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The King of Jam Sandwiches
Thirteen-year-old Robbie leads a double life. It's just Robbie and his dad, but no one knows that his dad isn't like most parents. Sometimes he wakes Robbie up in the middle of the night to talk about dying. Sometimes he just leaves without telling Robbie where he’s going. Once when Robbie was younger, he was gone for more than a week. Robbie was terrified of being left alone but even more scared of telling anyone in case he was put into foster care. No one can know. Until one day when Robbie has to show the tough new girl, Harmony, around school. Their first meeting ends horribly and she punches Robbie in the face. But eventually, they come to realize that they have a lot more in common than they thought. Can Robbie's new friend be trusted to keep his secret?
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2020
26 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Eric Walters
156 books909 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
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June 14, 2022Thank you to the author and publisher for sending #bookportage an ARC of this book.
This upper middle grade, character-driven story is raw and powerful. 13-year-old Robbie is a smart kid who excels in school, but hides his dysfunctional home life from everyone around him. He deals with his father's emotional instability and unpredictability by planning for the future, until he meets Harmony, a new girl who is living with a foster family. They quickly form a bond and Robbie starts to open up to her about his situation. Robbie wants to be a friend to Harmony, but learning to trust the other with their secrets is a challenge for both of them. Can Robbie and Harmony handle having someone else know so much about them, and what does that mean when things get really tough for each of them?
I really appreciate how the author opens up that this is based on his own story. Many kids will be able to relate to growing up in unstable homes, and becoming responsible for themselves or their families at a young age. It's easy to pass judgement on a kid who comes to school with clothes that don't fit, or eating the same jam sandwiches for lunch every day, but this story helps the reader see what could be going on behind the scenes.
I predict this book will be a hit with my patrons when it comes out in September 2020.
This upper middle grade, character-driven story is raw and powerful. 13-year-old Robbie is a smart kid who excels in school, but hides his dysfunctional home life from everyone around him. He deals with his father's emotional instability and unpredictability by planning for the future, until he meets Harmony, a new girl who is living with a foster family. They quickly form a bond and Robbie starts to open up to her about his situation. Robbie wants to be a friend to Harmony, but learning to trust the other with their secrets is a challenge for both of them. Can Robbie and Harmony handle having someone else know so much about them, and what does that mean when things get really tough for each of them?
I really appreciate how the author opens up that this is based on his own story. Many kids will be able to relate to growing up in unstable homes, and becoming responsible for themselves or their families at a young age. It's easy to pass judgement on a kid who comes to school with clothes that don't fit, or eating the same jam sandwiches for lunch every day, but this story helps the reader see what could be going on behind the scenes.
I predict this book will be a hit with my patrons when it comes out in September 2020.
August 1, 2020
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
TW: mental health, (probable) bipolar disorder, drugs, alcohol, beating, fights
Robbie is thirteen years old and his father isn't like the other fathers. Sometimes he wakes him up in the middle of the night, because he's sure he will die. Sometimes he leaves Robbie and doesn't come back for days. So Robbie is used to live on his own. He has a part time job, he's able to pay bills, he has plans to get by until he's old enough to attend university and leave his father and the neighbourhood behind. He's scared to tell anyone the truth about his situation. One day, though, he meets the new girl, Harmony and he's tasked to show her around at school and even though their first meeting ends with a punch in Robbie's face, they discover they have a lot in common. Secrets, lies, bad parenting and the desire to escape their reality.
The king of jam sandwiches is beautiful, heartbreaking and really moving. Robbie, Robert, is a wonderful main character, forced to grow up and take care of himself because his father isn't around and when he is he doesn't care about him or notice him. So he was forced to come up with plans to survive, like getting good grades, taking care of his dog, of the house and the food, working and saving money, hoping to survive until he's old enough to attend university. After the loss of his mother and grandparents, he and his father are alone, above all because his father doesn't get along with his brother.
Afraid to lose his home, his father, Robert is convinced to be able to survive this way, living basically on his own. Until he meets Harmony. They find a real friend in one other, revealing their fears and secrets to each other, supporting and helping one other. Harmony is in a difficult situation, too, with her being in many foster homes, because her mother is an alcoholist and uses drugs.
Relying on, helping and supporting one other was really moving to read. Harmony and Robert clicked right away, with hilarious jokes, humor, funny and cute moments.
The reader follows Robert and Harmony in their friendships and journey, in trusting one other and then other people, letting them in, in admitting their fears and secrets, in trying to get better and change their situations.
"Living with my father was like being on an elevator- an express elevator. There was the bottom floor and the penthouse and no stop in between." (quote from the earc, so subject to change)
That Robert's father has mental health problems is clear in Robert's description about what is like to live with him, unable to help him, forced to follow his moods and, at least in the beginning, convinced that it was his fault, somehow.
It's a book where the kids are forced to act like adults, by the circumstances, to think and react like them, being more responsible and serious than their actual parents.
The king of jam sandwiches addresses a lot of important topics, like mental health, poverty, foster houses, addiction, rehab, drugs, with wry humor, funny and intense moments and amazing and complex characters.
Robert's poverty and his father's disregard of his own son is clear in his clothes and his food, the same lunch and dinner, Robert being too skinny or too tired to act like a boy his own age. His paranoias is also addressed in how many times he checked if the doors or the windows are closed, his desire to survive his father and the neighbourhood in the countdown in his notebook, his being at the top of his class and being more responsible.
The king of jam sandwiches is a moving and heartfelt journey, that made me laugh and cry and hope. This book is a gem.
TW: mental health, (probable) bipolar disorder, drugs, alcohol, beating, fights
Robbie is thirteen years old and his father isn't like the other fathers. Sometimes he wakes him up in the middle of the night, because he's sure he will die. Sometimes he leaves Robbie and doesn't come back for days. So Robbie is used to live on his own. He has a part time job, he's able to pay bills, he has plans to get by until he's old enough to attend university and leave his father and the neighbourhood behind. He's scared to tell anyone the truth about his situation. One day, though, he meets the new girl, Harmony and he's tasked to show her around at school and even though their first meeting ends with a punch in Robbie's face, they discover they have a lot in common. Secrets, lies, bad parenting and the desire to escape their reality.
The king of jam sandwiches is beautiful, heartbreaking and really moving. Robbie, Robert, is a wonderful main character, forced to grow up and take care of himself because his father isn't around and when he is he doesn't care about him or notice him. So he was forced to come up with plans to survive, like getting good grades, taking care of his dog, of the house and the food, working and saving money, hoping to survive until he's old enough to attend university. After the loss of his mother and grandparents, he and his father are alone, above all because his father doesn't get along with his brother.
Afraid to lose his home, his father, Robert is convinced to be able to survive this way, living basically on his own. Until he meets Harmony. They find a real friend in one other, revealing their fears and secrets to each other, supporting and helping one other. Harmony is in a difficult situation, too, with her being in many foster homes, because her mother is an alcoholist and uses drugs.
Relying on, helping and supporting one other was really moving to read. Harmony and Robert clicked right away, with hilarious jokes, humor, funny and cute moments.
The reader follows Robert and Harmony in their friendships and journey, in trusting one other and then other people, letting them in, in admitting their fears and secrets, in trying to get better and change their situations.
"Living with my father was like being on an elevator- an express elevator. There was the bottom floor and the penthouse and no stop in between." (quote from the earc, so subject to change)
That Robert's father has mental health problems is clear in Robert's description about what is like to live with him, unable to help him, forced to follow his moods and, at least in the beginning, convinced that it was his fault, somehow.
It's a book where the kids are forced to act like adults, by the circumstances, to think and react like them, being more responsible and serious than their actual parents.
The king of jam sandwiches addresses a lot of important topics, like mental health, poverty, foster houses, addiction, rehab, drugs, with wry humor, funny and intense moments and amazing and complex characters.
Robert's poverty and his father's disregard of his own son is clear in his clothes and his food, the same lunch and dinner, Robert being too skinny or too tired to act like a boy his own age. His paranoias is also addressed in how many times he checked if the doors or the windows are closed, his desire to survive his father and the neighbourhood in the countdown in his notebook, his being at the top of his class and being more responsible.
The king of jam sandwiches is a moving and heartfelt journey, that made me laugh and cry and hope. This book is a gem.
August 15, 2020
The King of Jam Sandwiches by Eric Walters is an emotional, heartwrenching read that is derived from the author's personal experience. The novel is marketed for a middle school demographic, but I easily connected with it from an adult perspective and savoured every word. Highly recommended reading.
Robbie is thirteen years old and living with his father who suffers from a myriad of mental health issues, making life almost unbearable for his son. Robbie has one goal, to escape his father by going to university, and he meticulously counts the number of days until he can make his escape. Life changes when Harmony arrives at Robbie's school one day and, as a foster child and the daughter of an absent alcoholic mother, she quickly finds common ground with Robbie and a friendship is born.
The bond between Robbie and Harmony is strengthened by circumstance, and the resulting relationship is both tragic and heartwarming. These are two individuals you won't soon forget.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for this ARC.
Robbie is thirteen years old and living with his father who suffers from a myriad of mental health issues, making life almost unbearable for his son. Robbie has one goal, to escape his father by going to university, and he meticulously counts the number of days until he can make his escape. Life changes when Harmony arrives at Robbie's school one day and, as a foster child and the daughter of an absent alcoholic mother, she quickly finds common ground with Robbie and a friendship is born.
The bond between Robbie and Harmony is strengthened by circumstance, and the resulting relationship is both tragic and heartwarming. These are two individuals you won't soon forget.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for this ARC.
July 7, 2021
3.5 This book is clearly crafted to evoke emotion but my cold, cold heart was too aware of the work behind the emotion to fully succumb. I think what pulled me out of the story the most was Harmony's voice. I love everything she had to say but she definitely felt like an older, wiser, therapeutically trained adult rather than a teen. Especially a teen who has a whole host of her own issues. She is the detached on the outside, gooey loving center on the inside mom from "The Blind Side". If I put the characterization aside, I really liked the story and I felt a lot of worry for Robbie and his totally unsustainable plans. Also frustration because OBVIOUSLY his aunt and uncle want to hear from him!! But I get it that those kids who are just trying to survive are not thinking clearly. In the end, this story made me feel even more committed to trying to be the person who can be an ally for my students who need someone to see them.
June 27, 2021
Governor General's Award, Young People's Literature-Text, 2020. Prolific author Eric Walters has stated that The King of Jam Sandwiches is his most personal novel, and it shows. The King of Jam Sandwiches tells the story of two thirteen-year-old friends who discover that they have something in common: they're both "broken" because their parents suffer from mental illness and addiction. The King of Jam Sandwiches really illuminates the lonely experience of a child who feels a responsibility to 'cover' for the messed-up parent, which results in parentification, anger, resentment, and/or overachieving. Intended for young adults, this book might remind adults of the lack of autonomy one has in childhood, and how terrifying it is when the adult responsible for you is unstable. I've read a few Walters titles, and this one definitely has the most heart. A well-deserved win for the GG2020.
November 29, 2020
I mainly know of Walters' work in his dystopian trilogy The Rule of Thre3 . That series is incredibly popular with all of my students and I had high hopes for this read. I was not disappointed, but you should know going into it that it is NOT an adventure or dystopian read. Rather, it is a poignant look at the reality of poverty, living with someone with a mental illness, and the struggles of addiction. Reading it gives insights into what it is like to grow up with these issues but also shows how that isn't the only defining feature of one's life.
And never forget that broken crayons can still color.
And never forget that broken crayons can still color.
July 20, 2024
I always forget how sad this is until I’m reading it
April 15, 2021
Harmony and Robert are two grade eight students in hard situations. Although it's never acknowledged, It seems like Robert's single parent father is bipolar. Harmony's mom is an addict and alcoholic. They meet when Robert is asked to look after Harmony, a new student, and show her around the school. After an inauspicious first day the two become best friends. Harmony is in a good foster placement situation, while Robert, who lives with his father, is essentially on his own. In the end they save each other.
I adored these characters and you will too. I love the humour, the angst, and the honesty of this book.
I didn't know til reading the author's note at the end that this is based on Eric Walters' life. Harmony is also a real person. The two of them have remained friends to this day.
I adored these characters and you will too. I love the humour, the angst, and the honesty of this book.
I didn't know til reading the author's note at the end that this is based on Eric Walters' life. Harmony is also a real person. The two of them have remained friends to this day.
June 21, 2021
The most personal of his stories for children and young people, this book explains a lot about the Eric Walters that I (and other librarian friends) have met and hosted.
It is a book about poverty, and vulnerable children, and their drive and their resilience and their fears and their relationships.
As with many of his books that are told in the first person, it sounds more as if it is being told by an adult than by a child. But, in this story, we are finally told why.
It is well worth reading.
It is a book about poverty, and vulnerable children, and their drive and their resilience and their fears and their relationships.
As with many of his books that are told in the first person, it sounds more as if it is being told by an adult than by a child. But, in this story, we are finally told why.
It is well worth reading.
October 16, 2022
A beautiful story of resilience in the face of hardships that many can only imagine. Thank you to Eric Walters for sharing this story and reminding us all of the difference that one person who cares can make when they take the time to truly know another. A must read for all ages.
August 16, 2022
Loved this story of faith, perseverance, friendship. Deals with poverty and abuse.
January 14, 2026
A wonderful story of how friendships can get you through hardships♥️
January 29, 2022
This was a good one! Loved the authors note.
September 15, 2023
This book was in the junior fiction section of my library (not even YA, the children’s section), but it’s a great book. Really very touching book on kids with tough upbringings and friendship.
October 2, 2025
Book that i can definitely see the value in bringing into the classroom, especially within discussions about poverty, mental health, etc. Would probably use in higher grades because of a mature themes
September 17, 2022
Surprisingly restrained for Walters. You expect the story to be heartwrenchiing and depressing but it’s surprisingly hopeful.
July 17, 2020
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of The King of Jame Sandwiches in exchange for an honest review.
The King of Jam Sandwiches follows two eighth graders from messy home situations as they learn to cope and find support for themselves through each other. Walters has been very open on a lot of this being based on his own experiences, and you can tell. Occasionally hilarious and occasionally devastating, Walters tells a wonderful story here.
My main issue would probably be the setting. A lot of the characters talk and act like they exist outside of the modern setting (which considering that this draws from the author's actual childhood, they probably actually did) and the inclusion of more modern aspects really had no impact on the plot. I just don't see why this couldn't have been set a few decades earlier when Walters himself would have been a teenager so the whole 'teen speak' thing would sound more realistic.
The King of Jam Sandwiches follows two eighth graders from messy home situations as they learn to cope and find support for themselves through each other. Walters has been very open on a lot of this being based on his own experiences, and you can tell. Occasionally hilarious and occasionally devastating, Walters tells a wonderful story here.
My main issue would probably be the setting. A lot of the characters talk and act like they exist outside of the modern setting (which considering that this draws from the author's actual childhood, they probably actually did) and the inclusion of more modern aspects really had no impact on the plot. I just don't see why this couldn't have been set a few decades earlier when Walters himself would have been a teenager so the whole 'teen speak' thing would sound more realistic.
December 15, 2020
This was my first Eric Walters - and definitely not the last. This heart wrenching story touches on so many topics - mental health, foster care, abandonment, addiction, friendship and love. It's marketed for middle grade but could easily fall under YA as well.
Robbie is a 13 year-old whose dad suffers from bipolar disorder, leaving Robbie to fend for himself most of the time. When his dad is around, he's hyper critical of Robbie and verbally abusive. When Robbie meets Harmony, a foster kid who just started at his school, the unlikely pair become fast friends. Harmony's mom is an alcoholic who is in and out of treatment centres, with Harmony bouncing between foster home after foster home.
Harmony and Robbie share their secrets they keep hidden from the rest of the world, and form a friendship that each needs so badly. This book made me cry, laugh, and want to swoop into the story to adopt both kids. I was amazed at their strength and courage - I highly recommend this book.
Robbie is a 13 year-old whose dad suffers from bipolar disorder, leaving Robbie to fend for himself most of the time. When his dad is around, he's hyper critical of Robbie and verbally abusive. When Robbie meets Harmony, a foster kid who just started at his school, the unlikely pair become fast friends. Harmony's mom is an alcoholic who is in and out of treatment centres, with Harmony bouncing between foster home after foster home.
Harmony and Robbie share their secrets they keep hidden from the rest of the world, and form a friendship that each needs so badly. This book made me cry, laugh, and want to swoop into the story to adopt both kids. I was amazed at their strength and courage - I highly recommend this book.
July 14, 2021
A really tough story about two teens trying to survive difficult circumstances. Although Harmony appears to be in more dire straits since she is in foster care, it's Robbie who is actually in the most danger with his neglectful dad. But because he is covering up the issues at home and presenting the kind of face schools like to see - good grades, quiet, stays out of trouble - no one is looking deeper. Except for Harmony who sees Robbie's truth and knows how bad things are because she has lived some of them herself. I think this book could really touch some of my students and possibly make them think more about others. Although I love Harmony, I don't think her voice is an authentic teen. She sounds more like an adult social worker.
June 25, 2022
This book had a great meaning behind it and I congratulate it for winning the Red Maple. From beginning to middle, I absolutely loved it. The ending, not so much, but I still enjoyed it so ummm…
SPOILERS!!
The ending did feel a bit rushed. It skipped to when they were adults and all happy, but I still felt like I needed more information. Like yes, I’m happy you’re happy, but at least let us know how the “other story” ended or how they got to become the joyful people they are today.
SPOILERS!!
The ending did feel a bit rushed. It skipped to when they were adults and all happy, but I still felt like I needed more information. Like yes, I’m happy you’re happy, but at least let us know how the “other story” ended or how they got to become the joyful people they are today.
December 11, 2021
It was really boring
June 18, 2022
THIS WAS TOO GOOD!! The end made me cry because it was so amazing
December 10, 2024
I read this book for one of my classes in Teacher's College to learn how to lead a book club. I, however, don't think I would use this book in any of my classes.
Some people really like this book and find the value in it to bring to a classroom, I just thought it wasn't as thought provoking unless you know what to think about. If I read this as a child, I don't think I would grasp the significance of the story as much as I would as an adult. And even more so, I think that it would trigger students who may have similar relationships with their care givers.
The story focuses on Robbie who wants to just coast through life and avoid conflict with his abusive father. The rest of his family is dead except his Aunt and Uncle who don't call because Robbie's dad is an abusive man that ruined that relationship for him and Robbie. One day at school, Robbie gets forced to help a new student named Harmony who we get told is a foster kid because her mom is an alcoholic. Robbie and Harmony develop a really strong friendship (trauma bonding) and discuss anything and everything. Harmony is the first person Robbie trusts with all of his baggage and tells her about his abusive father. Harmony teaches Robbie to stick up for himself and tell his father off for being a dick. But, Robbie had this plan to camp(?) outside the city and thrive with his dog and whatever leftover food he had if his dad just decided to dip again and leave Robbie to fend for himself. Plus, he's only got like 1600 days until college. Harmony tells him that's crazy and eventually Robbie calls his Aunt and Uncle and he gets to live with them. The end.
The book felt like a lot of mini stories that happened to be in chronological order than it did a story. I know it must have been hard for Walters to write this as he lived a life similar to Robbie, but I just don't see this being as practical in the classroom as Walters wants it to be. Yes there are children who live through this life. Yes talking about this and having a discussion with students about this is important. But have you been in a classroom recently? Not one child is going to comprehend the hidden underlying story that Walters is writing about. The book is not surface level enough for the readers to read and understand without unpacking all of the contents from each chapter.
Some people really like this book and find the value in it to bring to a classroom, I just thought it wasn't as thought provoking unless you know what to think about. If I read this as a child, I don't think I would grasp the significance of the story as much as I would as an adult. And even more so, I think that it would trigger students who may have similar relationships with their care givers.
The story focuses on Robbie who wants to just coast through life and avoid conflict with his abusive father. The rest of his family is dead except his Aunt and Uncle who don't call because Robbie's dad is an abusive man that ruined that relationship for him and Robbie. One day at school, Robbie gets forced to help a new student named Harmony who we get told is a foster kid because her mom is an alcoholic. Robbie and Harmony develop a really strong friendship (trauma bonding) and discuss anything and everything. Harmony is the first person Robbie trusts with all of his baggage and tells her about his abusive father. Harmony teaches Robbie to stick up for himself and tell his father off for being a dick. But, Robbie had this plan to camp(?) outside the city and thrive with his dog and whatever leftover food he had if his dad just decided to dip again and leave Robbie to fend for himself. Plus, he's only got like 1600 days until college. Harmony tells him that's crazy and eventually Robbie calls his Aunt and Uncle and he gets to live with them. The end.
The book felt like a lot of mini stories that happened to be in chronological order than it did a story. I know it must have been hard for Walters to write this as he lived a life similar to Robbie, but I just don't see this being as practical in the classroom as Walters wants it to be. Yes there are children who live through this life. Yes talking about this and having a discussion with students about this is important. But have you been in a classroom recently? Not one child is going to comprehend the hidden underlying story that Walters is writing about. The book is not surface level enough for the readers to read and understand without unpacking all of the contents from each chapter.
July 30, 2020
I have a long and wonderful history with the books of Eric Walters. I've been reading his work for nearly 17 years, and I consider him to be my all-time favourite author. "The King of Jam Sandwiches" is his upcoming release, and I was both ecstatic and absolutely honoured to receive an e-ARC copy from Orca Book Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story of "The King of Jam Sandwiches" follows 13-year-old Robbie, He's smart and studious, with a largely absent father who can sometimes disappear for days at a time, leaving Robbie to fend for himself. When he first meets Harmony, the tough new girl at his school, she punches him in the face. Little do both of them know however that the punch will be the start of an unlikely but important friendship.
Before the novel even begins, we're made aware of the fact that this is a deeply personal story for the author, and reading the book with that information in mind definitely helped to put things into perspective for me.
This is a very heavy, unflinching, but ultimately hopeful story and as with all of Eric Walters's books, it's masterfully written. I truly sympathized and empathized with both Robbie and Harmony as characters and it was a joy to see their friendship develop into something true and genuine, in spite of their respective circumstances.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Eric Walters is truly a Canadian treasure, and I consider myself lucky to have grown up with his books. With "The King of Jam Sandwiches" he's crafted his most personal-- and one of his most compelling and unforgettable--story to date. I truly loved this book and I think it's a story that everyone should read!
"The King of Jam Sandwiches" is scheduled for publication on September 22, 2020. Thank you to both Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book early!
The story of "The King of Jam Sandwiches" follows 13-year-old Robbie, He's smart and studious, with a largely absent father who can sometimes disappear for days at a time, leaving Robbie to fend for himself. When he first meets Harmony, the tough new girl at his school, she punches him in the face. Little do both of them know however that the punch will be the start of an unlikely but important friendship.
Before the novel even begins, we're made aware of the fact that this is a deeply personal story for the author, and reading the book with that information in mind definitely helped to put things into perspective for me.
This is a very heavy, unflinching, but ultimately hopeful story and as with all of Eric Walters's books, it's masterfully written. I truly sympathized and empathized with both Robbie and Harmony as characters and it was a joy to see their friendship develop into something true and genuine, in spite of their respective circumstances.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Eric Walters is truly a Canadian treasure, and I consider myself lucky to have grown up with his books. With "The King of Jam Sandwiches" he's crafted his most personal-- and one of his most compelling and unforgettable--story to date. I truly loved this book and I think it's a story that everyone should read!
"The King of Jam Sandwiches" is scheduled for publication on September 22, 2020. Thank you to both Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book early!
October 26, 2020
Eighth grader Robbie is a great kid...an A student, polite, a loyal friend, but he has secrets, and lots of them. His father is mentally ill and is an unreliable and abusive parent. But, Robbie's dad is the only parent he has. His mother died when he was four and since then, Robbie has been the 'adult' in the family. He takes care of household chores, cooks, cleans, and even has a part-time job. Nobody knows how dysfunctional his home life is though, not even his aunt and uncle who live close by.
Enter new student, Harmony. She's been in and out of foster care for a long time. Her mother is an alcoholic and druggie who can't manage to get it under control. Harmony is fiesty, snarky, and mad at the world. However, Robbie's teacher 'assigns' him to be Harmony's guide at school. Getting off to a rocky start, the pair eventually figure out that they have a lot in common. And...they share those secrets that have been bottled up inside of them for a long time. They become each other's protectors and confidantes. Which gives them both the confidence they needed to reach out to those that can help.
The King of Jam Sandwiches is both gut-wrenching and uplifting. It is an important book for tweens to read...either because they may see themselves in part of it or they may now be aware of other's pain and what to look for to be a good friend to those that are hurting. Loosely based on the author's life, Eric Walters should be commended for writing a difficult, yet important story that just might be the impetus a kid needs to speak up and move on. I highly recommend it.
I give it 4 1/2 stars.
Thank you LibraryThing Early Reviewers, Orca Book Publishers, Kennedy Cullen, and Eric Walters for this ARC.
Enter new student, Harmony. She's been in and out of foster care for a long time. Her mother is an alcoholic and druggie who can't manage to get it under control. Harmony is fiesty, snarky, and mad at the world. However, Robbie's teacher 'assigns' him to be Harmony's guide at school. Getting off to a rocky start, the pair eventually figure out that they have a lot in common. And...they share those secrets that have been bottled up inside of them for a long time. They become each other's protectors and confidantes. Which gives them both the confidence they needed to reach out to those that can help.
The King of Jam Sandwiches is both gut-wrenching and uplifting. It is an important book for tweens to read...either because they may see themselves in part of it or they may now be aware of other's pain and what to look for to be a good friend to those that are hurting. Loosely based on the author's life, Eric Walters should be commended for writing a difficult, yet important story that just might be the impetus a kid needs to speak up and move on. I highly recommend it.
I give it 4 1/2 stars.
Thank you LibraryThing Early Reviewers, Orca Book Publishers, Kennedy Cullen, and Eric Walters for this ARC.
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September 14, 2020The King of Jam Sandwiches by Eric Walters is a middle grade novel about a boy named Robbie, who is living with an unstable father. Robbie knows that his father is unstable, and he has learned how to live with his father. It is also about Harmony, who came to school because of a foster home, and has a lot in common with Robbie. They become fast friends after a quick dispute, understanding one another more than either have been understood in their lives.
I thought these were strong, well crafted characters, who had details about themselves that told us who they were beyond the plot. I wish we'd been given physical descriptions of the characters or the city, as there were none and I was left wondering what these characters looked like, but this is a minor gripe.
I liked the plot and the pacing of this novel, and I think this will resonate well with kids, whether it's kids who are in similar positions as Robbie or Harmony, or whether it's someone who will gain an understanding of someone's life.
There were times when I wished the novel would have touched a bit more on mental health. It was clear to me that the father in this novel had bipolar disorder. Robbie himself seemed to realize this but not have a name for it. I wanted there to be some hint that mental illness does not make people a bad parent - whether alcoholism or bipolar disorder, these are things that can be medicated, or a person can be in therapy for. We do get a hint of this at the bouncer/bartender that tells Robbie and Harmony about his own alcoholic mother who has been in recovery for many years, but I wish there'd been more about that.
I thought these were strong, well crafted characters, who had details about themselves that told us who they were beyond the plot. I wish we'd been given physical descriptions of the characters or the city, as there were none and I was left wondering what these characters looked like, but this is a minor gripe.
I liked the plot and the pacing of this novel, and I think this will resonate well with kids, whether it's kids who are in similar positions as Robbie or Harmony, or whether it's someone who will gain an understanding of someone's life.
There were times when I wished the novel would have touched a bit more on mental health. It was clear to me that the father in this novel had bipolar disorder. Robbie himself seemed to realize this but not have a name for it. I wanted there to be some hint that mental illness does not make people a bad parent - whether alcoholism or bipolar disorder, these are things that can be medicated, or a person can be in therapy for. We do get a hint of this at the bouncer/bartender that tells Robbie and Harmony about his own alcoholic mother who has been in recovery for many years, but I wish there'd been more about that.
May 18, 2021
Eric Walters has written more than eighty books, and I’ve read more than a few of them, but I feel this may be his best, most powerful and most important contribution. It’s also definitely not just a middle-grade novel. It can and should reach high schoolers as well (and educators, and parents).
Not just so that students struggling with poverty and incompetent or abusive parents – and students who lack the confidence or encouragement to make something of themselves – can see themselves in a story. But so that students who share classes with individuals desperately trying to hide all that from their peers, might gain insight and discover empathy for how the other half lives.
Despite the challenges the two main characters face, they connect because their lives have forced them to become watchful, tough, distrustful and resourceful. Those are instincts that bring them together, along with a mutual need for support. They don’t connect easily or smoothly, especially given that they are opposite personalities, but that supplies the tension, humor and poignancy of the story. It also leads to complementary strengths and weaknesses, and therefore a knack for whoever’s up helping whoever’s down, in turns, and in a way through which they learn from one another, and the reader learns from them. It is based partly on the author’s life, which makes it all the more heart-wrenching and meaningful.
No spoilers here. Just an urge to read it. You’ll never take a jam sandwich – or comfortable, loving home – for granted again.
This review also appears on www.YAdudebooks.ca
Not just so that students struggling with poverty and incompetent or abusive parents – and students who lack the confidence or encouragement to make something of themselves – can see themselves in a story. But so that students who share classes with individuals desperately trying to hide all that from their peers, might gain insight and discover empathy for how the other half lives.
Despite the challenges the two main characters face, they connect because their lives have forced them to become watchful, tough, distrustful and resourceful. Those are instincts that bring them together, along with a mutual need for support. They don’t connect easily or smoothly, especially given that they are opposite personalities, but that supplies the tension, humor and poignancy of the story. It also leads to complementary strengths and weaknesses, and therefore a knack for whoever’s up helping whoever’s down, in turns, and in a way through which they learn from one another, and the reader learns from them. It is based partly on the author’s life, which makes it all the more heart-wrenching and meaningful.
No spoilers here. Just an urge to read it. You’ll never take a jam sandwich – or comfortable, loving home – for granted again.
This review also appears on www.YAdudebooks.ca
December 1, 2020
5 stars
Within the first few sentences of this book, you can sense that something isn’t right. Robbie, our main character, starkly describes being woken up by his delusional (and probably manic) father who claims to be dying. Not only does he claim to be dying, but he apparently does this A LOT. Robbie, who pretty much has the patience of a saint, attempts to calm him down; instead his father continues on for half the night dragging poor Robbie along for the ride. It’s a heart-wrenching scene and the matter-of-factness that Robbie takes it as only makes it more heartbreaking. Robbie goes on to describe his father’s precarious moods and disturbingly erratic behavior, which drives Robbie to attempt to control everything else.
The very next day. Robbie meets Harmony, a new student at his middle school. Harmony, whose troubled past includes a chronically-addicted mother and a string of foster homes, forms an almost instant connection with Robbie and honestly it’s the best friendship ever. Unlike a lot of other books featuring children in foster care, Harmony reluctantly admits that her foster home is a much better situation than being with her mom, yet she can’t deny that she ultimately wants to be with her. The amount of support and understanding they lend to one another is pretty epic, especially since they are only in eighth grade. Although the pair go through some serious ups and downs throughout the book, they learn a lot about asking for help.
- Miss Krystal
Within the first few sentences of this book, you can sense that something isn’t right. Robbie, our main character, starkly describes being woken up by his delusional (and probably manic) father who claims to be dying. Not only does he claim to be dying, but he apparently does this A LOT. Robbie, who pretty much has the patience of a saint, attempts to calm him down; instead his father continues on for half the night dragging poor Robbie along for the ride. It’s a heart-wrenching scene and the matter-of-factness that Robbie takes it as only makes it more heartbreaking. Robbie goes on to describe his father’s precarious moods and disturbingly erratic behavior, which drives Robbie to attempt to control everything else.
The very next day. Robbie meets Harmony, a new student at his middle school. Harmony, whose troubled past includes a chronically-addicted mother and a string of foster homes, forms an almost instant connection with Robbie and honestly it’s the best friendship ever. Unlike a lot of other books featuring children in foster care, Harmony reluctantly admits that her foster home is a much better situation than being with her mom, yet she can’t deny that she ultimately wants to be with her. The amount of support and understanding they lend to one another is pretty epic, especially since they are only in eighth grade. Although the pair go through some serious ups and downs throughout the book, they learn a lot about asking for help.
- Miss Krystal
August 6, 2020
My advanced and mature fourth grade students would really like this book. Some of the issues and relationships explored reminded me of the characters in The Tiger Rising and The Great Gilly Hopkins. I think it is important for young readers to learn about grief and the struggles of others to gain empathy and understanding. It was heartbreaking to read that the author drew from his own life experiences in telling the story of Robbie and what he experienced growing up. This is a different type of survival story and one that is unfortunately relatable to some children. I liked how the friendship between Robbie and Harmony grew and developed as they helped one another cope with their everyday lives. This book showcased the sad reality of some kids having to grow up very fast because of their circumstances whether it be living with a troubled parent or being in the foster care system. Such a powerful story that should be included in classrooms. Wouldn't be surprised if this garners some awards!
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