Jack on the Tracks (Jack Henry, 2)

This book contains three of my favorite short stories of all time. One, "The Sixth Sense", is probably my most popular read-aloud story ever. My students always laugh like crazy at it, and they often highlight as a favorite read-aloud of the year. Gantos is an exceptional writer, and there are so many extension activities that come from his stories. I have used this book to teach lessons on figurative language, descriptive adjectives, and we've even created poetry inspired by that story. "Riding Shotgun" is another favorite, as it really sets the tone for the whole book, which is about Jack deciding who he wants to be in the world. But for me, the real gem of this collection is "Beauty and Order." It's raw, honest, and deeply true to the theme of self-awareness and self-acceptance. I can't tell you how many times this book has been "borrowed" and never returned, and I'm always happy to buy another copy.

I was so excited to see Jack on the Tracks available for Kindle. I read it to my son at least 3 times when he was younger (he's 16 now). We still remember it fondly. Both of us laughed hard and shed some tears over this book. Some of the other reviewers have been het up about inappropriate humor in the book. Is it a little racy? Yes. Is there anything in this book your kid hasn't heard before? Doubtful. Is there subject matter you'd like to cover with your child yourself while reading an insightful and entertaining book? I sure hope so!

My daughter read this as a book club read. The book was a little inappropriate for her. Lots of dead cats, dying in horrible fashion. One dead brother who died from guzzling whiskey till he dies.

As a kid who read this book about 20 years ago, I still think about the events in this book today, it had some of the most memorable and hilarious short stories I've ever read, and helped me become a lifelong reader. I wouldn't recommend to 5th graders, maybe 6th-7th graders, there's some really heavy stuff. I believe many of the stories are still relevant today.

We liked the characters and Jack was the best character. Some very interesting situations. It was sad that Jack killed his cats.

This is clearly a lesson in never judge a book by its cover. My students selected this book out of several options. I am so disappointed to have to spend time editing my read-aloud time to avoid the section that refers to pornography.Overall, I do not believe this to be a 9-10 year old age sort of book.

Directly from the book you think is "great."Jack, describes himself as a "sensitive soul."Only to read later in the book that Jack's best friend's older brother committed suicide in the basement because he too was a "sensitive soul." The brother says, "I read his diary. He said he was depressed." Jack attempts suicide by laying at the foot of the tracks and says "If I really wanted to die, I just had to lift up my head, and faster that a guillotine...""Porno is for adults only." He passes by stores with "jiggly pink flesh" peeking through. He buys a porno magazine and hides it under his mattress. His sister talks to him about a striptease.Jack's direct actions kill all three of his cats.As a teacher, this is not for 9/10 year olds. Or anyone, it's just bad children's writing all together.So much better lit out there for them to enjoy.

If you know a reluctant reader in the 10-12 year old age bracket, this is the perfect title to change their mind about books. As a teacher, I've watched sixth grade boys (girls too!) snort and literally fall out of their chairs in fits of laughter over this one--for some it is the first book they have truthfully read cover to cover. No skimming. No fake reading. Pure enjoyment. Comprehension shoots up dramatically for these kids. They can't wait to meet to talk about Jack. They'll gladly reread their favorite misadventure to a friend--and with new found fluency. You can't imagine how wonderful it is to see your weaker readers standing in line for lunch saying, "Did you get to the part yet where . . . That book is SO funny!" Jack is their hero, living out their secret fantasy, when he drops a cockroach in the mouth of his sleeping sister.Having said that, I feel I must address the concerns of the other educators who have written reviews here. Yes, Jack pulls a few stunts that might raise an eyebrow. He may not be a top-notch role model, but this is why children love him. He has a Bart Simpson type appeal-- slightly deviant, but lovable, and he often DOES suffer from the consequences of his poor judgement. Teachers who feel this is inappropriate because a child might immitate these episodes are not living in the same world as their students. This book is like an installment of the Wonderful World of Disney compared to the video games, movies, magazines, and regular television most children are entertained by for hour upon hour. You can't sanitize everything for children--what a pleasure killer. And I have NEVER met a twelve year old child who thought it would be safe to lie down in front of a train. Sit down and ask one if you are not sure. Reading should be fun--children do not have the same taste in books as their middle-aged, well-intentioned teachers.