Jack's Black Book - (Jack Henry) by Jack Gantos (Paperback)

About the Book

From the Newbery Medal-winning author of Dead End in Norvelt, the uproarious final volume of Jack Henry stories

Book Synopsis

From the Newbery Medal-winning author of Dead End in Norvelt, the uproarious final volume of Jack Henry stories

According to his new motto--A WRITER'S JOB IS TO TURN HIS WORST EXPERIENCES INTO MONEY--Jack Gantos's alter ego Jack Henry is going to be filty rich even before he gets out of junior high, for his life is filled with the worst experiences imaginable. For instance, in the course of the few months covered in this closing cycle of interlinked stories, Jack is humiliated by a gorgeous syncronized swimmer, gets a tattoo the size of an ant on his big toe, flubs an IQ test and nearly fails wood shop, and has to dig up his dead dog not once but twice. And that's not the half of it!

At the close of this final book of semi-autobiographical stories, Jack may not end up rolling in dough, but he will prove once again "a survivor, an 'everyboy' whose world may be wacko but whose heart and spirit are eminently sane" (School Library Journal).

This title has Common Core connections.

Review Quotes

"These are the unsaid things that go on inside kids' brains." --Rosie, age 11

"Twisted, revolting, and hilarious." --Randy Powell, author of Is Kissing a Girl Who Smokes Like Licking an Ashtray?

"I suggest you read this book." --Tristan, age 14

"The narrative sparkles with wit and . . . rings with the authenticity of adolescent humor, embarrassment, and fascination with the absolutely gross . . . Zany characters, good pacing, lots of humor, and a touch of romance make this a quick, fun read." --School Library Journal

"Enough descriptive disaster to satisfy youngsters looking for a gross-out . . . Good solid writing, and a bizarre plot that even reluctant adults can't help but appreciate." --The Horn Book

About the Author

Jack Gantos has written books for people of all ages, from picture books and middle-grade fiction to novels for young adults and adults. His works include Hole in My Life, a memoir that won the Michael L. Printz and Robert F. Sibert Honors; the Joey Pigza series, which include a Newbery Honor book and a National Book Award Finalist; Dead End in Norvelt, winner of the Newbery Medal and the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction; and the Rotten Ralph series.