What do you think?
Rate this book
That Boy, Jack
Can Jack live with a lie just to keep those he cares about happy?
Best friends Jack and Gilbert can’t wait to work in the mines at Moonta when they turn 12. But when that day comes earlier than expected, the reality of the mining lifestyle lived by generations of Cornish immigrants isn’t what the boys expected. And Gilbert actually misses school, learning and playing with his friends. Will he have the courage to follow his heart or will he keep his promise to Jack?
Best friends Jack and Gilbert can’t wait to work in the mines at Moonta when they turn 12. But when that day comes earlier than expected, the reality of the mining lifestyle lived by generations of Cornish immigrants isn’t what the boys expected. And Gilbert actually misses school, learning and playing with his friends. Will he have the courage to follow his heart or will he keep his promise to Jack?
180 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 2, 2015
Jack and Gilbert have been mates since they were tiny. They’ve made a pact that they will become miners together like their dad’s. They both enjoy school, particularly Jack whose Mum encourages his learning. But when Gilbert’s dad is in an accident at the mine, suddenly all Jack and Gilbert’s plans are tipped on their head.
Jack has to make some difficult choices, and even then things aren’t straightforward. Jack is scared of small places, especially in the dark. How will he ever become a miner – and does he really want to be one anyway?
Set in the Cornish townships of Moonta and Moonta Mines in South Australia in the early 1870’s, this historical novel gives a real feel what it was like to live as part of a miner’s family. The Cornish accent was rich in his mother's speech, and the character of Jack was well portrayed in his thoughts and troubles - trying to live up to things he thought were important to his parents and friend, but in the end didn't matter. They just wanted him to be happy.
A good read for particularly boys, but girls will enjoy too.
Jack has to make some difficult choices, and even then things aren’t straightforward. Jack is scared of small places, especially in the dark. How will he ever become a miner – and does he really want to be one anyway?
Set in the Cornish townships of Moonta and Moonta Mines in South Australia in the early 1870’s, this historical novel gives a real feel what it was like to live as part of a miner’s family. The Cornish accent was rich in his mother's speech, and the character of Jack was well portrayed in his thoughts and troubles - trying to live up to things he thought were important to his parents and friend, but in the end didn't matter. They just wanted him to be happy.
A good read for particularly boys, but girls will enjoy too.
August 30, 2015
A lovely story which show cases some South Australian history. Great for middle and upper primary students.
August 26, 2013
Geographical ignoramus that I am, I had no idea where Moonta was/ is - blessed be the mapmakers.
That Boy, Jack is a great middle-school read, full of interesting historical information about the Cornish miners and their families who immigrated to Australia for a better life. Geez, their lives in Cornwall must have been diabolical because the life of a miner in the Spencer Gulf region of South Australia was no stroll in the park.
We meet our hero, Jack Pollock, and his best mate, Gilbert Oates, at the bonfire celebration for Midsummer Eve, which is, of course, in the middle of winter in Australia. Jack and Gilbert are inseparable and mischievous, but both know their manners and their letters, thanks to their firm parents and their wonderful teacher, Miss Goldsworthy. As they approach 12 years of age Gilbert becomes keen to go into the mines. But Jack isn't so sure. He likes school and he knows his Mam wants him to stay.
A very enjoyable read for middle school students.
That Boy, Jack is a great middle-school read, full of interesting historical information about the Cornish miners and their families who immigrated to Australia for a better life. Geez, their lives in Cornwall must have been diabolical because the life of a miner in the Spencer Gulf region of South Australia was no stroll in the park.
We meet our hero, Jack Pollock, and his best mate, Gilbert Oates, at the bonfire celebration for Midsummer Eve, which is, of course, in the middle of winter in Australia. Jack and Gilbert are inseparable and mischievous, but both know their manners and their letters, thanks to their firm parents and their wonderful teacher, Miss Goldsworthy. As they approach 12 years of age Gilbert becomes keen to go into the mines. But Jack isn't so sure. He likes school and he knows his Mam wants him to stay.
A very enjoyable read for middle school students.
July 5, 2014
Quite a nice little tale about a section of Australian history I knew nothing about (Cornish immigrant copper miners in Moonta, South Australia in late 1800's).
I enjoyed the colourful Cornish language (eg an ashes cat = someone always found near the fire ; figgyhobbin = lump of dough with raisins) and reading about life in that era.
Somehow this book felt like a segment of a larger work. To me it didn't feel completed - more like Part 1 of a mini-series.
A quick, easy read - will recommend to the children I know who are Historical-Fiction lovers.
I enjoyed the colourful Cornish language (eg an ashes cat = someone always found near the fire ; figgyhobbin = lump of dough with raisins) and reading about life in that era.
Somehow this book felt like a segment of a larger work. To me it didn't feel completed - more like Part 1 of a mini-series.
A quick, easy read - will recommend to the children I know who are Historical-Fiction lovers.
January 19, 2014
Ah I had this marked to read for awhile and when I did get to it, I devoured it quickly. I love the telling details Janeen provides about life for a 'picky' boy on the copper mines in SA. Great characterisation and great insight into the hardships, school life, home life of young boys in Australian history. Highly recommended.
Read
August 31, 2014really interesting story set in a time period I like :)
August 23, 2019
It was a good story, pretty entertaining and suitable for multiple ages.
Read
March 1, 2018that's gonna be the best book I have ever read in my life and I have read some pretty great books everyone I know should read this it is a beauty!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews