Ebb and Flow

by Heather Smith

One summer,
after a long plane ride
and a rotten bad year
I went to Grandma Jo's.
It was my mother's idea.
Jett, what you need is a change of scenery.
I think she needed a change of scenery, too.
One without me.
Because that rotten bad year?
That was my fault.

Thus begins the poignant story, told in free verse, of eleven-year-old Jett. Last year, Jett and his mother had moved to a new town for a fresh start after his father went to jail. But Jett soon learned that fresh starts aren't all they're cracked up to be. When he befriended a boy with a difficult home life, Jett found himself in a cycle of bad decisions that culminated in the betrayal of a friend - a shameful secret he still hasn't forgiven himself for. Will a summer spent with his unconventional grandmother help Jett find his way to redemption?

Writing in artfully crafted free-verse vignettes, Heather T. Smith uses a deceptively simple style to tell a powerful and emotionally charged story. The engaging narrative and the mystery of Jett's secret keep the pages turning and will appeal to both reluctant and avid readers. This captivating book offers a terrific opportunity for classroom discussions about the many ways to tell a story and how a small number of carefully chosen words can have a huge impact. It also showcases the positive character traits of empathy resilience, courage, and responsibility.

Genres: Middle Grade, Poetry, Canada, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Novel In Verse, Family

232 pages, Hardcover

First published April 3, 2018

About the author

Originally from Newfoundland, Heather Smith now lives in Waterloo, Ontario, with her husband and three children. Her Newfoundland roots inspire much of her writing.

Reviews

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trigger warnings include domestic violence and child abuse.

First, an admission. I used to be a free verse snob, prejudging something I had no experience reading. That all changed the day I discovered Ellen Hopkins and realised that some of the most emotional and engaging books are written in this format, so I was excited to see what Ebb and Flow had in store for me. Beside the joy of appreciating the story and characters, it also had me ugly crying in the form of “This is so beautiful!” 😭. So, to all of the free verse authors out there, my sincere apologies. I’ve reformed and am converted now!

The past year of Jett’s life has gone from bad to worse. His father is in prison, his mother moved him to the mainland and Jett has allowed victimhood to define him and his behaviour. As a result he’s made some really poor decisions and he’s been sent to stay with his granny for the summer, a well needed time out for Jett and his mother.

I adored Jett’s cotton candy granny, whose hair colour coordinates with her house colour. She is one of the coolest grannies ever! Her unconditional love for Jett came across as so genuine. She loves him no matter what and she gives him the space he needs to work through the guilt and shame he’s carrying about the events of the past year, yet also gently pushes him when he needs it.

Jett’s granny reminded me of my Nan and that’s probably one reason why I instantly connected with her. My Nan and I also played board games (except she always played to win whereas Jett’s granny takes it a little easier on him), she’d take me to visit her friends (Jett’s granny takes him visiting as well) and she was my favourite person in the entire world (I expect Jett feels much the same). My Nan passed on her love of reading, her quirkiness and her ‘normal is boring’ attitude to me.

The most valuable thing Nan ever gave me, which mirrors what Jett’s granny gives him, was her unshakeable belief in my goodness and ability to do whatever I set my mind to. Even now, over a decade after she went to hold my seat at the canasta table in heaven, I can still hear her telling me, “I knew you could do it” every time I accomplish anything, big or small.

Without Jett’s granny I expect things would have turned out a lot differently for this 11 year old. I know he’s going to look back years from now and credit his granny and those experiences with her that summer with the man he becomes. Now I’m talking about him like he doesn’t live on pages but if any author can make me ugly cry at how beautiful their book is, their characters are going to become a part of me. Especially when I cry while thinking about them to write my review - that’s a first!

Jett’s summer is one of respite, of taking stock and learning to take responsibility for his actions. He has the opportunity to consider the kid he was before he went to the mainland, who he became once there and the man he wants to become. Shining a spotlight on how difficult it is to face up to the actions you regret and forgiving others as well as yourself, Jett’s journey is ultimately one of redemption and hope.

While this is marketed as a children’s book, it has a lot to offer adults as well. The writing is simply gorgeous and reminded me why I love this author. There’s at once a simplicity and depth to the way Heather Smith writes and as with The Agony of Bun O’Keefe I was happily motoring along, loving the book but not realising my emotional investment in her characters until the ugly cry escaped. I wound up on the final page of Ebb and Flow with a satisfied sigh and tears running down my face, and the only word I could think of was beautiful.

Heather Smith’s writing reminds me of the feeling I get reading a Billie Letts book. There’s a vulnerability, openness and loveable quirkiness in their characters, and you’re permitted access to the real person beneath the façade. As you gradually delve into Jett’s rotten year you meet Alf who is adorable and childlike and the alleged villain of the story who I really liked, and whose emotions and acts I could empathise with. Cotton candy granny will remain my favourite character in this book, but she definitely had some pretty impressive competition for that title.

Ebb and Flow is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I half want to say that I hope schools use this book as part of their English curriculum but if schools are still like they were back in the olden days when I attended, they tend to analyse the fun out of really good books, and I’d hate for that to happen to this one.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the opportunity read this book. I can’t wait for Heather Smith’s next book!


Initial Thoughts 26/01/2018 Below, Full Review 3/03/2018 Above

That was so beautiful!!! This is one of my new favourites. Heather Smith, you’ve done it again. 😃

Also, do you know how hard it is to do the ugly cry quietly when it’s 2:30am and everyone else is asleep? 😭

Full review to come closer to the publication date.

[Shai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ebb & Flow's story is splendidly written in the free-verse form that can be easily comprehend even kids below its target audience. It is about Jett, a 12-year old boy who had a rough year and was sent away from the mainland to his grandmother for a vacation.

Problems emerged when Jett befriended Junior, a troubled classmate that acts as a bully; Jett behaved like Junior, but he still tried to think straight instead of always obeying Junior. However, he was still included in the troubles Junior did to Alf, Junior's uncle with down syndrome.

Teachers could make this book a recommendation or as a reading assignment, particularly to middle graders. Students will learn a lot from perusing this wonderful book especially on the topics about growing up, peer pressure, bullying, and treating people with special needs.

[Nastaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

هرچند دوست داشتم طولانی‌تر باشه و یه سری جاهاش یکمی فرق بکنه،ولی بازم برام خیلی قشنگ و دوست داشتنی بود💜.

[Vikki VanSickle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love verse novels for their musicality, emotional potency, and voice. It is no surprise to me that Heather Smith, who delivers these things in her prose, would also be a fantastic free verse writer. This is a lovely, sad, ultimately hopeful story about a boy who has made a terrible mistake and is spending the summer with his Grandmother in Newfoundland to get some perspective and hopefully forgive himself. Jett's relationship with his "cotton candy" grandmother is very tender and she is exactly the person he needs right now. My heart ached for Jett and his friend Junior, who is in a particularly hard familial situation. A thoughtful book about hard truths and the journey to forgiveness.

[_.eameli · Rating 5 out of 5]

جت بعد یه سال مزخرف برای گذروند تعطیلات تابستانی پیش مادربزرگ میره اون به معنی شروع یک زندگی جدید و سال خوب به خانه ساحلی مادربزرگ می‌رود اما اون یه رازی در دل خودش داره که هیچکس خبر نداره‌،و در این تعطیلات اون راز به مادربزرگ خودش میگه که تو این یک سال مزخرف چه اتفاق براش افتاده و چه کارایی کرده.
این کتاب میتونم بگم بهترین تو سبک خودش هم طرز نوشتاری و هم بیانش عالیه من که خودم عاشقش شدم.
مثل شعر یا داستان کوتاه کوتاه تو زمان روز مختلفه.
جزر و مد
مامان بزرگ؟
بله؟
چرا همه چیز تغییر میکنه و هیچ چیز مثل قبل نمیمونه؟
برای اینکه زندگی مثل امواجه.
میاد و میره.
جلو،عقب.
هل میده،میکشه.
بالا،پایین.
ولی میدونی فقط باید با مد بری.
آره.....
این یه تیکه از کتاب که من خودم خیلی دوسش دارم:)

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Jett, a boy, has a bad year, in general, after he and his mother move to the mainland to get away from their bad memories of something tragic that happened involving their family. During the bad year, Jett is angry and makes successive bad decisions and gets into trouble, necessitating a summer spent with his whimsical and totally loving grandmother. Jett essentially recuperates, combing the beach with his grandmother, looking for beach glass, playing board games, visiting homeless people she helps. By the end of the summer, he’s able to talk about what happened, and begin to repair the damage he did.
The story is told in spare, free verse, and is touching. And while it is aimed at kids, it deals with child abuse, drunk driving, bullying, theft, assault, anger and grief. Hefty stuff, but conveyed well and with sensitivity.

[Sara_loves_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

همون‌طور که انتظار داشتم خیلی سریع خوندمش، چون در قالب شعر آزاد بود و حجم کمی داشت.
داستان زیبایی بود. درباره اشتباهات و فرصت دوباره.
از خوندنش خیلی لذت بردم و حس میکنم قلبم رو لمس کرد.
کاراکترهای خیلی جالبی توی داستان بودن و قالب نوشته برام جذاب بود. شعر‌ها منو به خودشون جذب میکنن حالا این شعر یه قصه‌ی قشنگ رو هم برام روایت می‌کرد🥺کتاب قشنگیه و پیشنهاد میشه✨.
⭐من یه مامان‌بزرگ پشمکی مثل جوآنا میخوام🥲
کاش باباهای کمتری مثل بابای جونیور باشن.
و کاش جونیور‌ها بیشتر درک بشن💔

[Payam Ebrahimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

محض کنجکاوی چند صفحه از متن اصلی رو خوندم و خب به‌نظر میاد مترجم محترم هیچ اعتقادی به وفاداری به زبان اثر نداشته. زبان شاعرانه؟ ترجمه‌ی اثر هرچیزی هست جز شاعرانه! در نتیجه سوالی که پیش میاد اینه که چطور میشه در مورد یک کتاب نظر داد، اون هم وقتی که «زبان اثر» به کل نابود شده؟
شاید این‌طوری: کتاب به میزان بسیار زیادی وابسته به شیوه‌ی روایت بود(زبان که هیچ!). اگر ماجراهای کتاب رو جداجدا بررسی کنیم، با چند داستان تقریباً معمولی و متوسط سر و کار داریم. اما شیوه‌ی روایت و گره زدن قصه‌ها به هم تونسته بود این مجموعه‌ی متوسط‌ها رو ارتقا بده و کشش داستانی نسبتاً خوبی ایجاد کنه
برای من یک فاصله‌ی عجیب و دیوار محکمی بین شخصیت‌های داستان و منِ مخاطب وجود داشت که باعث می‌شد هیچ‌جوره نشه با هیچ شخصیتی همذات‌پنداری کرد. همه‌چیز، از جمله شخصیت‌ها، زیادی مصنوعی بودن. در تمام طول داستان، کاملاً از بیرون به ماجراها نگاه می‌کردم و مرتب تکرار می‌کردم که اینا همه‌ش قصه‌ست. قصه‌ست. قصه‌ست. یک قصه‌ی خیلی ساختگی.

کتاب، به عنوان یک رمان نوجوان، فراتر از یک پیام اخلاقی بزرگ چی داشت؟
کمی کشش داستانی و در متن اصلی زبانه شاعرانه که بار عمده‌ی کتاب رو به دوش می‌کشید و باعث می‌شد از خوندن کتاب کمی لذت ببریم و دیگر هیچ. نوجوان‌ها، نوجوانی ملموس نبودن، خیلی خبری از خرده روایت‌های جذاب نبود، ورود به روابط هم سحطی و دم دستی و در حد برطرف کردن نیاز نویسنده بود. چیزی برای درگیر شدن وجود نداشت. هیچ ورودی به دنیای نوجوان صورت نمی‌گرفت
خلاصه این‌که: کتاب مصنوعی بود. خیلی مصنوعی و البته متوسط. اما احتمالاً خوندن نسخه‌ی اصلی کتاب می‌تونست کمی شیرین و لذت‌بخش باشه

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay, another book by Heather! I knew I'd want to read it straight through so I had to save it for when I had a bit of time. It did not disappoint!

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel-in-verse that was very emotional and profound using simple words.

[Nathaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost cried at the end. This was so well done. The story was handled delicately. We learned about the characters and their pasts at a pace that worked really well for the plot. I forgot that it was being told in verse because I was so engaged in the story. I love stories in verse, but I normally feel less immersed.

Not in this case.

[Niloufar behin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ابتدا با دیدن صفحات و پیش رفتن روند داستان جا خوردم و راستش را بخواهید حتی توی ذوقم خورد و با دلی چرکین کتاب را شروع کردم. ولی هنر نویسنده و ترجمه خوب و روان چنان کتاب را پیش برد که با اشتیاق تمام کتاب را خواندم و از ذره ذره‌اش لذت بردم و با شخصیت‌های داستان قدم به قدم و در کنارشان در محیط‌ها و موقعیت‌ها قرار گرفتم و داستان را لمس کردم.
واقعا مادربزرگ‌ها چه دارند و چگونه‌ می‌توانند این‌همه مانند شعبده‌بازها روی نوه‌هایشان تاثیر بگذارند.

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the spirit of Ellen Hopkins and free-verse, this coming-of-age story is a raw and realistic telling of one boy’s tragic family circumstance. Spending the summer with his grandmother, Jett struggles in dealing with his incarcerated father, the homeless women his grandmother watches over, the special-needs man named Alf he befriends, and the “wrong side of the tracks” boy he dares to impress. Heather Smith’s novel is a beautifully written gem, deep, dark, and yet hopeful.

[Aida · Rating 5 out of 5]

پایان: ۱۴۰۱/۹/۱۷

خیلی کتاب شیرین و قشنگیه، خیلی زود داخل دل آدم جا پیدا میکنه. اگه انگیلیسی بود بنظرم خیلی جالب‌تر میشد ولی با اینحال ترجمه‌ی خیلی خوب داشت ولی نوع نوشتاری کتاب خاص بود. داستان کتاب هم خیلی خوب بود و عاشقش شدم. اصولا با کتاب هایی که موضوعشون محور کودک آزاری و چیزهای دیگه باشه دوست دارم.


تیکه‌ کتاب

بعد از گذراندن یک سالی مزخرف
آدم این طوری میشود
یک لحظه خوب
و یک لحظه غیرقابل تحمل

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jett finds himself at his grandmother's house for the summer after he got into some major trouble. His summer is spent unpacking what led up to the events of last year. He discusses problems with his father being in jail, his bully friend, who is also going through his own tough time.

This novel in verse will appeal to reader who may be experiencing similar issues.

[Gita · Rating 4 out of 5]

توی لیست "موردعلاقه‌ها"ی ماهی دیدمش. در چند ساعت خوانده شد، در حالی که با صفحات آخرش گریه می‌کردم.
•••
داستان پسری‌ست به نام جت، که بعد از اینکه پدرش مرتکب قتل غیرعمد می‌شود زندگی‌اش تغییر می‌کند. دوستانش را در مدرسه از دست می‌دهد و با پسر قلدر کلاس همراه می‌شود. اما هرکس قصه‌ای دارد، و هر خشمی سرچشمه‌ای.
جت برای تعطیلات تابستان به خانه‌ی مادربزرگش می‌رود. به قول خودش "هر شروع خوبی معلوم نیست چه‌طوری تمام می‌شود"، اما گاهی وقت‌ها یک شروع دوباره همه‌ی چیزی‌ست که آدم نیاز دارد.
•••
قالب داستان به صورت شعر آزاد نوشته شده و ترجمه‌ی خانم آشتیانی خوب است. با اینکه کوتاه بود بنظرم دقیقا به همان مقداری که لازم بود گفته بود و آدم‌ها را به خوبی شخصیت‌پردازی کرده بود. طوری که می‌توانستی تقریبا به همه‌ی‌شان حق بدهی.
•••

《می‌دانستیم باید به زودی از هم جدا شویم.
انتظارش را داشتیم.
اما آمادگی‌اش را نه.》

《تا زنده بود، دوستش داشتم.
و بعد از مُردنش، بیشتر دوستش داشتم.》

《و آن لحظه فهمیدم
قلبی دارم
چون دردی وحشتناک
درون سینه‌ام، جایی که قلب بود،
پیچید.》

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ebb and Flow is a free verse novel focusing on Jett. The last year has been difficult for him as his father has been imprisoned and his mother move him to the mainland. Yet during this time Jett meets Junior, which leads to even more trouble. This trouble is what sends Jett to live with his cotton candy Granny, whose hair is colour coordinated with her house, to consider his actions and move forward from his self blame.

I thought this book was particularly emotional as the narrative switches between the present and the past offering glances into Jett’s ‘before’, giving the reader a direct insight into why Jett feels the way he feels. Throughout the story Jett shares what happened with his Granny and comes to terms that his bad actions don’t make him a bad person, just someone who made the wrong choices. Although this is a children’s book, it would have to be used carefully due to some strong themes such as marriage breakdowns, separated parents, child abuse, bullying and disabilities - it would best be used for KS3 pupils, although elements may be suitable for KS2 when exploring poetry.

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have not read many free verse novels before, but have enjoyed a couple by Sarah Crossan which use the same technique. Thus, my interest in Heather Smith's Ebb and Flow was piqued. Eleven-year-old Jett is quite a complex construction, naive in some ways, but worldly wise in others, and clearly very troubled. Smith's way of telling Jett's story is refreshing and engaging, and whilst I found it a bit lacking in some ways, it should be praised for exploring important themes, such as disability, violence, and peer pressure.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book. While seemly an odd choice for a mid-grade novel the free verse style make poetry accessible and relevant to young readers. The imagery is simple but poignant. The complicated subject matter is revealed in a beautiful narrative that young readers cannot only understand but with which they can relate on multiple levels. This is one of the finest mid-grade novels I have ever read.

[SilverNediya · Rating 5 out of 5]

انگار آدم در هر شخصیتی می‌تواند یکی از وجه‌های پنهان یا پیدای خودش را ببیند
با آن عذاب بکشد
یا سرخوش باشد
و با شخصیت‌ها همراه شود

[Michelle Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite. The TD award is well deserved. The fact that the author managed to write this as poetry while also developing memorable characters and telling a great story is that much more impressive.

[Kara Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ebb & Flow is a children’s novel about a boy, a “big little man,” mistakes, and regret. It touches on some tough subjects, including domestic abuse and alcoholism. Despite its simplicity, this book was intense. It will make you uncomfortable, and it will piss you off, but it’s still a very important book. I’m a little surprised that it’s being marketed towards a younger audience, but honestly, I feel like kids need to be aware of this kind of thing so they can recognize it when it’s happening and know what to do when they see it. Sure, ignorance may be bliss in some instances, but not when it comes to saving someone else from a harmful situation.

We come into this story after Jett is sent away to live with his grandmother for the summer. Through intricate storytelling and back-and-forth timelines, we learn about Jett’s past and the choices he made that to this “vacation.” Though he gets to spend his summer hunting for treasures on the beach with his quirky, blue-haired grandmother, Jett is plagued with memories of his life back home. He is constantly reminded of the people he has wronged and the mistakes he has made, and through these reminders, we are introduced to a world of heartbreak and pain and the blurred lines that often exist between what is right and what is wrong.

Though Smith uses simplistic language to tell Jett’s story, the words still hold such power and strength. I feel like the story hits even harder because of this writing style. Stories of tough times always seem harder to hear when they come from a child.

Though I deeply enjoyed and loved this book, it also made me incredibly mad. Seeing how people can know something’s wrong but refuse to do anything about it, it’s just unbelievable. Especially when it comes to abuse. I saw a report the other day of a man who lost his daughter because child services refused to listen when everyone — the father, the child care employees, everyone — sent in reports of an abusive mother. And yet, child services refused to listen, and they refused to do anything to fix the situation, and now that little girl is dead. It’s disgusting the things that happen because of the people who don’t react appropriately. Absolutely disgusting.

Despite the anger this novel made me feel, it’s worth every bit of the 5 stars I’m giving it. Though it’s marketed as a children’s book, I absolutely think people of all ages should pick this book up when it comes out. It’s a beautifully told tale of the hardships that children shouldn’t have to live through. Maybe, after reading this book, more people on the sidelines will be able to recognize the signs and act on them before it’s too late.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ebb and Flow is a verse novel that follows Jett, a young boy who has had a terrible year, and his "cotton candy" grandma (so named due to the color of her hair). The story goes back and forth from the present day summer on the island Jett used to live on and the past school year on the mainland where Jett did something terrible. Although I found the writing beautiful, the characters came off a little thin. I wish there had been a little more time spent on the backstory of Jett and his mother. All in all, this is a solid book with timely issues for middle grade students as well as adults.

I received an advanced reader copy of this title from the publisher.

[Karen Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved this book. I read it at the same time as my daughter did for her Silver Birch reading club, and I found it incredibly addictive, but at the same time, I didn't want to read too fast and finish it. I wanted to savour it. It was amazing what she could do with just a few words. She hinted at things without slapping you in the face with information. Lovely book, highly recommended.

[Amirhoseinmaleki · Rating 3 out of 5]

ماجرای پسری به نام‌ جت که بعد از
گذشت یکسال پر ماجرا پیش مادربزرگش رفته
و در طول آن یواش‌یواش ماجراهای آن سال را بازگو می‌کند
کتاب در قالب شعر آزاد نوشته شده و خب نباید توقع داشت ظرافت‌های
زبان اصلی آن در ترجمه هم لحاظ شده باشد.

[Mayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast read.

[Laurie • The Baking Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS - This is a story about an eleven-year-old boy who has weathered a tough year filled with mistakes and poor judgement and now he must learn to come to terms with the consequences. Once again Smith uses her superpower of using a simpler writing style yet still conveying big issues and empathy for her main character. Like in her previous book, The Agony of Bun O'Keefe (which I adored!), Smith deftly captures the inner talk of preteen Jett and has created a character that readers will connect with.

This simpler, free verse style of writing is a unique way to tell a story but may not be for all readers. I liked it but can't say I loved it. Yet, even with this simpler style, Smith conveys Jett's emotional journey, throws in a twist and keeps readers engaged in Jett's life. I loved the supportive and touching relationship Jett had with his grandmother. Everyone needs a Grandma Jo in their lives.

This is a heartwarming tale of an eleven-year-old boy as he weathers the ebb and flow of his sometimes tumultuous life and learns to come to terms with his past decisions. This book would be a good pick for readers from middle school to adulthood.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a big fan of free verse (I think that is what this is called...) but it reads well and is a quick story. It was interesting and well told Jett's not having a good year and his mom sends him to live with his grandma where he tries to make some sense of his life and mistakes he's made. 6th grade up will likely enjoy this story. May even be timely for some kids.

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Verse novel that shows an eleven year-old boy, Jett, who's done something "really bad" coming to grips with what he's done, who he is, and the possibility of a fresh start. He has a quirky and accepting grandmother who gives him time, space, and a belief in his true identity.

[Sylvia McNicoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing this in verse made the story short and therefor more emphatic and emotional. It captures that moment when you do something incredibly cruel that reverberates negatively in your actions for a long time. Then it demonstrates the joy and victory of redemption.