--kid takes on the grownups to prove that he knows what is best for himself. Although being an overscheduled kid is hardly a universal problem, this book will be enjoyed by readers who can identify with this issue.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

12-year-old Jack Strong’s life is over-scheduled. Besides cello lessons and baseball (which he loves) he also has soccer, swimming, 2 different tutors, karate, tennis, EMT class and homework. There is very little free time or room for socializing like class parties and celebrations. Eventually Jack decides to go on strike. He wants his dad to let him drop some of them so he can have time to be a kid, but his dad wants Jack to be competitive for college and he stands his ground. So Jack takes a stand by sitting - on the couch. He refuses to do anything but stay on the couch.

Greenwald writes another commentary on today’s kids and their problems. This time it’s parents with super high expectations. Addressed with humor and balance, this timely topic will certainly relate to our own over-scheduled students. This stand alone companion to the Charlie Joe Jackson series - Charlie Joe makes a brief text messaging appearance, has all the fun of the other books in the series.

Cross-posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty good. Not my favorite book of the year, but my students loved it.

[Jacob P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe that Jack Strong takes a stand is an amazing book and I admire what Jack does in the story.


Jack is a slightly normal kid but he has a really overscheduled life.His parent,mostly Dad believe that in order to get into a good college you need to start young and do a handful of extra activities.

Then Jack finally had enough he first asked his mom politely to skip soccer practice so she of course called Jack’s Dad and I think you can guess what happens,yep he said no.Jack just had a weekend of doing something great but then torn down by his father saying “let's go onto the next activity.”Jack was over it o he told his dad on the phone,“No i'm not going to soccer practice.” so his dad responds with “So what you’re just gonna sit on the couch all day?” And that was when the idea was sparked!To see how his dad responds to jack go ahead and read the book by Tommy Greenwald

[Kristen Rusnak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greenwald, T. (2013). Jack strong takes a stand. New York: Roaring Book Press.

This funny story revolves around the life of an over scheduled middle schooler named Jack Strong. One day Jack decides he has had enough and with all of his afterschool activities and he goes on strike. When the local media get's involved tempers within Jack's family rise.

Teachers could use this book to teach students about persuasive writing and persuasion techniques. This story could lead to great debates and discussions about involvement in extra curricular activities.

Intermediate


From Follett Titlewave: Reviews & Awards

Booklist 09/15/13

Publishers Weekly 08/12/13

Horn Book 04/01/14

School Library Journal 10/01/13

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Running from one extracurricular activity to the next, middle school student Jack Strong finally says enough is enough. He takes a stand for a less-scheduled life by taking a seat on his family's couch. I really enjoyed the characters and plot as well as the fact that every side of the issue was touched. Not only was Jack's thoughts and feelings fleshed out, but his father's motivations were, too. This book could really resonate with many middle school children.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tommy Greenwald, illustrated by Melissa Mendes.Jack Strong Takes a Stand. (Roaring Brook Press, 2013)
Take a stand by sitting down! Rosa Parks did it. So did Gandhi. But of course they weren't sitting down on a couch playing video games. Is this the inspirational leader of the next generation? Couch potatoes unite!
For more great humor for Middle School guys, see: http://www.talestoldtall.com/B4BMHUM....

[NYC Reads 365 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hey, kids, stressed out by modern life? Too many tutors, music lessons, team practices, community service obligations? Then this is the book for you! Sit back (on your couch preferably), relax, and read how Jack Strong took a stand against a modern, over-scheduled kid’s life. What will happen once he goes on strike and becomes a couch potato? A very silly book about a serious subject that might be affecting you."

[Great Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Strong’s days, nights, and weekends are filled with all of the perfect extracurricular activities for his college applications. Finally, it becomes overwhelming for the seventh grader and he decides to go on strike – by not leaving his couch. When a local newscaster becomes involved, a family issue becomes a community one. Just how much is too much? (Reviewer #26)

[Nickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much an independent novel. Hardly a single reference to Charlie Joe Jackson. While I understood the message, it didn't pop. Idk what it was, but I didn't love it. Someone younger would appreciate this more than I did, but the language seemed juvenile and not full enough. The moral was definitely something that needed to be addressed: over scheduling of kids.

[Karen S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book from the perspective of a parent who's been there and done that. It does seem that Jack's stand was extreme but anything worth having is worth fighting for and I hope young readers will understand that when the book ends. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author and I can't wait to book talk this title with my students.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait to talk to my students about Jack Strong. What I liked the most is the relationships among Jack's family members. I especially admired his grandmother. And, of course, I always love the dog. This is just the right mix of gentle humor with an important message.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Sentence Review: It may read like the rallying cry of the overcommitted parent, but kids will find plenty to enjoy in this takedown of the culture's current obsession with over-enrolling our kiddos in after school activities.

[Brenda Kahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Greenwald takes on tiger parents in his fourth book. He also shows he has a great ear for middle school dialogue and dynamics. This was such a fun read. A good many of the students at my school are over-scheduled. I think this will resonate with them.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack Strong is a typical over-scheduled child. Baseball, Cello, Chinese lessons... One day he decides he's had enough! He will not get up from the couch until his dad allows him to drop all activities except the ones he truly enjoys.

A very humorous tale, possibly a good read-aloud.

[Cassian and Luciana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good fun read, and it reminds me very much of frindle, a kid doing something random and becomeing famous. Even so, this was a fun little read and it has a good message. Also good for long car trips or reluctant readers.

[Elizabeth Finney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was first person, but unbelievably so - I didn't believe that a kid would talk like this - the characters were rather thin, including the lead. The idea was an interesting one, but one aimed at a small group of kids.

[Jamie]

Jack Strong is tired of being over committed to activities that are important to his dad. He goes on strike and adults and kids everywhere take notice. A great book to share with students. It shows them that children can have a voice and change the world.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book. It brought up the issue of overscheduled kids in a fun and entertaining way. As a parent, it reminds me to make sure that I do not overschedule my kids and let them enjoy being kids.

[Amy Rothenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

Jack Strong Takes a Stand was predictable and cute. I think intermediate readers and young middle schoolers will enjoy reading about Jack's busy schedule and how he and his parents came to a compromise.

[Elijah Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

It didn't give me the feel of loving the characters. The father's stubbornness ruined the book for me, making me hate him. Of all the Charlie Joe Jackson Books and spinoffs, this was by far the worst.

[Susan McGilvray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more but the way the mother constantly deferred to the dad about child-rearing really put me off. Make a decision already! That said, I think many of my 7th graders [boys] would enjoy reading this.

[Kelly Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of Charlie Joe Jackson may be a bit disappointed as this spin off barely mentions him. Still the book tells a tale of a boy standing up for his rights, even if many parents and adults do not agree with Jack's methods.