Smoke

by Mavis Jukes

When Colton’s mom tells him that they’re moving from Idaho Falls to northern California, Colt is sad, but he takes it like a man. At least he’ll have one friend to keep him company – Smoke, the twenty-pound black Maine coon cat that Colt’s dad gave him when he was little. With his dad gone most of the year riding bulls on the rodeo circuit, sometimes it feels like Smoke is their only connection. So when Smoke doesn’t come home after Colt lets him out in the middle of the night, nothing else in Colt’s world seems to matter anymore. But on the dark and stormy evening when Colt sets off alone to find his missing cat, he’s in for more danger than even the son of a fearless bull rider could have dreamed of. A captivating look at cowboys, courage, and community, this is a tender tale about family and friends pulling together, and what it really means to be a man.

Genres: Animals, Juvenile, Cats, Childrens

176 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2008

About the author

Mavis Jukes (born May 3, 1947 in Nyack, New York), is an American author of novels for children. She has also published nonfiction books for children and pre-teens about puberty. Her books are usually health-based.

Before becoming an author, Jukes was a lawyer and a teacher. Her first book, No One is Going to Nashville, was published in 1983. She lives with her husband, the sculptor and painter Robert H. Hudson, and their daughters in Sonoma County, California. She is the daughter of Thomas Hughes Jukes, a famous molecular biologist and nutritionist, who pioneered the use of methotrexate as a new cancer therapy and was one of the first to formulate the neutral theory of molecular evolution.

She received the Newbery Honor distinction in 1985 for her book Like Jake and Me.

Reviews

[Amy Layton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great middle grade read on masculinity, loss of a pet, and lack of a steady father figure.  Where Colton attempts to find some semblance of normalcy in a town he doesn't like and with kids he doesn't know, he finds struggles and strife.  And when his pet Smoke goes missing, his life furthers descends into shambles at the same time it seems to be getting better.  He's making friends, he's joined a soccer team!  But what does it matter if Smoke is gone?

And alongside this overt plot comes the subtle discussion of cowboys, ghost stories, and mountain lions.  At times it was tender, hopeful, and even scary.  Definitely a great book for the reader who loves a little bit of the outdoors and the almost-supernatural.

Review cross-listed here!

[Carolina Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este libro lo agarre 100% por la portada, ya después vi que era juvenil. De entrada me pareció muy plano, de hecho no es muy emocionante, es más anecdótico que nada. Me gustó para practicar el ingles ya que aprendí mucho vocabulario de pesca y rodeo... La historia es muy americana, los papas divorciados, los familiares veteranos de guerra o piloto, cowboys, la pesca, mudarse a un nuevo estado... En fin, la historia es sencilla pero bonita. Me gusto la inclusión natural de los personajes, el tío del chico protagonista es gay y ni siquiera se detienen a explicarlo, solamente vive con su pareja y ya con eso es más que obvio, no se enfocan en ello ni le dan peso, lo cual se siente muy natural, igual que se mencionen tantos compañeros latinos en la escuela del chico siendo uno de ellos mejor amigo de Colt, el protagonista; y Jared que evidentemente tiene asperger pero no lo mencionan, ese niño es el que le da sabor a partes del libro porque es brutalmente honesto, jajaja. Tanto en la escuela como en el rancho se siente una comunidad muy cooperativa y saludable. Por eso es algo aburrido, aquí no hay malos, todos son gente común haciendo lo que todos intentamos, ser productivos y buenos compañeros o vecinos.
Ah! si, y hay un gato maine coon negro llamado Smoke.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, my first read of the year. It was sweet, and a quick read. If you’re reading this review, take it with a grain of salt. I am an 18 year old English major. And this is a middle-grade story.

Overall, Smoke is a nice story, but nothing special. A quick coming of age story that takes place in Southern California. By quick, I mean my copy was less than 200 pages. I felt like the author could have added a lot more, but just gave up. The ending was awkward and almost felt rushed after the climax.

I would give this to a 5th or 6th grader to read (maybe 3rd or 4th at advanced reading level), especially if they liked cowboys. A nice read for kids, but a skip if you’re an adult looking for an easy middle grade read.

[Jen Sampietro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Local author who is a teacher at a high school in Santa Rosa! I loved this book. It’s definitely targeted toward younger teens but it involves so many of life’s hardships and milestones. The kitty on the cover, Smoke, looks identical to my own cat so I was on pins and needles when he went missing. It’s a super quick read and has enough grit to keep you reading it in one sitting. Nothing groundbreaking, the writing contains a few too many exclamation marks, but all in all it was pretty great!

[Sandra Jackson - Alawine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story with a happy ending.

When Colton moves from Idaho to California he has a hard time adjusting. Even though he is making new friends he misses his Grandfather and Father. His cat Smoke means everything to him, not only is Smoke his best friend he was a gift from his Father. When Smoke goes missing he is heartbroken. His new friends pull together to help find Smoke, but the longer Smoke is gone the more hopeless Colton feels. One night when he is alone at the house he thinks he hears a meow and goes to investigate. Thinking he hears a cougar he hides in an abandoned house on the property. Fearful of the cougar and the ghost that haunts the abandoned house, Colton doesn't respond when rescuers knock on the door of the abandoned house. His Dad who happens to be driving through the area finds him, but sadly the rescuers also found a large dead cat. Colton is desolate thinking it is Smoke, but his Mom's new boyfriend goes to look at the cat and discovers it was a Mother Cat, he finds her kittens nearby and rescues them. He leaves one with Colton and he takes the other to find a good home for it. At first Colton is going to refuse the kitten but then his best friend Madison shows up with unbelievable news. Not only does Colton decide to keep the kitten he arranges for Madison to have the other kitten. Boy is someone going to be in for a surprise when they finally get home.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read picture books by Mavis Jukes, but didn't even know she'd written a chapter book until I came upon this one. I have to say, I enjoyed it very much. The text seemed written as if for a picture book--in short sentences and brief dialogue. However, the style suited the voice of the main character, Colton, who commmunicates that way and keeps most of his thoughts to himself. In addition, the style of the writing moved the plot along, zipping your way through the short sentences and snappy dialogue. The story is about a boy whose parents are separated, and who has to move away from all he knows in Idaho to a farm in California, where everything is new. Colton misses his father, a rodeo champion, and resents his mother's new boyfriend. He has a lot of adjustments to make.

What I didn't understand is why the title of the book is the name of Colton's cat, Smoke. Smoke is never a central character, and disappears halfway through the book. The kitty must have symbolized something, but I don't know what. Anyway, the book had a happy ending, and I couldn't put it down, and I enjoyed it very much, so I recommend it to anyone who wants a pleasant, quick read.

[carissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommended Ages: grades 4-6

When Colton’s mom tells him that they’re moving from Idaho Falls to northern California, Colt is sad, but he takes it like a man. At least he’ll have one friend to keep him company – Smoke, the twenty-pound black Maine coon cat that Colt’s dad gave him when he was little. With his dad gone most of the year riding bulls on the rodeo circuit, sometimes it feels like Smoke is their only connection. So when Smoke doesn’t come home after Colt lets him out in the middle of the night, nothing else in Colt’s world seems to matter anymore. But on the dark and stormy evening when Colt sets off alone to find his missing cat, he’s in for more danger than even the son of a fearless bull rider could have dreamed of.

Simple story with simple characters, and yet it is very believable. Kids who like cats and cowboys will enjoy this book. There is also a scary ghost story, which will actually give you chills.

[Debra Goodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Colton moves with his mother from rural Idaho to a farming community in California with his Cat Smoke. He misses his dad, who travels in Rodeos, and struggles with his mom's disapproval of his dad and with his mom's new love interests. The story is a bit awkwardly written. For example, we don't meet the title character, Smoke, until well into the story. We find out offhandedly that Colton was a baseball Allstar in Idaho rather than at the beginning. Some telling rather than showing (i.e. p. 35). Could be a good book to explore these issues. But the story grows on you and did keep me reading. There is an element of humor and themes of families and caring. Also ghost stories, ranching, etc. It is a short novel about a 12 year old boy, may appeal middle grades. Curious if it connects with city kids.

[Talia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colton is moving to California from Idaho with his divorced Mom and his beloved cat Smoke to live on his uncle’s farm. At first, living in California isn’t so bad. Colton makes friends, starts playing soccer (although baseball is better), and there’s a cute girl who rides with Colton to school. But when Smoke becomes lost, Colton starts thinking about all he’s left behind: his rodeo-loving dad, his beloved grandfather, life in Idaho in general. And when Colton tries to find Smoke one stormy night, he finds out about courage in facing fears, both imaginary and ones he faces in life.

A cool cowboy-y story that guys will probably like. While the action level is pretty low (until the stormy night scenes), this is a very relaxed, well-written book.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colton (Colt) and his mother move to a California ranch to try something different for a year or so. Colt isn't really happy about this but he wants his mother to be happy. As long as Smoke, the family's huge, black Maine Coon cat goes along. And he does. But in the midst of all the change, Smoke goes out exploring one night and doesn't return. Having to get used to a new place, friends, and school is hard enough. But having to worry about his missing cat is almost too much. Will Smoke come home? Read and find out.

Animal lovers will really enjoy this book. And the good news is that Smoke comes home unharmed! I almost didn't read it until someone else promised me that he didn't die!

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colton and his Mom are leaving Idaho and Colton isn't thrilled about it. He'll be leaving his Grandpa and the place he loves and he'll probably see even less of his professional bull riding Dad. But California turns out to be okay mostly; he likes his teacher and is making friends. He's not so happy about the friendly neighbor though; his Mom is trying a little too hard to make him like Angelo. But nothing seems right after Colton's cat, Smoke, goes out one night and doesn't return - Colton's not sure about staying in California now or anything else for that matter.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Smoke is Colton's huge black cat. His dad, Jesse is an untamable rodeo bullrider that his mother has given up on. She is moving Colton to California to start a farm on land her uncle is giving her. It is hard for Colton to leave Idaho, his grandad and the life he had in Idaho. He does understand that his mom needs to make a new life and starts up school the best he can and becomes friends with a couple of kids and joins into the local activities making a new home for himself. Everything is turned upside down when his beloved Smoke disappears.

[Mathew White · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the books I picked up while checking out used books stores and thrift shops in Boston and Orlando. I thought there'd be a little more focus on the main character's cat, as its name is also the title of the book. Maybe I missed something? Anyway, it's a decent read. An illustration or two would've been welcome, but more importantly, I felt like the story meandered all over the place. Hmm... I'll leave it up to my students to decide.

[Mrs. Hassig · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart went out to the boy in this book. Moving from Idaho to California had to be rough and then to lose a pet that was your one true connection to your old home and family. I've never seen a Coon Cat in person, but they must be huge!! 6th or 7th grade students would like this book. He was fortunate to have wonderful adults in his life particularly his teachers!!

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Colt has to move to California with his mom, leaving everything that he loves behind in Idaho; everything that is except for his cat, Smoke. Colt loves his pet and he thinks that Smoke is the only thing that loves him.

[Jasmine Rockwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I feel that the voice of the main character is authentic and real. And even though I'm allergic to cats and so is my husband, the images of Smoke that the author creates makes me want to own a Maine coon cat.

[Holly]

March 31, 2009

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is a pretty straight forward book. it never dwells on anything too long and moves quickly through the events of a boy moving from Idaho to California. good, not great.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little slow, a little distant, not as engaging as I had hoped. Colt is a nice enough character, but I wish he had a little more oomph.

[Buckham Kids Library]

Cats

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

MT Reader Selector 2010-2011

[darnfeinbookthoughts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Accidentally reread this. Ok- I liked Colton but the story line was a little weak.