J.T. [Paperback]

Jane Wagner (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

To the guys on the block, J.T. is the kid who stole the radio out of the red convertible before they could get to it. His neighbor, Mrs. Morris, declares him a first-class nuisance. His mother is bewildered -- "He's just gone bad, that's all.... Stealin' and lyin' and I don't know what all." But all the sensitivity, responsibility, and care of which ten-year-old J.T. Gamble is capable emerges when he finds an old, one-eyed, badly hurt alley cat. J.T. takes on a new dimension as he lavishes all the love he is unable to express to people around him on the battered cat he has found in the junk-filled empty lot.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

To the guys on the block, J.T. is the kid who stole the radio out of the red convertible before they could get to it. His neighbor, Mrs. Morris, declares him a first-class nuisance. His mother is bewildered -- "He's just gone bad, that's all.... Stealin' and lyin' and I don't know what all." But all the sensitivity, responsibility, and care of which ten-year-old J.T. Gamble is capable emerges when he finds an old, one-eyed, badly hurt alley cat. J.T. takes on a new dimension as he lavishes all the love he is unable to express to people around him on the battered cat he has found in the junk-filled empty lot.

From the Inside Flap

To the guys on the block, J.T. is the kid who stole the radio out of the red convertible before they could get to it. His neighbor, Mrs. Morris, declares him a first-class nuisance. His mother is bewildered -- "He's just gone bad, that's all.... Stealin' and lyin' and I don't know what all." But all the sensitivity, responsibility, and care of which ten-year-old J.T. Gamble is capable emerges when he finds an old, one-eyed, badly hurt alley cat. J.T. takes on a new dimension as he lavishes all the love he is unable to express to people around him on the battered cat he has found in the junk-filled empty lot.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (July 15, 1972)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440442753
• ISBN-13: 978-0440442752
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.3 x 7.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #144,894 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great influence, May 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: J.T. (Paperback)

I was a 4th grader in a lot of trouble and detached from school. Our librarian gave this book to me and I read it hundreds of times that year and the next. I rememberd it only recently. I now work as an international photojournalist and assume that Gordon Parks images kept me intersted in literacy as a child and had a profound impact on the course of my current career. This book was to me what the kitten was to J.T.- a saviour.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars i have never forgotten this book, April 22, 2002

By 

A. Donato "andriagirlie" (Baltimore, MD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: J.T. (Paperback)

in elementary school we actually watched this as a movie too. this was one of the most profound books that i have ever read. it would make me sob! but it is such a great book to encourage compassion and remind "tough" children that it is ok to be tender and to show that you love something...

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for reluctant readers, March 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: J.T. (Paperback)

I have used J.T. for years to reach reluctant readers. The pictures and dialogue give an easy context for lower readers to decode and comprehend the text. J.T. is a wonderful character that anyone can relate to. The copies I have are falling apart from much use and love.