Customer Reviews

Jack on the Tracks: Four Seasons of Fifth Grade (Jack Henry Adventures)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

If you know a reluctant reader in the 10-12 year old age bracket, this is the perfect title to change their mind about books. As a teacher, I've watched sixth grade boys (girls too!) snort and literally fall out of their chairs in fits of laughter over this one--for some it is the first book they have truthfully read cover to cover. No skimming. No fake reading. Pure enjoyment. Comprehension shoots up dramatically for these kids. They can't wait to meet to talk about Jack. They'll gladly reread their favorite misadventure to a friend--and with new found fluency. You can't imagine how wonderful it is to see your weaker readers standing in line for lunch saying, "Did you get to the part yet where . . . That book is SO funny!" Jack is their hero, living out their secret fantasy, when he drops a cockroach in the mouth of his sleeping sister.

Having said that, I feel I must address the concerns of the other educators who have written reviews here. Yes, Jack pulls a few stunts that might raise an eyebrow. He may not be a top-notch role model, but this is why children love him. He has a Bart Simpson type appeal-- slightly deviant, but lovable, and he often DOES suffer from the consequences of his poor judgement. Teachers who feel this is inappropriate because a child might immitate these episodes are not living in the same world as their students. This book is like an installment of the Wonderful World of Disney compared to the video games, movies, magazines, and regular television most children are entertained by for hour upon hour. You can't sanitize everything for children--what a pleasure killer. And I have NEVER met a twelve year old child who thought it would be safe to lie down in front of a train. Sit down and ask one if you are not sure. Reading should be fun--children do not have the same taste in books as their middle-aged, well-intentioned teachers.

I am a 5th grade teacher. I ordered Jack on the Tracks for my class. I have just wasted my money. I cannot use these books in my classroom. I was reviewing through this book before using it in class, when I saw the chapter entitled "Adults Only." I could NOT believe that an author would put in a ten and eleven year old book the topics of PORNO and STRIPTEASE! Not to mention a lot of other inappropriate parts in the book.

I am thinking of starting a bonfire now!

I enjoyed Jack on the Tracks. As always, Gantos creates a fun mix of humor and tragedy (read Jack's Black Book, the best in the series). To address one reviewer's comments: yes, Jack does accidentally kill his cats often. However, the book's approach isn't heartless. I recall Jack tried very hard not to cry in front of his family at the death of his pet. Writing about the death of household pets isn't neccesarily cruel. I don't think Gantos meant to include the subject matter as comedial; he probably found it realistic. How often does a pet-owner lose his pets to accidents? Probably not as often as Jack, but you see my point.

That said, read the book.

I bought this book for my 11 year old daughter. She's an avid reader -- books delight her and cause her to get in trouble when she's supposed to be sleeping or getting ready for school.

She was reading this past sleepy Sunday afternoon and asked me what "porno" and "striptease" means. WHAT?! Where did my ELEVEN year old child learn these words? She turned to pages 140-141 of Jack on the Tracks and there they were! I am deeply disappointed in an author who feels these are suitable words to use in a CHILD'S book.

Please keep in mind that I am a very open parent. When my child asks me what lesbian means or the true details of how babies are made, I don't hesitate. But how on earth do I explain porno and striptease to an 11 year old? I shouldn't have to at her age!!!

I bought the book because it seemed like a fun, lighthearted read. Well, the book is well-written, I'll give it that, but it is completely outrageous (inappropriate)!! I can't believe this is written for a 5th grade audience. Basically, the poor kid is abused by his sister, parents, and friends and it is supposed to be funny, but it's really just sick. And the events are disrespectful and over the top. Topics include suicidal ideation, drinking, nudity, trying to see nudity, dangerous behaviors, and abuse.

I was so excited to see Jack on the Tracks available for Kindle. I read it to my son at least 3 times when he was younger (he's 16 now). We still remember it fondly. Both of us laughed hard and shed some tears over this book. Some of the other reviewers have been het up about inappropriate humor in the book. Is it a little racy? Yes. Is there anything in this book your kid hasn't heard before? Doubtful. Is there subject matter you'd like to cover with your child yourself while reading an insightful and entertaining book? I sure hope so!

I am an open-minded parent. A friend recommended this book. Thankfully I skimmed it before I had my son read it. Adults Only chapter? Porno? It will be too soon before my children have to face the world the way it is, and I do not want them to have to find out that Santa is not real, or what pornography is yet! They grow up too fast as it is. This book does not help. I found it very strange that a children's author would include this type of subject.

Jack on the tracks is and awesome book and I think everyone should read it!!! I don't want to give any of the book away but if you read this you will be howling with laughter after the first few chapters!!!!!!!!!! I loved this book so much that I'm writing 2 reports on it for school. A salute to Jack Gantos for writing a great book!!!!!

Jack on the Tracks is a funny book . If you enjoy anything funny then this is a good book to read . My favorite part is when Jack was watching the news and lightningstruck their t.v. Jacks mom was screaming her head off while smoke was coming out of their t.v. Or when his cat froze to death because it got stck in the freezer.If anyone enjoys a good laugh I would recommend this book to them .

Jack on the Tracks was a hilarious book.I can relate to Jack, at times. Like when Miss Kitty got ran over by a train, my cat got ran over by a car. O.K., maybe I can't relate, but thats not my point. I had a lot of favorite parts, but my all time favorite part was when the family found Miss Kitty the third frozen in the refridgerator. By the end of the chapter I thought I needed a breathing tube I was laughing so hard. As you can see, I loved this book, and I'd bet you'd love it too!