Reviews

The Jake Show by Joshua S. Levy

cboddie's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

5th-8th

lemon_drop's review against another edition

emotional funny 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? It's complicated

4.0

yapha's review

adventurous emotional funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Jake is being torn apart by his divorced parents. Both are Jewish, however since the divorce his mother has turned much more religiously observant while his father observes next to nothing. They each want Jake to be like them, switching him from school to school with different ideologies. When Jake is with each parent, he tries to be who they want him to be, never truly able to be himself. When he finally begins to make a few friends at his new school, he finds it hard to believe that they actually want to be his friend. They do though, and help him pull off an amazing bait and switch to come to summer camp with them. This is a great exploration of being true to one's self and the meaning of friendship.  A fantastic book on all levels, including its portrayal of the wide spectrum that is Jewish observance. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.

scoutabout's review

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

svtiwari1's review

4.0

I found the depictions of navigating identity development with divorced parents to be very relatable. Jake is a realistically flawed but lovable lead. I also appreciated the way this book covered a wide spectrum of what practicing Judaism looks like for different people and households.

ajs526's review against another edition

emotional funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0