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Pay Attention, Carter Jones
Carter Jones is astonished early one morning when he finds a real English butler, bowler hat and all, on the doorstep—one who stays to help the Jones family, which is a little bit broken.
In addition to figuring out middle school, Carter has to adjust to the unwelcome presence of this new know-it-all adult in his life and navigate the butler's notions of decorum. And ultimately, when his burden of grief and anger from the past can no longer be ignored, Carter learns that a burden becomes lighter when it is shared.
In addition to figuring out middle school, Carter has to adjust to the unwelcome presence of this new know-it-all adult in his life and navigate the butler's notions of decorum. And ultimately, when his burden of grief and anger from the past can no longer be ignored, Carter learns that a burden becomes lighter when it is shared.
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First published February 5, 2019
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About the author
Gary D. Schmidt
76 books2,175 followersGary D. Schmidt is an American children's writer of nonfiction books and young adult novels, including two Newbery Honor books. He lives on a farm in Alto, Michigan,with his wife and six children, where he splits wood, plants gardens, writes, feeds the wild cats that drop by and wishes that sometimes the sea breeze came that far inland. He is a Professor of English at Calvin College.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 862 reviews
February 21, 2019
It's no Wednesday Wars or Okay for Now, but it's still DARN good. I just love everything he writes.
May 3, 2025
It doesn't exactly form a trilogy with two earlier Gary D. Schmidt novels—The Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now—but Pay Attention, Carter Jones is definitely related, though set decades in the future. "Stupid old Marysville" isn't that different from when Doug Swieteck and Lil Spicer were kids, but a new generation is coming of age during a new far-off war, with fresh challenges to surmount. Carter Jones's family is in disorder. His mother has a hard time keeping Carter and his sisters—Emily (a second-grader), Charlie (fourth-grader), and Annie (fifth-grader)—on schedule in her role as a single parent. The kids' father, Captain Jackson Jonathan Jones of the U.S. military, has been stationed overseas a long time, and the family is muddling along in his absence. Carter is starting sixth grade, and his sisters are getting ready for their own school year debuts, on the morning the doorbell rings and a surprising figure enters their lives. Mr. August Paul Bowles-Fitzpatrick is about to reshape their immediate future.
A "gentleman's gentleman" is the title that Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick prefers, not butler. He was employed by Carter's wealthy paternal grandfather, who had no relationship with the family but recently passed away, bequeathing the Butler to serve the Jones family for as long as their grandfather's money lasts. Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick smoothly assumes control, easing stress on Carter's mother by directing the kids to do their part around the house. Has Ned, the family dachshund, thrown up on the floor? Then Carter must clean it up, and the Butler won't accept no for an answer. Better yet, Carter can take the initiative and walk Ned before the dog tosses his cookies, sparing the unpleasant cleanup. Carter and his sisters are taken aback by the Butler's quiet yet firm demeanor; defying him somehow never feels like an option. Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick drives the kids to school every day in his British Bentley, a bold, purple car that Carter dubs "the Eggplant". The Butler never fails to send each young Jones off to school with the same advice: "Make good decisions and remember who you are." Having his autonomy limited by the Butler is onerous to Carter, but the gentleman's gentleman soon feels like a normal part of his life, and Carter reluctantly acquiesces to his leadership.
Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick recruits Carter and his best friend, Billy Colt, to learn the British sport of cricket, and while Carter feels foolish dressing up in white country club clothes and swinging a strange-shaped bat on the athletic fields of Longfellow Middle School, Coach Krosoczka and the cross-country running team are intrigued. The Butler teaches the eighth-grade runners to play and excel at cricket, a game he perceives as superior to baseball. The boys will learn the ideals of sportsmanship if they master cricket, even as they compete with the football team for fans and school resources. Football is much more popular in the U.S. than cricket; can even Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick sway the student body to switch their allegiance to the pastime of a foreign nation?
"There are times...when we find ourselves in a position of great purpose. It may be that the apt word, spoken at the apt moment, leads to great good in the world—and most often, that is a word of kindness and encouragement."
—The Butler, Pay Attention, Carter Jones, P. 195
Carter is surprised by the passion he develops for cricket, but he has other concerns. Expecting his father to return from deployment at any moment, Carter's hope spoils like warm milk when his mother breaks the news that Captain Jones won't be home anytime soon. Carter reels at this betrayal, but the Butler encourages him to keep a stiff upper lip even if he feels like giving up. Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick came to America to turn Carter into a gentleman; is a dignified, indomitable spirit not the epitome of such? Tragedy has figured prominently in Carter's life the last few years, but the Butler has the key to unlock his potential to rise about the awfulness: personal discipline and responsibility, meeting every day head-on and not wavering when faced with stress and strife. Carter's mother has no choice but to be strong for her kids, but Carter gets to choose his role in helping his family recover from its deep wounds. The Butler is here to help him become a person worthy of his father's military legacy even if Captain Jones doesn't live up to that legacy himself. For Carter, it's the start of growing up.
"In the midst of great anxiety and great sadness, it takes an honorable man to nourish the goodness around him, small and fragile as it may seem."
—The Butler, P. 118
The first hardcover edition of Pay Attention, Carter Jones features cover art by James Lancett. It sets a cartoonish, almost silly tone; compare it to the original covers of The Wednesday Wars (done by Jonathan Gray) and Okay for Now (Ali Smith) and you'll see what I mean. Later editions had different cover art, but Lancett's captures the feel of this book; Pay Attention, Carter Jones is harder to take seriously than Gary D. Schmidt's masterful writing from ten to fifteen years earlier. The way cricket catches on at Longfellow Middle School feels too easy, less believable than the Shakespeare mania in The Wednesday Wars or the Jane Eyre and John James Audubon fads of Okay for Now. The Butler has a decidedly British bias to his overall philosophy, and I'd have liked to see a competent rival challenge some of his presuppositions, especially regarding the American Revolution. The evolution of the narrative between Carter and his father can be difficult to follow; the way the story is structured near the end left me unsure how and when certain revelations were made. Pay Attention, Carter Jones has its strengths, but rates far below Gary D. Schmidt's premium work. It's a goodhearted attempt to import some British culture to the U.S., even if it doesn't accomplish the goal as well as it might have.
A "gentleman's gentleman" is the title that Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick prefers, not butler. He was employed by Carter's wealthy paternal grandfather, who had no relationship with the family but recently passed away, bequeathing the Butler to serve the Jones family for as long as their grandfather's money lasts. Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick smoothly assumes control, easing stress on Carter's mother by directing the kids to do their part around the house. Has Ned, the family dachshund, thrown up on the floor? Then Carter must clean it up, and the Butler won't accept no for an answer. Better yet, Carter can take the initiative and walk Ned before the dog tosses his cookies, sparing the unpleasant cleanup. Carter and his sisters are taken aback by the Butler's quiet yet firm demeanor; defying him somehow never feels like an option. Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick drives the kids to school every day in his British Bentley, a bold, purple car that Carter dubs "the Eggplant". The Butler never fails to send each young Jones off to school with the same advice: "Make good decisions and remember who you are." Having his autonomy limited by the Butler is onerous to Carter, but the gentleman's gentleman soon feels like a normal part of his life, and Carter reluctantly acquiesces to his leadership.
Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick recruits Carter and his best friend, Billy Colt, to learn the British sport of cricket, and while Carter feels foolish dressing up in white country club clothes and swinging a strange-shaped bat on the athletic fields of Longfellow Middle School, Coach Krosoczka and the cross-country running team are intrigued. The Butler teaches the eighth-grade runners to play and excel at cricket, a game he perceives as superior to baseball. The boys will learn the ideals of sportsmanship if they master cricket, even as they compete with the football team for fans and school resources. Football is much more popular in the U.S. than cricket; can even Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick sway the student body to switch their allegiance to the pastime of a foreign nation?
"There are times...when we find ourselves in a position of great purpose. It may be that the apt word, spoken at the apt moment, leads to great good in the world—and most often, that is a word of kindness and encouragement."
—The Butler, Pay Attention, Carter Jones, P. 195
Carter is surprised by the passion he develops for cricket, but he has other concerns. Expecting his father to return from deployment at any moment, Carter's hope spoils like warm milk when his mother breaks the news that Captain Jones won't be home anytime soon. Carter reels at this betrayal, but the Butler encourages him to keep a stiff upper lip even if he feels like giving up. Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick came to America to turn Carter into a gentleman; is a dignified, indomitable spirit not the epitome of such? Tragedy has figured prominently in Carter's life the last few years, but the Butler has the key to unlock his potential to rise about the awfulness: personal discipline and responsibility, meeting every day head-on and not wavering when faced with stress and strife. Carter's mother has no choice but to be strong for her kids, but Carter gets to choose his role in helping his family recover from its deep wounds. The Butler is here to help him become a person worthy of his father's military legacy even if Captain Jones doesn't live up to that legacy himself. For Carter, it's the start of growing up.
"In the midst of great anxiety and great sadness, it takes an honorable man to nourish the goodness around him, small and fragile as it may seem."
—The Butler, P. 118
The first hardcover edition of Pay Attention, Carter Jones features cover art by James Lancett. It sets a cartoonish, almost silly tone; compare it to the original covers of The Wednesday Wars (done by Jonathan Gray) and Okay for Now (Ali Smith) and you'll see what I mean. Later editions had different cover art, but Lancett's captures the feel of this book; Pay Attention, Carter Jones is harder to take seriously than Gary D. Schmidt's masterful writing from ten to fifteen years earlier. The way cricket catches on at Longfellow Middle School feels too easy, less believable than the Shakespeare mania in The Wednesday Wars or the Jane Eyre and John James Audubon fads of Okay for Now. The Butler has a decidedly British bias to his overall philosophy, and I'd have liked to see a competent rival challenge some of his presuppositions, especially regarding the American Revolution. The evolution of the narrative between Carter and his father can be difficult to follow; the way the story is structured near the end left me unsure how and when certain revelations were made. Pay Attention, Carter Jones has its strengths, but rates far below Gary D. Schmidt's premium work. It's a goodhearted attempt to import some British culture to the U.S., even if it doesn't accomplish the goal as well as it might have.
July 22, 2018
Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick is a butler Carter’s family has inherited from his grandfather. He is very British and old-fashioned, and he immediately starts mending this broken family. We find out that Carter’s brother has passed away, and his father is stationed far away, incommunicado.
There are some fantastical elements to this middle grade novel: Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick is kind of a reimagined Mary Poppins, and some of the choices he makes are unconventional and even dangerous. Teaching 12 year-old Carter how to drive, for example. And then having him drive his young sisters around town (inexpertly!). So there is some suspension of disbelief, although I understand that the Butler is trying to instill confidence in his young charge.
Interspersed throughout are flashbacks of Carter on wilderness trek through Australia with his father. There are a lot of tough truths that Carter has to face, and it’s nice that Bowles-Fitzpatrick is there to pick up the pieces, although I kept wondering when Carter’s mother would take a bigger role.
There is a good deal about cricket, and the positive qualities of sports. I think this would be interesting to a lot of readers, but I’m not a sports person.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc.
There are some fantastical elements to this middle grade novel: Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick is kind of a reimagined Mary Poppins, and some of the choices he makes are unconventional and even dangerous. Teaching 12 year-old Carter how to drive, for example. And then having him drive his young sisters around town (inexpertly!). So there is some suspension of disbelief, although I understand that the Butler is trying to instill confidence in his young charge.
Interspersed throughout are flashbacks of Carter on wilderness trek through Australia with his father. There are a lot of tough truths that Carter has to face, and it’s nice that Bowles-Fitzpatrick is there to pick up the pieces, although I kept wondering when Carter’s mother would take a bigger role.
There is a good deal about cricket, and the positive qualities of sports. I think this would be interesting to a lot of readers, but I’m not a sports person.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc.
March 5, 2019
This is the third Gary Schmidt book that I have loved, along with Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now. This one has a similar feel and the only downside for me was all the descriptions of how cricket is played. Highly recommend these three of his books!
January 27, 2024
I love Gary Schmidt’s books so much. They make me cry and laugh and feel so deeply. In this book Carter Jones is working through grief and anger—and to help him is a bona fide butler who helps him aspire to gentlemanly behavior. The butler—a Brit through and through—is funny (in that dry British way) and wise and I loved his father-figure relationship with Carter. This was a pleasure to read. Even though I wanted to kick Carter’s dad in the glutes.
The only reason this wasn’t five stars is that there was just a little too much cricket for my taste. But that’s me more than anything.
The only reason this wasn’t five stars is that there was just a little too much cricket for my taste. But that’s me more than anything.
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April 7, 2019I read this quickly a few months ago as an egalley and was not enthused, but just read it again because of all the starred reviews and have changed my opinion completely. Schmidt is so masterful at the art of writing --- so many wonderful sentences and pages and paragraphs. Those poor daylilies, for instance. I think he balanced tone, character, plot, and more beautifully. I was on the Newbery Committee that gave an honor to The Wednesday Wars and think this is in the same universe as far as the balance of outlandishness (cricket in this case), humor, and deep darkness.
I do think one has to suspend disbelief quite a lot. Not even about the Butler. While the setting is contemporary much feels out-of-time, say the Saturday morning cartoons. I don't think that is a thing anymore. My students barely watch television preferring youtube:) Some of Carter's expressions seemed dated. And the whole business with the oral report on the American Revolution seemed from the past. Is that asked of kids today? So all of that felt dated, but I'm not sure how much it matters.
I do think one has to suspend disbelief quite a lot. Not even about the Butler. While the setting is contemporary much feels out-of-time, say the Saturday morning cartoons. I don't think that is a thing anymore. My students barely watch television preferring youtube:) Some of Carter's expressions seemed dated. And the whole business with the oral report on the American Revolution seemed from the past. Is that asked of kids today? So all of that felt dated, but I'm not sure how much it matters.
February 28, 2025
2025:I still love it. Like all Schmidt books, tears were shed. Still glazed over with all the cricket talk.
2019: The premise of this story is dead on wonderful. Inside you find both humor and heart, and maybe too much cricket.
I've heard Schmidt speak a couple of times. Both times he has expressed the certainty that his calling to write books that speak to the best of humanity. And here we are, with Mr. Bowels-Fitzpatrick. A man of fervent conviction that asks you to, "Make good decisions, and remember who you are." If I would sum up Schmidt's writings in one word, that word would be, decency.
Perhaps a bit too much with the Cricket. Set me down in front of a match and I wouldn't begin to fathom what was going on, but I am struck by how much slang the game, we don't play, has given us: stumped, into the breech, sticky wicket . . .
2019: The premise of this story is dead on wonderful. Inside you find both humor and heart, and maybe too much cricket.
I've heard Schmidt speak a couple of times. Both times he has expressed the certainty that his calling to write books that speak to the best of humanity. And here we are, with Mr. Bowels-Fitzpatrick. A man of fervent conviction that asks you to, "Make good decisions, and remember who you are." If I would sum up Schmidt's writings in one word, that word would be, decency.
Perhaps a bit too much with the Cricket. Set me down in front of a match and I wouldn't begin to fathom what was going on, but I am struck by how much slang the game, we don't play, has given us: stumped, into the breech, sticky wicket . . .
February 16, 2019
This made me think of Louisiana’s Way Home, and not just because of kids driving cars and having to find forgiveness or at least understanding for a parental figure. It’s because Schmidt, like DiCamillo, can write with such intensity that things are allowed to be unbelievable and funny and absurd in a sublime way. But I think that has to start from the writing. Occasionally both authors, in their less successful moments, get it backward and start with forced absurdity rather than trust in their supernal writing to effect this transformation. This happens a bit here: the whole premise of the book with the Butler and the cricket is clearly in danger of falling on its own absurd sword, and it sometimes does.
But you know what? Okay For Now was a historically great book. It can’t be the standard against which to judge other books. Schmidt is a great writer. This is a Schmidt book.
But you know what? Okay For Now was a historically great book. It can’t be the standard against which to judge other books. Schmidt is a great writer. This is a Schmidt book.
August 11, 2019
Too much sportsball for my liking, but I can appreciate that others would appreciate the amount of sportsball included, and that it is a unique (at least for US readers) sportsball to include in a middle grade novel.
I also know Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick would hate that run on sentence, so it stays. 😎
I also know Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick would hate that run on sentence, so it stays. 😎
February 16, 2019
I have so many thoughts on this book! This review is totally off the rails and I apologize for that.
I think The Wednesday Wars is one of the greatest books of all time but sometimes I read Schmidt’s books and I’m like, “Who let you do this????” (Don’t get me started on Okay for Now, a children’s book about birding that I have never gotten a kid to read.)
This book’s version is: Who let him write an American children’s book about cricket?
I’m going along and I’m mostly ignoring the implausible stuff because I love the characters and I love the world and I wish I had a Butler in my own life. I think the cricket setup mostly worked. I grew up in the country so I know lots of kids who learned to drive young. I am willing to suspend disbelief because I like Gary D. Schmidt.
But then on page 120 there’s this whole thing about the American Revolution and I just couldn’t believe that any 6th graders would care enough about the American Revolution to get mad at another kid for taking an opposing view. This is a bridge too far for me.
Did I tear up at certain points in this book? OF COURSE I DID. Do I still feel like this book is kind of a mess for kids to read? YES I DO. It’s charming and also I don’t know how in the world a kid might be convinced to read it.
Also this book has a terrible title! I love Gary D. Schmidt could someone please help him escape the awful advice he gets???
Also also this is the third middle grade book in a row that I have read that deals with adults inappropriately handling the grief of dead kids. What in the world is this trend??? Is this a theme we need in children’s literature???
I think The Wednesday Wars is one of the greatest books of all time but sometimes I read Schmidt’s books and I’m like, “Who let you do this????” (Don’t get me started on Okay for Now, a children’s book about birding that I have never gotten a kid to read.)
This book’s version is: Who let him write an American children’s book about cricket?
I’m going along and I’m mostly ignoring the implausible stuff because I love the characters and I love the world and I wish I had a Butler in my own life. I think the cricket setup mostly worked. I grew up in the country so I know lots of kids who learned to drive young. I am willing to suspend disbelief because I like Gary D. Schmidt.
But then on page 120 there’s this whole thing about the American Revolution and I just couldn’t believe that any 6th graders would care enough about the American Revolution to get mad at another kid for taking an opposing view. This is a bridge too far for me.
Did I tear up at certain points in this book? OF COURSE I DID. Do I still feel like this book is kind of a mess for kids to read? YES I DO. It’s charming and also I don’t know how in the world a kid might be convinced to read it.
Also this book has a terrible title! I love Gary D. Schmidt could someone please help him escape the awful advice he gets???
Also also this is the third middle grade book in a row that I have read that deals with adults inappropriately handling the grief of dead kids. What in the world is this trend??? Is this a theme we need in children’s literature???
July 10, 2019
2019 Summer Book a Day #4
This was a book I did not expect to love or even like, but it snagged me and didn't let go until I finished it.
The Butler and his truths, the extended cricket metaphor, the way Carter grows into his true self (with the guidance of The Butler), the amazing craft of the writing (it's Gary Schmidt, after all). Highly recommended.
This was a book I did not expect to love or even like, but it snagged me and didn't let go until I finished it.
The Butler and his truths, the extended cricket metaphor, the way Carter grows into his true self (with the guidance of The Butler), the amazing craft of the writing (it's Gary Schmidt, after all). Highly recommended.
September 5, 2020
Hmm not sure they really eat pizza in Italy, I don't think it classifies as 'Italian food,' Mr Butler. This was a good book. Definitely not as good as Okay For Now but I still enjoyed it. I can't say that I understand cricket any better though lol. I think that other than what I learned from the google doodle with the crickets playing cricket is that the bowler has to knock down something behind the batter. Haha I can't even get my terminology straight XD
January 6, 2021
Reread (actually re-listen) with my 13 year old. This book is sneaky good. You think you’re in for a lighter read, but nope, while it is less wordy than Wednesday Wars or Okay For Now, this one also contains big life issues. But true to himself, Gary D. Schmidt weaves love, humor, and redemption throughout, and the fact that it’s all wrapped up in one giant cricket (the game, not the insect) metaphor makes it even more lovable. Also, how fun for American kids to imagine an English butler coming over to save the day! My only gripe is that the audiobook narrator botched the pronunciation of Swieteck, which would make it difficult for listeners to pick up on the Easter eggs that Mr. Schmidt so lovingly dropped for his devoted readers (er, listeners).
August 29, 2020
Ok, 5 stars I usually reserve for books that are exceptionally provocative or life-changing in some way. This isn't either of those. But this book does a number of astonishing things:
1) the middle school boy narrative voice is spot on
2) it essentially explains the rules of cricket (which I've never understood), and makes it EXCITING
3) it deals with the effects of trauma on said middle school boy in a convincing way
4) the phrase "pain in the glutes" is used with such perfectly hilarious frequency I just fell in love with the phrase and want to start using it.
So no, not life-changing. But this and The Wednesday Wars (by the same author) are really fun and easy reads told from the perspective of believably normal boys. Great summer reads!
1) the middle school boy narrative voice is spot on
2) it essentially explains the rules of cricket (which I've never understood), and makes it EXCITING
3) it deals with the effects of trauma on said middle school boy in a convincing way
4) the phrase "pain in the glutes" is used with such perfectly hilarious frequency I just fell in love with the phrase and want to start using it.
So no, not life-changing. But this and The Wednesday Wars (by the same author) are really fun and easy reads told from the perspective of believably normal boys. Great summer reads!
May 9, 2024
Heartwarming!
January 17, 2019
Richie’s Picks: PAY ATTENTION CARTER JONES by Gary D. Schmidt, Clarion, February 2018, 224p., ISBN: 978-0-544-79085-8
“Look when the rain has fallen from the sky
I know the sun will be only missing for a while
I says, common people like you and me
We’ll be builders for eternity
Each is given a bag of tools
A shapeless mass, and the book of rules”
-- The Heptones (1973)
“Late that afternoon, it started to rain. I mean, really rain. Like an Australian tropical thunderstorm.
I decided to clean my room.
Sort of.
I took the photograph of Captain Jackson Jonathan Jones standing in front of an American flag and folded it in half. Then I ripped it in half. Then I ripped the halves in half again. Then I put the pieces in the garbage.
I took the beret from his first deployment and balled it up. I tried to rip it in half, but I couldn’t. So I put it in the garbage.
Then I took the goggles that still had sand in them from Afghanistan, and I twisted them all together, and after I twisted them all together I stomped on them until the eyepieces were broken and the sand of Afghanistan was sprinkled on the floor. Then I put them in the garbage.
I lay down on my bed.
I listened to the Australian tropical thunderstorm.
When the rains came while we were in the Blue Mountains, my father and I would lie in our tent. I wished I could remember what we talked about. I know I tried to talk about Currier, but he didn’t want to talk about Currier, and I almost began to cry whenever I tried, so I never showed him the green marble. Once he tried to tell me about Afghanistan and Germany, but the rain got too loud and we stopped talking.
Because the rain was too loud.”
I’m experiencing a sense of loss at the moment. Along with teaching, being a dad, and managing the other facets of his life, Gary Schmidt spent a year or however long writing his latest book, PAY ATTENTION CARTER JONES. It arrived in the mail, I gulped it down in two days, and soon I’ll be right back to waiting and hoping that he’ll do it all over again.
PAY ATTENTION CARTER JONES, is a coming age story, and a tale of loss and change.
It has been several years since sixth grader Carter Jones lost his little brother Currier. Carter’s the eldest child with three younger sisters. He’s also the man of the house, because his father is in the military, stationed in Germany after serving in Afghanistan. His mother is struggling to raise the four children.
As we’ll soon learn, his father is not coming home to his family. Ever. Carter’s dad has found a new family in Germany.
But before we learn the details, The Butler arrives.
At 7:15 a.m., on the chaotic morning of Carter’s first day of middle school, when he and his three siblings are hastily readying themselves, the doorbell rings. Carter opens the door to find The Butler. His name is August Paul Bowles-Fitzpatrick. He previously served Carter’s grandfather and had attended to Carter’s father’s upbringing. Now, The Butler brings news that Carter’s grandfather has died and has left an endowment that will provide for The Butler to come serve Carter’s family.
He’s a proper British butler. In short order, he will teach Carter to drive his purple Bentley; instigate the formation of an intramural cricket squad at Carter’s school; and teach Carter to be a gentleman. Most importantly, he will be the compassionate adult who assists Carter in coming to terms with the losses of his brother and father.
.
“‘Because…’
‘How curious it is, young Master Carter, not only to begin your sentence with a subordinating conjunction, but to trail off vocally as if I were expected to finish the phrase.’”
As Gary Schmidt’s faithful readers have come to expect, there is a good measure of humor folded into the drama. The Butler grapples with Carter over proper use of the English language. And there is the ever-present Ned, the family’s dachshund, who is prone to getting excited and puking on everything.
There’s also a brief but fascinating American history lesson, when The Butler persuades Carter to write about the American revolution from the British perspective. Some young readers will connect the dots and question America’s own involvement in colonialism and its oft heavy-handed role in impeding independence movements elsewhere--despite being history’s most renowned example of a successful independence movement.
Each chapter of the book is preceded by a brief entry explaining cricket terminology and rules. All these years, and I finally know what a sticky wicket is! Thanks to YouTube’s videos, I’ve now watched cricketers in action.
Gary Schmidt conjures up memorable middle school-age boy characters like nobody’s business. Add Carter Jones to the list.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
“Look when the rain has fallen from the sky
I know the sun will be only missing for a while
I says, common people like you and me
We’ll be builders for eternity
Each is given a bag of tools
A shapeless mass, and the book of rules”
-- The Heptones (1973)
“Late that afternoon, it started to rain. I mean, really rain. Like an Australian tropical thunderstorm.
I decided to clean my room.
Sort of.
I took the photograph of Captain Jackson Jonathan Jones standing in front of an American flag and folded it in half. Then I ripped it in half. Then I ripped the halves in half again. Then I put the pieces in the garbage.
I took the beret from his first deployment and balled it up. I tried to rip it in half, but I couldn’t. So I put it in the garbage.
Then I took the goggles that still had sand in them from Afghanistan, and I twisted them all together, and after I twisted them all together I stomped on them until the eyepieces were broken and the sand of Afghanistan was sprinkled on the floor. Then I put them in the garbage.
I lay down on my bed.
I listened to the Australian tropical thunderstorm.
When the rains came while we were in the Blue Mountains, my father and I would lie in our tent. I wished I could remember what we talked about. I know I tried to talk about Currier, but he didn’t want to talk about Currier, and I almost began to cry whenever I tried, so I never showed him the green marble. Once he tried to tell me about Afghanistan and Germany, but the rain got too loud and we stopped talking.
Because the rain was too loud.”
I’m experiencing a sense of loss at the moment. Along with teaching, being a dad, and managing the other facets of his life, Gary Schmidt spent a year or however long writing his latest book, PAY ATTENTION CARTER JONES. It arrived in the mail, I gulped it down in two days, and soon I’ll be right back to waiting and hoping that he’ll do it all over again.
PAY ATTENTION CARTER JONES, is a coming age story, and a tale of loss and change.
It has been several years since sixth grader Carter Jones lost his little brother Currier. Carter’s the eldest child with three younger sisters. He’s also the man of the house, because his father is in the military, stationed in Germany after serving in Afghanistan. His mother is struggling to raise the four children.
As we’ll soon learn, his father is not coming home to his family. Ever. Carter’s dad has found a new family in Germany.
But before we learn the details, The Butler arrives.
At 7:15 a.m., on the chaotic morning of Carter’s first day of middle school, when he and his three siblings are hastily readying themselves, the doorbell rings. Carter opens the door to find The Butler. His name is August Paul Bowles-Fitzpatrick. He previously served Carter’s grandfather and had attended to Carter’s father’s upbringing. Now, The Butler brings news that Carter’s grandfather has died and has left an endowment that will provide for The Butler to come serve Carter’s family.
He’s a proper British butler. In short order, he will teach Carter to drive his purple Bentley; instigate the formation of an intramural cricket squad at Carter’s school; and teach Carter to be a gentleman. Most importantly, he will be the compassionate adult who assists Carter in coming to terms with the losses of his brother and father.
.
“‘Because…’
‘How curious it is, young Master Carter, not only to begin your sentence with a subordinating conjunction, but to trail off vocally as if I were expected to finish the phrase.’”
As Gary Schmidt’s faithful readers have come to expect, there is a good measure of humor folded into the drama. The Butler grapples with Carter over proper use of the English language. And there is the ever-present Ned, the family’s dachshund, who is prone to getting excited and puking on everything.
There’s also a brief but fascinating American history lesson, when The Butler persuades Carter to write about the American revolution from the British perspective. Some young readers will connect the dots and question America’s own involvement in colonialism and its oft heavy-handed role in impeding independence movements elsewhere--despite being history’s most renowned example of a successful independence movement.
Each chapter of the book is preceded by a brief entry explaining cricket terminology and rules. All these years, and I finally know what a sticky wicket is! Thanks to YouTube’s videos, I’ve now watched cricketers in action.
Gary Schmidt conjures up memorable middle school-age boy characters like nobody’s business. Add Carter Jones to the list.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
February 9, 2019
My thanks to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group/Clarion Books for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
I am personally very disappointed in this book because I read Orbiting Jupiter by the same author of this book and LOVED it. Like I cried, practically push it onto all of my customers and friends and family, etc.
So when I saw this book available on NetGalley to request, I was ALL over it. And then when I was approved, such joy!
Then I picked up the book and started to read.
Now, to be fair, I am currently going through a HORRIBLE book slump. As in, nothing new I pick up is grabbing me, so I need to pick up an Ole' Faithful to get myself out of it. So my reaction to this book may be in part due to my current book slump status.
Warning, some spoilers follow this point.
That being said, I can't get behind a mother letting the Butler teach her 12 year old son to drive and then ALLOWING him to drive with her, his siblings, etc. in the car. The Butler was always present, at least as far as I could tell, but SERIOUSLY?!? In a rural area, I can understand, kids start driving tractors and whatnot earlier than cars in urban and suburban areas, but while this story took place in Upstate NY, it was a suburb, NOT a rural area.
And it was a Bentley. Not many ADULTS get to even SEE one let alone DRIVE one in their lifetime. And yet this 12 year old kid is DRIVING it. Yeah, not buying it.
The subplots of the dead brother and the scumbag abandoning father are really kind of serious for this book where the Butler is like a male Mary Poppins. Not bad, just an odd combination.
And lets not even get STARTED on the cricket. My eyes were rolling in the back of my head. I just couldn't follow it and honestly, it was so confusing, didn't really want to. I am not by any stretch of the imagination an athlete and while I follow some sports, I have no idea of many of the rules, I just watch for fun, not to rules lawyer. So the cricket aspect of the book bored me to tears. I also don't think that the entire town would have gone ga-ga for it.
Sorry if I sound like a grump. While I couldn't get behind the storyline, I really did enjoy the writing. So well written book, set in contemporary NY, with some flights of fancy and LOTS of cricket. Not a good match for me, but I can see me suggesting this book to appropriate customers at my store.
2.5 stars, rounded up because I still love the author for Orbiting Jupiter.
I am personally very disappointed in this book because I read Orbiting Jupiter by the same author of this book and LOVED it. Like I cried, practically push it onto all of my customers and friends and family, etc.
So when I saw this book available on NetGalley to request, I was ALL over it. And then when I was approved, such joy!
Then I picked up the book and started to read.
Now, to be fair, I am currently going through a HORRIBLE book slump. As in, nothing new I pick up is grabbing me, so I need to pick up an Ole' Faithful to get myself out of it. So my reaction to this book may be in part due to my current book slump status.
Warning, some spoilers follow this point.
That being said, I can't get behind a mother letting the Butler teach her 12 year old son to drive and then ALLOWING him to drive with her, his siblings, etc. in the car. The Butler was always present, at least as far as I could tell, but SERIOUSLY?!? In a rural area, I can understand, kids start driving tractors and whatnot earlier than cars in urban and suburban areas, but while this story took place in Upstate NY, it was a suburb, NOT a rural area.
And it was a Bentley. Not many ADULTS get to even SEE one let alone DRIVE one in their lifetime. And yet this 12 year old kid is DRIVING it. Yeah, not buying it.
The subplots of the dead brother and the scumbag abandoning father are really kind of serious for this book where the Butler is like a male Mary Poppins. Not bad, just an odd combination.
And lets not even get STARTED on the cricket. My eyes were rolling in the back of my head. I just couldn't follow it and honestly, it was so confusing, didn't really want to. I am not by any stretch of the imagination an athlete and while I follow some sports, I have no idea of many of the rules, I just watch for fun, not to rules lawyer. So the cricket aspect of the book bored me to tears. I also don't think that the entire town would have gone ga-ga for it.
Sorry if I sound like a grump. While I couldn't get behind the storyline, I really did enjoy the writing. So well written book, set in contemporary NY, with some flights of fancy and LOTS of cricket. Not a good match for me, but I can see me suggesting this book to appropriate customers at my store.
2.5 stars, rounded up because I still love the author for Orbiting Jupiter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2019
There is an elephant in the room. Why does the book description never once mention a topic that permeates the book? Cricket was everywhere! I loved the interactions that the butler had with Carter. The author also did a wonderful job portraying Carter's difficulty in reconciling his feelings for his dad the decisions that they were dealing with. Too much cricket for me, though. I found myself skimming over portions to get to the stuff I could understand. Do American middle grade students know more about cricket than I do? Will they read this book? I would not recommend it to kids without a foundation of understanding of cricket. Look what I just did . . . there are more mentions of cricket in my review than in the description. Just so you know. . .
October 24, 2021
My husband: But it's written for children!
Me: .... like C. S. Lewis's books!
To justify his statement, it isn't Christian, but it IS true!
I LOVE how real Schmidt's characters are. I love how he incorporates humor. I love how he's a teacher, piquing the curiosity of his readers: Shakespeare, Audubon, cricket, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle... Where will he take us next?
This specific book: I love the family dynamics, but the book is focused on Carter and not so much his mother. I like that there's Honor and Dishonor presented appropriately. Forgiveness, too.
Why do I imagine Ewan MacGregor as the butler?! He would be so good! (I could forgive him for not being portly.)
Me: .... like C. S. Lewis's books!
To justify his statement, it isn't Christian, but it IS true!
I LOVE how real Schmidt's characters are. I love how he incorporates humor. I love how he's a teacher, piquing the curiosity of his readers: Shakespeare, Audubon, cricket, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle... Where will he take us next?
This specific book: I love the family dynamics, but the book is focused on Carter and not so much his mother. I like that there's Honor and Dishonor presented appropriately. Forgiveness, too.
Why do I imagine Ewan MacGregor as the butler?! He would be so good! (I could forgive him for not being portly.)
January 8, 2019
Wonderful, contemporary, gender-flipped Mary Poppins, where cricket takes the place of magic. The story with the father cuts deep. The simplistic, cartoon cover's all wrong and far too young for this moving, thoughtful (and very funny) story. Ignore the cover, make good decisions and read this one. Highly recommended.
October 31, 2025
I still don't understand cricket, but I understand love and gentlemanliness and paying attention. And there were multiple times I cried. 🤍
I truly liked and rooted for (or cheered, as the Butler would say) the characters. The Butler was fabulous, and I liked his traces of Jeeves-ness.
Truly a lovely book with a lot of heart.
CW: loss, grief, family dysfunction.
I truly liked and rooted for (or cheered, as the Butler would say) the characters. The Butler was fabulous, and I liked his traces of Jeeves-ness.
Truly a lovely book with a lot of heart.
CW: loss, grief, family dysfunction.
September 13, 2024
I love Gary Schmidt's characters and storylines! Love how we got to witness Carter grow as a character as he wrestled with past trauma and how to move forward. "Make good choices and remember who you are." And I enjoyed learning about the game of cricket too. Now I'll be prepared for the 2028 Olympics 😁
November 14, 2021
Идеально.
January 19, 2020
This reminded me of Sharon Creech’s Love that Dog in the way Carter deals with his problems and a cross of the two films Mrs. Doubtfire and The Kingsman in the caretaker entering a family’s life trying to make a gentleman out of someone. The story really grabbed me (even though I don’t like books involving sports) and I was emotionally invested by the end. Yet, despite how much I enjoyed the novel, there was too much of a feel that this all happened in a bubble that had no specific time or place, like a Disney Channel TV movie of the 90’s.
April 11, 2019
Gary Schmidt is one of my very favorite authors. This is a brand new one from him and I finished it in two days, and as with all of Schmidt’s books I loved the memorable characters and poignant moments throughout.
•
In the absence of his father, Carter Jones is taken care of by a Butler. The Butler teaches him how to be a gentleman, how to play Cricket, and most importantly how to love people. The characters are all so relatable and sweet, but they are struggling through painful situations. Schmidt is so great at writing humor in the midst of pain.
•
There is only one problem with this book. There is entirely too much Cricket. If you know Cricket, how to play, the rules, terms, and scoring, then maybe those scenes are so exciting! But even though some of it was explained of course, I still skimmed pages of the novel that described happenings in a game. And I have to think kids reading this book wouldn’t grasp what happens in a Cricket game either, unless they had played it before. It brought the book down a bit for me.
•
BUT Schmidt is brilliant so you should read all his books including this one. Carter Jones and his Butler were very endearing and one character is a sweet nod to the book Okay for Now. Here is how I rank Schmidt’s books, in order of how much I love them: The Wednesday Wars, Okay for Now (I think I like Okay for Now better, but really you should read The Wednesday Wars before you read it.) Orbiting Jupiter, Pay Attention, Carter Jones, and Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
•
Every day the Butler tells Carter, “Make good decisions and remember who you are.” Another good quote: “There are times when we find ourselves in a position of great purpose. It may be that the apt word, spoken at the apt moment, leads to great good in the world— and most often, that is a word of kindness and encouragement.”
•
In the absence of his father, Carter Jones is taken care of by a Butler. The Butler teaches him how to be a gentleman, how to play Cricket, and most importantly how to love people. The characters are all so relatable and sweet, but they are struggling through painful situations. Schmidt is so great at writing humor in the midst of pain.
•
There is only one problem with this book. There is entirely too much Cricket. If you know Cricket, how to play, the rules, terms, and scoring, then maybe those scenes are so exciting! But even though some of it was explained of course, I still skimmed pages of the novel that described happenings in a game. And I have to think kids reading this book wouldn’t grasp what happens in a Cricket game either, unless they had played it before. It brought the book down a bit for me.
•
BUT Schmidt is brilliant so you should read all his books including this one. Carter Jones and his Butler were very endearing and one character is a sweet nod to the book Okay for Now. Here is how I rank Schmidt’s books, in order of how much I love them: The Wednesday Wars, Okay for Now (I think I like Okay for Now better, but really you should read The Wednesday Wars before you read it.) Orbiting Jupiter, Pay Attention, Carter Jones, and Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
•
Every day the Butler tells Carter, “Make good decisions and remember who you are.” Another good quote: “There are times when we find ourselves in a position of great purpose. It may be that the apt word, spoken at the apt moment, leads to great good in the world— and most often, that is a word of kindness and encouragement.”
June 3, 2020
I have suggested to three of my kids that they make time for this book in their summer reading. My affection runs deep. This book is nothing like but very reminiscent of The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics The Boys in the Boat. Each is heartening and inspiring. Each teaches a new sport bit by bit. The Boys in the Boat makes one care about rowing while Carter Jones creates at least a healthy curiosity about cricket, the game, not the bug. One is true, the other requires the reader to indulge the imagination a bit. Please indulge. This book has heart, has truth, and most of all has a respect for virtue.
This quote was particularly meaningful to me today, "In the midst of great anxiety and great sadness, it takes an honorable man to nourish the goodness around him, small and fragile as it may seem."
This quote was particularly meaningful to me today, "In the midst of great anxiety and great sadness, it takes an honorable man to nourish the goodness around him, small and fragile as it may seem."
May 8, 2023
4.25🌟
Audiobook (narrated by Christopher Gebauer)
While I didn't laugh my way through this book as I did The Wednesday War (twice), I still loved this coming-of-age story. And I choked up more than once because these were real and painful emotions that Carter had to work his way through at the age of 11. I loved the very proper, very English butler and how he helped the Jones family. The narration was spot-on.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Enjoyed/loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Audiobook (narrated by Christopher Gebauer)
While I didn't laugh my way through this book as I did The Wednesday War (twice), I still loved this coming-of-age story. And I choked up more than once because these were real and painful emotions that Carter had to work his way through at the age of 11. I loved the very proper, very English butler and how he helped the Jones family. The narration was spot-on.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Enjoyed/loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
December 30, 2019
Another great book from Gary Schmidt. Read it in a sitting or two and get another heartfelt, heartwarming, heartbreaking story of a young boy dealing with challenges beyond his age. It's a book with a wacky twist that, like Schmidt's other books, don't feel too far a stretch to make. And even when it does feel a stretch, you don't mind much. Like in his other books, the protagonist is funny and honest as he works through a betrayal and heartbreak. As he learns and grows through each new disruption and disappointment, he grows to meet the challenge, with the help of a few good friends, and brings those around him along for the journey.
August 10, 2020
If you're looking for a book about the sport of cricket, you'll enjoy this latest book by the talented Gary D. Schmidt. On the first day of school, a butler shows up at the Jones household. There's Carter, his Mom and three younger sisters; Annie, Charlie and Emily. By teaching Carter cricket, the butler helps Carter overcome some tough truths.
Along with cricket fans, those who like heartbreaking and heartwarming family stories will want to give this one a try.
This book was provided to me for free through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Along with cricket fans, those who like heartbreaking and heartwarming family stories will want to give this one a try.
This book was provided to me for free through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2024
Every time I read Gary Schmidt I am amazed at how well he really "gets" teenage boys. Carter just starting middle school and dealing with everything that goes with that but also has a Dad that's deployed and a family grieving the loss of his brother. I loved the way Schmidt doesn't hit you over the head with messages but with humor and understanding guides you right along on the journey with Carter. The butler that shows up unexpectedly on the doorstep is perfection. I LOVED the dry British humor and how he teaches Carter to be a gentleman. The cricket (which I knew absolutely nothing about but for sure googled) games and analogies just rounded it out for me.
Content: none
Content: none
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