Stuff Happens: Jack

Stuff Happens

by Tony Wilson

Stuff Happens is an important new series for boys about everyday challenges. Created by Susannah McFarlane, the series editor, the series is written by established authors Tony Wilson, Andrew Daddo, Philip Gwynne, Will Kostakis, Oliver Phommavanh, Scot Gardner, Justin D'Ath, James Roy, Pat Flynn and Alex McDiarmid. Each book features a different character and follows them as they overcome a particular everyday challenge. Aimed at boys aged between 7 and 11, the Stuff Happens series explores those everyday struggles in life that boys can sometimes be reluctant to quarrels with mates, a bad day at school, fear of disappointing mum and dad, rejection and not fitting in. Stuff Happens. Real-life stories for boys. Suitable for beginner and newly confident readers. Stuff happens sometimes. Everyday stuff. At school, at home, with sport, with mates. For Jack it happened when a game at recess went wrong. Jack is one of the sporty boys, and is always after a new game to play, particularly if he can invent one that allows him to tackle without getting caught. He and his friends invent You Play, You Pay, and things don't end well. When Jack, in pain and keen not to get in trouble, says it was Fadi's fault, he almost immediately regrets it, but can't take it back. Things go from bad to worse as Fadi gets into more trouble and Jack feels more and more guilty. Praise for Stuff Happens 'Stories about boys, aimed at boys and containing real-life stories of their school and home life are rare. Even rarer are those that have readily identifiable characters and situations, and engage, amuse and inform. But here they are.' 'An exciting new series written specifically for boys aged from seven to eleven . . . great additions for school libraries and for engaging reluctant boy readers. Outstanding!' Read Plus 'The fantastic Stuff Happens series.' reviewZOO 'I love a book that talks in a kid's voice. It makes us feel important and special. The thing I like the most about these books are that they tell different perspectives of everyday things in life.' Mr 10 – Readingtree.com.au 'The awareness of the emotional life of boys is slowly being recognised as a critical factor into the development of boys to be strong and courageous sensitive men. Stuff Happens explores feelings and emotions in an entertaining and humorous way, allowing boys to understand that it is OK to express emotion. This can only be positive! I highly recommend and love the books!' Deborah Jepsen, Educational and Developmental Psychologist – Melbourne Child Psychology / School Psychology Services 'As a mum to two boys aged 8 and 10, I was thrilled to find a book series that provided very real 'boy dilemmas' and connected feelings and behaviours, which can be really confusing for boys. What was even more exciting was how much the boys ate it up. My eldest read the first book in one sitting and I was back at the bookshop the next day to buy the entire series! My youngest loved being read to and was so engaged and interested in all the characters and their issues. Can't wait for the next instalment.

48 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 23, 2014

Reviews

[Adele Broadbent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack and some of his classmates are left to play on the EBO (E B Watson Oval) across from their school at morning tea time. Their teacher takes the other kids back across to school, saying he’ll be back in ten minutes. Ten minutes is a long time when you decide to play a forbidden game including tackling, and Jack suddenly ends up injured.
But the wrong person is blamed and left to face the consequences. Will Jack tell the truth? But if he dobs in the person, will they miss out on the famous football team coming to school on Friday?

This was one of four stories in a series about when 'stuff happens'.
Jack - is a great story about consequences, guilt, honesty and mates, and a little football for good measure.

[Creative Kids Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soccer-mad Jack loves inventing new games to play with his mates, but when a schoolyard game of You Play, You Pay goes wrong, Jack ends up with a broken arm. Jack and his friends lie to the school principal about what actually happened, to avoid getting into trouble.

Friendships are tested, and Jack and his mates eventually realize that they have to accept responsibility for themselves and tell the truth.

Throughout the story there is an emoticom chart that indicates Jack’s mood at the end of each chapter.

A sporty tale for young boys, aged six to ten, which will help them understand and value their own emotional feelings.

Reviewed for Creative Kids Tales by Kathy Creamer

[Judy Wollin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack invents a great game he plays with his friends at school. The trouble is, it is a tackling game, and not allowed. Jack’s arm is broken, and he doesn’t tell the truth when asked about the game. His friend is in big trouble for being rough with Jack and breaking his arm.

How will Jack sort this out?

I enjoyed the dilemma Jack found himself in. It was one that all kids experience. Jack learned from the experience as would a young reader.

Recommended for 8+

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is going to be a great series for Primary School libraries.

Another quick read, especially good for reluctant readers.

This one has a great message about telling the truth, but isn't as funny as Stuff Happens: Ned, by Andrew Daddo.

Both the books do a great job of showing Teachers through a child's eyes - and also showing that they are human, too.

[Anita W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun exciting. You never know what will happen next. Also it's in the library!

[Fiona Mackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good one in the series. Tackling games are not allowed at school, but the game Jack invents includes tackling, and his arm gets broken. He blames Fadi, and the rest back him up, lying to the principal....

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually read 'Stuff Happens - Ned' by Andrew Daddo. Ned starts a new school year and it takes a while for Ned and his teacher to see eye to eye. A quick, realistic read. Year 4 and above. PF.

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about the importance of truth and friendship.