The Great Jeff

Name: The Great Jeff
Brand: Hachette Audio
Availability: InStock
Author: Tony Abbott
ISBN: 9781549175367

Author: Tony Abbott

Narrator: Josh Hurley

Unabridged: 6 hr 27 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers

Published: 03/19/2019

Categories: Children's Fiction, Children's Social Themes, Bullying

Synopsis

Perfect for fans of Gary D. Schmidt comes the companion to the modern classic Firegirl from acclaimed writer Tony Abbott.

Life hasn't been great for Jeff Hicks. After years at his beloved St. Catherine's, he's forced to spend eighth grade in the public middle school, which he hates. He's no longer speaking to his former best friend, Tom Bender, because of "that burned girl" Jessica Feeney. But worst of all, his family is changing, and it's not for the better.

When his mom comes home announcing that she's lost her job, Jeff begins to worry about things far beyond his years: How will they pay the rent? Will his absentee dad step up and save the day? Is his mom drinking too much? And ultimately, where will they live?

The Great Jeff is a powerful look at the life of a troubled boy who finds his life spiraling out of control.

About Tony Abbott

Tony Abbott is the author of over a hundred books for young readers, including the bestseling series the Secrets of Droon and the Copernicus Legacy and the novels Firegirl and The Summer of Owen Todd. Tony has worked in libraries, in bookstores, and in a publishing company and has taught creative writing. He has two grown daughters and lives in Connecticut with his wife and two dogs. You can visit him online at www.tonyabottbooks.com.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Gracie on November 24, 2018

Soooooooooooo sad!! I love how it shows life at a different perspective.... I understand much more now a person in this story situation feels. Now I want to do anything to help people who are in this kind or f situation. This is one of my favorite books, and I would do anything to help Jeff and othe......more

Goodreads review by Chuzzy on December 16, 2020

to me, it felt like this book didn't really have a plot......more

Goodreads review by Jessica on August 08, 2019

In The Great Jeff by Tony Abbott the main character Jeff Hicks is going through a rough time in his life. Jeff is not talking to his best friend Tom Bender, he had to leave his catholic school and go to public school, and his mom lost her job. After the news of his mom losing her job Jeff starts to......more

Goodreads review by Laura on March 11, 2019

Thank you to the #kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The second I saw this book available to review, I knew I needed to read it. Firegirl, the companion to The Great Jeff, is a book I read aloud every year with my 7th grade classes. Jeff is a character......more

Goodreads review by Laura on February 26, 2019

Thanks to @littlebrownyoungreaders and author @tonyabbottbooks for this free book to share with #midlife change. It comes out March 19. . 〰️ 〰️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this #mglit book about a boy experiencing housing instability and an alcoholic parent. Readers might remember Jeff from FIREGIRL by Tony Abbott;......more

Quotes

Praise for The Great Jeff:"A moving, realistic coming-of-age tale."—Kirkus

"...an exquisitely moving yet completely age-appropriate dive into a kid's experience of impoverishment."—BCCB, starred review

"...a hopeful coming-of-age story that portrays the challenges of poverty in a realistic and relatable way."—Booklist

"A powerful and realistic story of a boy coming of age with a family in crisis."—School Library Journal

"For fans of Firegirl, this follow-up is a must-read...this novel is a solid addition to any library."—School Library Connection

Praise for Firegirl:* "Tom's connection to Jessica changes his perspective on himself, his peers and friendship, and underscores the reward of reaching out to another.... This novel maybe be brief, but it leaves a big impact."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "This isn't the usual book about adjustment to differences; instead, Abbot brilliantly explores the kids' struggle to manage this intrusion of abnormality into their lives.... An understanding yet thought-provoking novel."
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

"A touching story of friendship that is easy to read yet hard to forget."
—School Library Journal

"In this poignant story, readers will recognize that even by doing small acts of kindness, people stand to gain more than they lose."
—Booklist