Reviews

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

bibliobrandie's review against another edition

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5.0

Use for 6th grade small moments lesson.

mehsi's review against another edition

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3.0

Jabari goes to the pool with his dad and sister and he has big plans! He wants to jump from very high diving board, will he be able to do it?

This was a blind pick again, I was looking around for some interesting picture books when I found this one. I am so happy that my libraries are trying to get more English books in their collection. I was curious if our little boy would make it and jump of the diving board!

It all starts when Jabari and his family go to the swimming pool during the summer. He has big plans, he has spotted the big diving board at the pool and he tells his dad all about his big jumping plans! But, just like I expected, once he gets to the diving board he sees how high it actually is and chickens out. And I can imagine! I know the feeling exactly. The first time I went on a big diving board I was afraid, it was so high, how did all the other kids do it?

His dad is very supportive and I loved that, but I also loved how Jabari didn't let his fear win but instead tried again. And what he does then? Yes, you will have to read the book. But it was very motivational and lovely. I was definitely cheering for this kid.

The art in this book was pretty OK, I wasn't always a fan though, especially the faces seemed a bit weird/off, maybe the best word is uncanny valley?

But all in all a very cute and inspirational book about conquering your fear.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

stefaniejane's review against another edition

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5.0

GO JABARI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lsparrow's review against another edition

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4.0

love this book about facing your fears and trying something new.

4saradouglas's review against another edition

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5.0

This is such a sweet and relatable book. The art style is pretty nice, but it’s what the artist chooses to show and the perspective they give that really make a big impact. The story is great… simple, but a lot there. Jabari is very easy to relate to, and is inspiring in the end. I’ll have to remember to close my eyes, take a deep breath, and whisper “I love surprises” the next time I’m about to take a leap into the unknown.

alittleoverdue's review against another edition

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4.0

“The diving board was high and maybe a little scary…” (p.8), but after passing his swim test, Jabari, a young African American boy, is ready to try a jump. With the support of his father and younger sister watching on, Jabari overcomes his fears and takes the leap. Corwall’s watercolor and collage-like illustrations paint a refreshingly inclusive representation of children and families. An encouraging tale of courage that provides an instructive and relatable story suitable for beginning readers or an engaging read aloud.

kit_e's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

We read this book for the first week of February and it lead to great discussions about Black History Month and Risk-taking which is our monthly Learner Profile words. Students then had the chance to write down something new that they would want to try this year. This is a fun read aloud at any time, but particularly fitting for our school this month. 

jaij7's review against another edition

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5.0

Fantastic story with crisp, beautiful illustrations. Smiling throughout as it took me back to our high dive in Belvidere. I laughed out loud at the end.

johnnymacaroni's review against another edition

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5.0

This might be my new favorite book! I love the illustrations!

jmitschke's review against another edition

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5.0

I adored this. A cute little boy works up the courage to jump off the diving board at the pool with some encouragement from his dad. “Sometimes if I feel a little scared, I take a deep breath and tell myself I am ready. And you know what? Sometimes it stops feeling scary and feels a little like a surprise.” ❤️