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Cover of The Mostly True Story of Jack

The Mostly True Story of Jack

Kelly Barnhill (2011)

SubgenreHigh Fantasy
Age groupMiddle Grade 8-12
Content ratingPG
Pages (Standard (250-400))
Setting
CSM age10
Goodreads3.6
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Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

BullyingAbandonment

Positive tags

Coming of AgeFriendshipFound FamilySelf-Discovery

Protagonist archetypes

Coming-of-Age ProtagonistOutcast / LonerFish out of Water

Tropes

Fish out of WaterComing of AgeFound FamilySmall Town SettingHidden IdentityQuestMysterious Benefactor

Themes

IdentityBelongingInvisibility and Being SeenFamilyCommunitySelf-DiscoverySmall Town Secrets

Synopsis

Jack is practically invisible at home, but when his parents send him to Hazelwood, Iowa, to spend a summer with his odd aunt and uncle, he suddenly makes friends, is beaten up by the town bully, and is plotted against by the richest man in town.

Is The Mostly True Story of Jack appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 10 and up.

Parents should know this middle grade fantasy contains mild bullying and themes of feeling invisible within one's family. The story focuses on friendship, self-discovery, and finding belonging in an unexpected place.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include bullying and abandonment.

Who'll love this

Kids will enjoy Jack's summer adventure in a quirky small town where he finally makes real friends and uncovers mysterious secrets.

Tags

Magical RealismContemporary FantasyMidwest Gothic