It's not easy fitting in at a new school. It's even harder to be yourself.
A warm and funny story about making new friends and being yourself. Perfect for young fans of Wonder and Frank Cottrell-Boyce.
Jack knows LOTS about starting a new school. In the last four years he's moved house ten times.
He also knows all about fitting in. The trick is to act exactly like everyone else and make sure no one ever notices him. But it's hard work pretending to be something he isn't and Jack doesn't have any good friends. That is, until Tyler comes along.
Tyler is funny and different and might be the key to getting Jack to realise that although he is brilliant at pretending to be other people, the very best thing he can do is to learn to be... JUST JACK.
About the Author
Kate Scott was born in London of American parents. She has lived in Hong Kong, Paris, Scotland and two tiny villages in France, but now lives in Dorset with her husband and two children. Kate's poems have been broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and her short fiction on Radio 4 Extra. Her first published children's novel was Boy in Tights which developed into the three-book series, Spies in Disguise. Kate leads poetry workshops for children in conjunction with Tor Theatre and runs creative writing sessions with bookshops and schools across the UK.
Industry Reviews
Kate Scott has a great warm writing style. She has a fabulous subtle sense of humor that suits the stories she writes incredibly well. Just Jack is clever, surprising, charming, informative and a lot of fun * With Love For Books *
Just Jack is a story any and every child will enjoy, if you have or know one whose life has recently changed, this is an absolute must read for them * Julia Thum Writes *
An important message lies at the heart of this book, about being true to yourself. Some tricky issues, including divorce and moving on, are covered in the book with sensitivity and understanding. Written with a fresh light touch, this is a good read * Parents In Touch *
''Just Jack' is not just an enjoyable, pacy, real- life story, with wonderful likeable characters -it is a masterclass in empathy that would make a fantastic 'Guided read' * North Somerset Teachers' Book Award *
A highly enjoyable read that I found hard to put down due to it's convincing child voice, relatable characters and relevant themes * Books for Topics *
A fantastic read... Jack's personal journey hangs on a tightly woven plot and gives sympathetic insight into the reality of his painful experiences. Although there are some very funny moments, Scott gives the subject of the value of friendship and family the appropriate treatment it warrants, hopefully enabling readers to reflect on the depths of their own friendships as they enjoy the story * Reading Zone *
There is such a genuine empathy and warmth in Scott's writing that it is difficult not to fall for the wonderfully likeable and identifiable Jack whose defensive mechanisms hide a young boy hopelessly adrift after his parents split up. Scott tackles difficult but important themes like divorce, self-identity, loneliness and struggling to fit in with gentleness, understanding and her trademark wry humour which transforms a sensitive story into a fun and entertaining tale of family and friendship. With illustrations by Alex Gunn to bring Jack and Tyler's adventures to life, this is a clever and tenderly told tale of growing up... and wising up * Lancashire Evening Post *
Funny, emotional and the perfect mix of joy and sadness, this story is an absolute gem of a story * Book Lover Jo *
Terribly funny... kate scott is genius at taking very simple themes that will trouble youngsters, writing a charming story about them, without a hefty message that hits you on the head * BBC Radio Berkshire *
Humour, warmth and an ear for authentic kids' dialogue make this an absolute joy to read * Just Jack *
