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Just Jack
It's not easy fitting in at a new school. It's even harder to be yourself.
A warm and funny story about making new friends and being yourself. Perfect for young fans of WONDER and Frank Cottrell-Boyce.
Jack knows LOTS about starting a new school. Since Dad left, he and his mum have moved house five times.
He also knows all about fitting in. The trick is to act exactly like everyone else and make sure no one ever notices him. But it's hard work trying to be something he isn't and Jack doesn't have any good friends. That is, until Tyler comes along.
Tyler is funny and different and might be the key to getting Jack to realise that although he is brilliant at pretending to be other people, the very best thing he can be is . . . JUST JACK.
A warm and funny story about making new friends and being yourself. Perfect for young fans of WONDER and Frank Cottrell-Boyce.
Jack knows LOTS about starting a new school. Since Dad left, he and his mum have moved house five times.
He also knows all about fitting in. The trick is to act exactly like everyone else and make sure no one ever notices him. But it's hard work trying to be something he isn't and Jack doesn't have any good friends. That is, until Tyler comes along.
Tyler is funny and different and might be the key to getting Jack to realise that although he is brilliant at pretending to be other people, the very best thing he can be is . . . JUST JACK.
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Published April 5, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 14, 2018
Jack's mother loves moving house. Since Jack's father left they've already moved five times. Starting a new school is difficult, so Jack always has a plan. He has a strategy that he can follow, so he will fit in well enough to stay out of trouble. He makes sure he knows what his classmates like and dislike and blends in, trying to remain unnoticed. This normally works very well, he doesn't make any friends, but he also won't become a target. Jack thinks it's perfectly acceptable to live like this, until he meets Tyler.
Tyler loves inventions and he's good at making and upgrading things. Tyler truly sees Jack and that means Jack can't hide behind his usual facade. Can Jack trust Tyler enough to become friends? By giving Tyler a chance Jack has to learn how to be himself again, but will he dare to be just Jack?
Just Jack is a beautiful impressive story. Jack misses his father and is struggling with his parents' separation. His mother is busy at work and Jack doesn't want to bother anyone. He doesn't talk about his feelings, but doesn't know how to handle them, which makes him get into more and more trouble. Jack can definitely use someone who's completely on his side. Tyler is a breath of fresh air. He's smart, lively and perceptive. I loved how he and Jack really understand one another. That makes their story a joy to read. Kate Scott combines wonderful friendship with fabulous inventions and her story put a big smile on my face.
Kate Scott has a great warm writing style. I loved how Jack slowly learns that being someone else to remain safe won't make him feel fulfilled and happy. His journey is an interesting one and I liked how he finds the courage to face his problems and be honest with himself. Kate Scott has a fabulous subtle sense of humor that suits the stories she writes incredibly well. Just Jack is clever, surprising, charming, informative and a lot of fun.
Tyler loves inventions and he's good at making and upgrading things. Tyler truly sees Jack and that means Jack can't hide behind his usual facade. Can Jack trust Tyler enough to become friends? By giving Tyler a chance Jack has to learn how to be himself again, but will he dare to be just Jack?
Just Jack is a beautiful impressive story. Jack misses his father and is struggling with his parents' separation. His mother is busy at work and Jack doesn't want to bother anyone. He doesn't talk about his feelings, but doesn't know how to handle them, which makes him get into more and more trouble. Jack can definitely use someone who's completely on his side. Tyler is a breath of fresh air. He's smart, lively and perceptive. I loved how he and Jack really understand one another. That makes their story a joy to read. Kate Scott combines wonderful friendship with fabulous inventions and her story put a big smile on my face.
Kate Scott has a great warm writing style. I loved how Jack slowly learns that being someone else to remain safe won't make him feel fulfilled and happy. His journey is an interesting one and I liked how he finds the courage to face his problems and be honest with himself. Kate Scott has a fabulous subtle sense of humor that suits the stories she writes incredibly well. Just Jack is clever, surprising, charming, informative and a lot of fun.
April 24, 2018
Wonderful story about being and accepting yourself - and showcases a quirky but adorable friendship.
I enjoyed 'Giant', and think I like this even more. Scott brings Jack to life so well, a boy with a single mother who has moved so many times he knows it is too painful to make friends by being himself so tries to fit in by sticking to popular ways of thinking and culture, just waiting for the next move.
In Jack's new school, he finds himself stuck between a pair obsessed with a popular but annoying Youtuber willing to admit him to their clique and a maverick inventor who will certainly not help him hide in the shadows.
It's a perfect story, and Jack is a very mature character who speaks with great understanding to the reader, describes his reasoning well and is a very moral boy, one I was impressed with. Despite his flaws regarding being who he is, his arc and growth as he finds his friendship deepening with someone he connects with honestly is a joy to read.
A lovely ending, a wonderful portrait of friendship, and a very involving story that children aged around 9-13 will fall into.
With thanks to the author for providing a sample copy for an honest review.
I enjoyed 'Giant', and think I like this even more. Scott brings Jack to life so well, a boy with a single mother who has moved so many times he knows it is too painful to make friends by being himself so tries to fit in by sticking to popular ways of thinking and culture, just waiting for the next move.
In Jack's new school, he finds himself stuck between a pair obsessed with a popular but annoying Youtuber willing to admit him to their clique and a maverick inventor who will certainly not help him hide in the shadows.
It's a perfect story, and Jack is a very mature character who speaks with great understanding to the reader, describes his reasoning well and is a very moral boy, one I was impressed with. Despite his flaws regarding being who he is, his arc and growth as he finds his friendship deepening with someone he connects with honestly is a joy to read.
A lovely ending, a wonderful portrait of friendship, and a very involving story that children aged around 9-13 will fall into.
With thanks to the author for providing a sample copy for an honest review.
September 4, 2018
I really enjoyed this wonderful story about friendship, belonging and learning to be happy being yourself.
The chapters are generally short and this gives the reader the perfect excuse to read just one more chapter before bed.
I loved the cast of characters - particularly Tyler. Who's workshop I would have loved to see!
The chapters are generally short and this gives the reader the perfect excuse to read just one more chapter before bed.
I loved the cast of characters - particularly Tyler. Who's workshop I would have loved to see!
April 20, 2018
A brilliant tale about the importance of being a friend, having friends, belonging and saying sorry. Jack and Tyler are wonderful!
August 9, 2018
Brilliantly told, Jack’s story left me sobbing on my sun lounger.
Full review to follow on my blog.
Full review to follow on my blog.
April 18, 2018
Being the new kid at school is not easy, but being the new kid 5 times in 2 years is probably as difficult as it gets.
Yet this is where we find Jack.
Since his dad left, he and his Mum have traveled from place to place, never staying anywhere long enough to change the wallpaper but making Jack a world class expert in packing and a coping mechanism he employs at school that he calls the ‘Sherlock Code’.
One of the main rules of the ‘code’ is you don’t stand out, you remain unnoticed- yes, this means you don’t make friends but in this way you protect your feelings-Jack believes this has been a successful survival strategy in schools 1-5 but now, at school 6, he has met Tyler.
Tyler is different; he makes wacky but extremely useful inventions; he is fun to be around and despite Jack’s ‘code’, Tyler seems to see the real Jack and what’s more he seems to like what he sees!
Reluctant to break his self preservation rules but intrigued by Tyler, Jack allows a friendship to bloom. As his mum unpacks their possessions in a home where she says they will stay, Jack unpacks his personality and is just becoming comfortable with what it is like to be ’Just Jack’ when everything starts to go wrong.
Through Jack’s narrative, the reader explores the complex emotions of an 11 year old who is struggling with his parents' separation, his now unfamiliar relationship with his Dad and all the while trying to fit into a new environment. Jack’s story is realistic and he makes mistakes which as a shared read would provide plenty of opportunities for discussion.
This page-turning novel has many moments which will make the reader smile (and possibly head to the kitchen to make their own disgusting sandwich!) But also within Jack’s story there are moments of pure everyday beauty - surprising for what at first seems such a simple plot.
The chapter ‘Funny Voices’ is just one example of the quality of Kate Scott’s writing. In it, Jack remembers his younger self awaiting the return of his Dad in airport arrivals; by the end paragraph I tearfully had to close the book and ponder, lost in one of those deliciously tingly ‘this is amazing’ moments, which are created by great books. I do hope this will have the same effect on the children I share this book with - it is those moments that make readers.
‘Just Jack’ is not just a enjoyable, pacy, real- life story, with wonderful likeable characters -it is a masterclass in empathy that would make a fantastic ‘Guided read’.
Yet this is where we find Jack.
Since his dad left, he and his Mum have traveled from place to place, never staying anywhere long enough to change the wallpaper but making Jack a world class expert in packing and a coping mechanism he employs at school that he calls the ‘Sherlock Code’.
One of the main rules of the ‘code’ is you don’t stand out, you remain unnoticed- yes, this means you don’t make friends but in this way you protect your feelings-Jack believes this has been a successful survival strategy in schools 1-5 but now, at school 6, he has met Tyler.
Tyler is different; he makes wacky but extremely useful inventions; he is fun to be around and despite Jack’s ‘code’, Tyler seems to see the real Jack and what’s more he seems to like what he sees!
Reluctant to break his self preservation rules but intrigued by Tyler, Jack allows a friendship to bloom. As his mum unpacks their possessions in a home where she says they will stay, Jack unpacks his personality and is just becoming comfortable with what it is like to be ’Just Jack’ when everything starts to go wrong.
Through Jack’s narrative, the reader explores the complex emotions of an 11 year old who is struggling with his parents' separation, his now unfamiliar relationship with his Dad and all the while trying to fit into a new environment. Jack’s story is realistic and he makes mistakes which as a shared read would provide plenty of opportunities for discussion.
This page-turning novel has many moments which will make the reader smile (and possibly head to the kitchen to make their own disgusting sandwich!) But also within Jack’s story there are moments of pure everyday beauty - surprising for what at first seems such a simple plot.
The chapter ‘Funny Voices’ is just one example of the quality of Kate Scott’s writing. In it, Jack remembers his younger self awaiting the return of his Dad in airport arrivals; by the end paragraph I tearfully had to close the book and ponder, lost in one of those deliciously tingly ‘this is amazing’ moments, which are created by great books. I do hope this will have the same effect on the children I share this book with - it is those moments that make readers.
‘Just Jack’ is not just a enjoyable, pacy, real- life story, with wonderful likeable characters -it is a masterclass in empathy that would make a fantastic ‘Guided read’.
May 28, 2018
Just Jack is a modern and entertaining story about losing the courage to be yourself and then finding it again. Covering themes that feel very relevant to pupils throughout KS2, this is a highly recommended read that is well suited to Years 3, 4 and 5 and also to reluctant readers in older classes.
Since Jack’s dad moved out, Jack and his mum have moved house lots of times. This means that Jack has had to start at new schools lots of times too. In fact, Jack is becoming so used to starting afresh that he has become an expert at blending into new groups, even when it means pretending to be someone he is not. Jack calls his survival strategy ‘Sherlock Code’, and when he starts at new school number 6, he knows that Sherlock Code will be the key to settling in quickly. All he needs to do is watch how the other children behave and listen to what interests them, and then he can pretend to be just like them.
The problem when Jack tries this strategy with the first two pupils he meets at school number six is that Jack knows really he is not just like them and his survival strategy begins to fall apart when he meets another boy called Tyler. Tyler is clever, inventive and unique and is completely unafraid of staying true to himself. As Jack begins hanging around more and more with Tyler, Jack starts to realise that instead of pretending to be just like everybody else, it is time to enjoy being just Jack.
What I love about Kate Scott’s writing style is that the characters are so relatable. The voice of Jack narrating the story is really authentic and the result is that the reader is carried along on an empathetic journey with Jack, rooting for him every step of the way. As well as the main theme of being true to oneself, the book also explores the interesting topics of entrepreneurialism and its ethics, parental separation and how friendships are formed. As a fellow primary teacher I also really enjoyed the character of Mr Tull, who (despite his penchant for endless worksheets) demonstrates the mighty impact of teachers who take it upon themselves to notice what’s going on with their pupils and offer caring support and advice, just as thousands of teachers do every single day.
Just Jack is a highly enjoyable read that I found hard to put down due to its convincing child voice, relatable characters and relevant themes.
Many thanks to the author Kate Scott and publisher Piccadilly Press for kindly sending me a review copy of this book.
Since Jack’s dad moved out, Jack and his mum have moved house lots of times. This means that Jack has had to start at new schools lots of times too. In fact, Jack is becoming so used to starting afresh that he has become an expert at blending into new groups, even when it means pretending to be someone he is not. Jack calls his survival strategy ‘Sherlock Code’, and when he starts at new school number 6, he knows that Sherlock Code will be the key to settling in quickly. All he needs to do is watch how the other children behave and listen to what interests them, and then he can pretend to be just like them.
The problem when Jack tries this strategy with the first two pupils he meets at school number six is that Jack knows really he is not just like them and his survival strategy begins to fall apart when he meets another boy called Tyler. Tyler is clever, inventive and unique and is completely unafraid of staying true to himself. As Jack begins hanging around more and more with Tyler, Jack starts to realise that instead of pretending to be just like everybody else, it is time to enjoy being just Jack.
What I love about Kate Scott’s writing style is that the characters are so relatable. The voice of Jack narrating the story is really authentic and the result is that the reader is carried along on an empathetic journey with Jack, rooting for him every step of the way. As well as the main theme of being true to oneself, the book also explores the interesting topics of entrepreneurialism and its ethics, parental separation and how friendships are formed. As a fellow primary teacher I also really enjoyed the character of Mr Tull, who (despite his penchant for endless worksheets) demonstrates the mighty impact of teachers who take it upon themselves to notice what’s going on with their pupils and offer caring support and advice, just as thousands of teachers do every single day.
Just Jack is a highly enjoyable read that I found hard to put down due to its convincing child voice, relatable characters and relevant themes.
Many thanks to the author Kate Scott and publisher Piccadilly Press for kindly sending me a review copy of this book.
April 6, 2018
Just Jack is an entertaining and funny story with great characters and lots of layers as well as some really wacky sandwich recipes!
As with Kate Scott's previous novel Giant, there is a lot more to this book than a fun plot. The author gently weaves sensitive subjects through the storyline such as divorce, identity, letting go, moving on and 'fitting in' leaving the reader wondering, is the safe option always the best one?
Jack, the narrator, tells us "starting a new school is like walking into a jungle with eat me on your neck". The same could be said of so many of life's challenges and while Just Jack is a story any and every child will enjoy, if you have or know a child whose life has recently changed, this is an absolute must read for them.
The book, incidentally, is beautifully produced with some funny and some heart tugging illustrations from Alex Gunn.
All in all, a lovely read.
As with Kate Scott's previous novel Giant, there is a lot more to this book than a fun plot. The author gently weaves sensitive subjects through the storyline such as divorce, identity, letting go, moving on and 'fitting in' leaving the reader wondering, is the safe option always the best one?
Jack, the narrator, tells us "starting a new school is like walking into a jungle with eat me on your neck". The same could be said of so many of life's challenges and while Just Jack is a story any and every child will enjoy, if you have or know a child whose life has recently changed, this is an absolute must read for them.
The book, incidentally, is beautifully produced with some funny and some heart tugging illustrations from Alex Gunn.
All in all, a lovely read.
October 10, 2021
What a wonderful wee story.
Jack has moved house again and is trying to figure out which Jack will fit in with his new school. As he has moved so many times he follows his Sherlock code - this code keeps him safe from disappointment, but will it work this time?
Jack has moved house again and is trying to figure out which Jack will fit in with his new school. As he has moved so many times he follows his Sherlock code - this code keeps him safe from disappointment, but will it work this time?
July 23, 2018
I received this as a free eBook from Netgalley. This does not affect my review.
I've been looking forward to Just Jack coming out for ages. Giant was a big hit in my school library/Y5 class, so when I heard Kate was launching a new book I was dying to get hold of a copy! Jack doesn't disappoint in the slightest. He's funny, relatable, and very endearing; new friend Tyler is outstanding. Scott threads Jack's feelings of being an outsider very deftly through the humour and it's easy to sympathise with his protective shell. I did want to give his mum and dad a bit of a poke, though! I think the children in my school will love this book and will definitely be putting in on the "to buy" list; it will suit confident readers from Y3 up through to Y6.
I've been looking forward to Just Jack coming out for ages. Giant was a big hit in my school library/Y5 class, so when I heard Kate was launching a new book I was dying to get hold of a copy! Jack doesn't disappoint in the slightest. He's funny, relatable, and very endearing; new friend Tyler is outstanding. Scott threads Jack's feelings of being an outsider very deftly through the humour and it's easy to sympathise with his protective shell. I did want to give his mum and dad a bit of a poke, though! I think the children in my school will love this book and will definitely be putting in on the "to buy" list; it will suit confident readers from Y3 up through to Y6.
April 5, 2020
After moving with his mom waaaay too many times in the few years since his dad left, Jack has developed successful ways to fit in with his peers while protecting himself from getting too close to anyone. Who wouldn’t? But this time seems to be different as it looks like he and his mom might finally be staying put. In order to make it work though, Jack has to take big risks and huge leaps of faith as he learns to let down his guard, to be himself, to communicate his fears, to trust in others, to be a good friend and ultimately, to patch up a damaged relationship with his own dad.
Just Jack is a sweet story with gentle life lessons and unexpected depth. I loved Giant but, in my opinion, this is the best yet by Kate Scott. Another British book I can use in my American classroom!
Just Jack is a sweet story with gentle life lessons and unexpected depth. I loved Giant but, in my opinion, this is the best yet by Kate Scott. Another British book I can use in my American classroom!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews