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The King of Jam Sandwiches

ebook
2 of 2 copies available
2 of 2 copies available

"Will tug at the heartstrings and tickle the funny bone...This warm tale is definitely one for the keeper shelves. Highly recommended."—School Library Journal, starred review

Thirteen-year-old Robbie leads a double life. It's just Robbie and his dad, but no one knows that his dad isn't like most parents. Sometimes he wakes Robbie up in the middle of the night to talk about dying. Sometimes he just leaves without telling Robbie where he's going. Once when Robbie was younger, he was gone for more than a week. Robbie was terrified of being left alone but even more scared of telling anyone in case he was put into foster care. No one can know. Until one day when Robbie has to show the tough new girl, Harmony, around school. Their first meeting ends horribly and she punches Robbie in the face. But eventually, they come to realize that they have a lot more in common than they thought. Can Robbie's new friend be trusted to keep his secret?

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

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  • Reviews

    • School Library Journal

      Starred review from July 1, 2020

      Gr 3 Up-Robbie doesn't have the most stable home life, not since his mother and grandparents died when he was younger. His father is either so depressed he can barely function, or so delirious that he disappears for hours, or even days, at a time. But Robbie knows how to take care of himself, and how to stretch the little bit of money he has to make sure he's got clothes and food. When his homeroom teacher asks Robbie to help show the new girl Harmony around school, they immediately butt heads but evolve into good friends. Robbie and Harmony form an unlikely friendship and learn to look forward to the future. This book will tug at the heartstrings and tickle the funny bone, all while maintaining a brisk pace so as to entertain even a reluctant reader. With lovable characters, plus a close look at difficult and different living situations, this novel will appeal to a wide audience; all readers will find something, or someone, to connect with. VERDICT This warm tale is definitely one for the keeper shelves. Highly recommended for most middle grade sections.-Amanda Toth, Lane Lib., Hamilton, OH

      Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

    • Kirkus

      June 1, 2020
      Two teen survivors of dysfunctional parenting build a supportive friendship. Robert, 13, who's endured his widower father's violent mood swings and erratic behavior for years, barely remembers his mother. Robert's dog is his companion and protector. Robert likens his dad's temperament to an elevator that rises high and drops low, with intermittent bouts of normalcy. He either ignores Robert or demands perfection. Robert's meager lunches are jam sandwiches; his father's hoard of nonperishable foods is off-limits. When new student Harmony, 14, in foster care while her alcoholic mother's in rehab, lashes out at Robert, he wins her trust by covering for her. As their friendship progresses, Robert repeatedly rescues Harmony from sabotaging her chances for a stable, successful future. Robert himself, a top student who's skipped a grade, is well liked and athletic. Recruited for the basketball team, Robert's so valuable he's allowed to miss practices and keep his part-time job. He feeds and cares for his father, whose severe mental illness (readers may identify bipolar disorder) goes unnamed and apparently untreated. While Harmony bears psychic scars from her upbringing, accomplished, self-reliant Robert's already a winner; readers' sympathies are wasted on him. Robert's narration unfolds with wry, self-deprecating humor, showcasing his stoic patience (though little emotion) and masterful achievements. What readers don't see is the struggle to achieve his goals. His hero's journey ended before this story begins. An entertaining journey frustratingly underexposed. (author's note) (Fiction. 10-14)

      COPYRIGHT(2020) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Formats

  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • ATOS Level:4
  • Lexile® Measure:530
  • Interest Level:4-8(MG)
  • Text Difficulty:0-3

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