Jack's Black Book (Jack Henry) (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

At the end of seventh grade, Jack Henry decides to write a novel in this third collection of interlinked stories. Ages 10-up. (Sept.) r
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-7. Gantos's third book about Jack Henry (Heads or Tails [1994]; Jack's New Power [1995, both Farrar]) continues the wacky adventures of 13-year-old Jack in a series of three interlinked stories. Back in Florida, Jack decides that becoming a writer will allow him to turn his worst experiences, and he has many, into money. He flubs his IQ test, nearly flunks wood shop, almost gets a date with a beautiful girl, visits a fortune teller, digs up his dead dog not once but twice, and copes with members of an off-kilter family who constantly remind him of his stupidity. Through it all, Jack manages to barrel forward, self-esteem intact, with high expectations and crazy schemes. Based on Gantos's own trials and tribulations growing up in Barbados and Florida, the narrative sparkles with wit and, although exaggerated, rings with the authenticity of adolescent humor, embarrassment, and fascination with the absolutely gross. The dog coffin scenes, with maggots and rats, would no doubt sell the book to middle-grade boys. Zany characters, good pacing, lots of humor, and a touch of romance make this a quick, fun read.?Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); 1st edition (August 30, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374336628
• ISBN-13: 978-0374336622
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #885,109 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Maggie's Review, February 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Jack's Black Book: What Happens When You Flunk an IQ Test? (Jack Henry) (Paperback)

I had never read a book by Jack Gantos before. He came to my school as a visiting author, and I thought he was hysterical! He told us many stories about his life as a kid. Our school was selling books by him and I decided I would by this one. My brother also got a Rotten Ralph book. When I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. I finished this book in about two days. His books are really funny because I know that they are true, and they are what kids our age (10-13) like to laugh about. This book I thought was very hysterical and I think you should read it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Perseverance of Jack, February 3, 2000

By	Moira (Florida State University) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jack's Black Book: What Happens When You Flunk an IQ Test? (Jack Henry) (Paperback)

A seventh-grade male, Jack, encounters many obstacles when he tries to succeed in school and write his own novel. Jack's family and teachers do not believe he can do well in anything that requires brains. Continually Jack tries to turn the tough situations he faces into material for an award-winning book. When Jack tries to meet a girl, you'll laugh, when he describes his moments with his silly dog, Beau-Beau III, you'll laugh harder, and when he meets an escaped convict, you'll laugh even harder and louder! This novel shows how Jack, although lonely, and without anyone's support, can still achieve his dreams.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jack's Black Book, October 5, 2004

By	jarede123 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jack's Black Book: What Happens When You Flunk an IQ Test? (Jack Henry) (Paperback)

"Then the odor of rotting BeauBeau hit me, I could feel my face contorting as if someone were trying to rip it off, and I began to gag."
This quote is from Jack's Black Book. This a story about a young boy, Jack Henry, who wants to become a writer, but when he takes the IQ test it says that he is not smart enough to do anything but manual labor. The book tells all about what kind of troubles and adventures he gets into over the summer, and never giving up on his dream of becoming a writer.
Jack Gantos also writes other stories about fictional events, however his tales about Jack Henry are all true events that happened to him during his childhood. He also writes children's books. Some of his other books include tales of Joey Pigza.
My recommendation for this book is for anyone who has a sense of humor and needs a good laugh, but isn't too light at the stomach. Girls or boys would enjoy this book. Probably this would be more organized under children's literature. Personally, this is one of the best books I've ever read.