Just Like Jackie

Reviewed by: Mary Lehmer - Freeprt Community Library, Freeport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 20, 2018

Review

Robinson is getting in trouble at school for not keeping her hands to herself. The problem is the class bully, Alex, keeps teasing her and she can't take it. She'd rather be home helping her grandfather with cars or playing baseball than at school with Alex. But she ends up doing her homework in a group with her school counselor that includes Alex and a few other students. All of the students have problems in their lives and working together seems impossible, at least at first. Robinson's temper is quick and very real. Readers will feel for her and her frustration at the class bully Alex. But they will also begin to empathize with Alex when what is going on in his life is revealed. There is quite a bit of baseball and car jargon in here that may not appeal to all readers but the group work the students do together is worth reading even if you aren't a car or baseball fan. Readers that like realistic fiction dealing with tough situations in a child's home life or past will like this one.

Overall Book Score: very good