JACKS book reviews

'I Am Jack' celebrates kids. Unique, valuable kids who deserve the right to take pride in their own special qualities. Bullying takes this right away from them.

In the context of family and school life, 'I Am Jack' sensitively explores how bullying attacks the very basis of a child's self esteem. Bullying isolates and victimises children. 'I Am Jack' shows them that they are not alone and that they can win against bullying.

'I Am Jack' is children's literature at its most effective. Beautifully written, revealing the quirkiness of kids, it is funny, loving, moving. It gives adults and children a remarkable understanding into an area that challenges children's belief in themselves.

This is a book children should read because kids are unique.
Life Education, Australia.

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Super Jack by Susanne Gervay

Every institution from Play-school to kindergarten to schools colludes in the illusion that life is about Mum, Dad, two kids and Big Ted. It is extraordinary, still, that so little is written and so little spoken to help children deal with divorce, which is a major trauma in the lives of many. Divorce may be common but it is painful. Susanne Gervay writes humorously but with honesty about the rigours of living in a mix-master family.

Jack's little sister Samantha thinks life with the new stepdad will be all Coke and chips but Jack knows now "there won't by any night when she can get into Mum's bed."

Jack faces the problems of dealing with a new stepdad. A stepbrother and also having his Gran come and live with them on a family trip to the Gold Coast. Gervay's strength lies not only in her humour and honesty but in the fact that her characters are the sort you wouldn't mind sharing the back seat with. Her language is also rich and colourful; her imagery is there to assist the narrative rather than show off in an ostentatious literary display. Jack's little Italian girlfriend Anna has "chocolate drop eyes."

The John Marsdens of the writing scene are very good at top-level abuse and the Paul Jennings are excellent in sheer fun but Susanne Gervay is rare in her ability to place common problems for children within the spectrum of normal family life. The result is that she makes it OK for the children to talk about them.

The Weekend Age, Review Section

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Reviews of 'I Am Jack' and 'Super Jack' can be found in Aussie Reviews:-

'Super Jack' - www.aussiereviews.com/article1426.html

Super Jack is both poignant and funny, focussing on the highs and lows of family life. Author Susanne Gervay has a unique style and empathy for her characters which draws readers Super Jack - book cover into the story.

Super Jack is an outstanding offering from an outstanding author

'I Am Jack' - www.aussiereviews.com/article1169.html

I Am Jack should be compulsory reading for every parent, teacher and child aged 8 to 12. It is a truly wonderful book.

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Super Jack by Susanne Gervay.

Jack has school holidays on the Gold Coast where he learns how to get on with his slightly oddball family. This sequel to 'I Am Jack' is designed to help kids deal with the pressures of life after their parents' divorce.

QANTAS, The Australian Way Magazine

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I Am Jack by Susanne Gervay

Do you recall being bullied and teased at school? Can you remember feeling isolated in your pain, too terrified to unburden for fear of retribution by the perpetrator?

'I Am Jack' is told by one such victim - an intelligent, creative and discerning 11-year-old whose desperate attempts to reveal all to his mum are thwarted by his chaotic everyday life. Jack's relationship with his mother and the rest of the family is touching and revealing, but nobody seems to want to listen to him. His fear of school and those who taunt him mercilessly results in his attempts to feign illness. Gervay's analogy of a volcano exploding in his head is both vivid and apt.

Jack is triumphant in the end - but read the book to find out how. Bullying is a significant issue yet Jack's story is accessible and hilarious. An absolute must.

Good Reading Magazine

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I Am Jack by Susanne Gervay
For full review go to this page on the Parentbytes.com web site.

This excellent book about bullying, told in the first person, focuses on the often overlooked insidious taunting and teasing that bullies are so adept at inflicting on their victims. The author succeeds in making this topic accessible to young readers by using humour and quirky illustrations to offset this heavy subject. It also recognizes the importance of family support and that schools need to respond to this problem in a proactive way ..... This important book should be read, discussed and celebrated by children, parents and educators alike.

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