A searchable database of books recommended by the CCBC.
More information about CCBC Choices book recommendations
Jake
CCBC Review:
With one slip on an icy patch Jake’s Mom breaks her leg, and that sudden, severe injury has an initially frightening impact on the ten-year-old’s life. Jake’s father died years earlier, and he and his mother live alone. Her accident necessitates a hospital stay, and she’ll require assistance after she’s able to return home. A grandfather he barely knows arrives to lend a hand, and their next door neighbor, Mrs. Buttermark, proves a true friend as she helps Jake navigate his way through the first few difficult days. With her support, Jake and his reserved grandfather begin to develop a relationship, in this novel set during the Christmas season. When an aunt and his mother’s best friend also rally round, Jake realizes he has the support of a wonderful family comprised of a mix of relatives and friends. Despite an unfortunately confusing passage of time in the opening scene and the start of chapter one, this novel is a realistic exploration of how scary it can be for a child when something happens to that one adult who cares for you, and a warm, affirming look at an expansive idea of family. ©2010 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 7-11
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Format:
Novel
Subjects:
Accidents and Injuries
Fear
Grandfathers
Helpfulness
Kindness
Mothers
Older Adults
Publisher:
Random House
Publish Year: 2010
Pages: 162
ISBN: 9780375856303
CCBC Location: Fiction, Couloumbis