Hey Jack! The Scary Solo written by Sally Rippon, illustrated by Stephanie Spartels. Kane Miller, 2012. ISBN 978-1-61067-122-4
Summary: Jack is feeling jittery. He is about to try out for the school concert, and he really wants to sing the solo. When his best friend Billie gets the part, Jack is angry and shouts at her. Later, Jack realizes he was wrong, and apologizes. Billie asks him if he will help her practice her solo, and Jack happily agrees. They practice every chance they get during the next two weeks, and finally, the day of the concert arrives.
Jack takes his place in the chorus, but when Billie suddenly freezes with stagefright and cannot sing, Jack sees an opportunity to help his friend. This is just one book in the Hey Jack! series, which can be partnered with the Billie B. Brown series centering on Jack's friend Billie.
Critical Evaluation: For newly independent readers, these beginning chapter books are ideal, particularly for boys interested in reading, but who struggle to find books that they can identify with. They are shorter in length than a typical chapter book, and have a larger typeface, which can encourage less than confident readers to give the book a try.
It is worth noting that Rippon draws attention to Jack's emotions in each of the Hey Jack! books, even providing illustrations about how his feeling are expressed physically. This demonstrates clearly to children that everyone shares similar emotions, and through Jack's resolution of his problems, young people are provided with an example of working through their own feelings.
Spartels' illustrations are scattered throughout the narrative, and provide welcome breaks for new readers who tire quickly. The images of Jack and Billie perfectly represent their experiences and emotions in a cartoon-like style.
Age or Interest Level: Ages 6 to 8
Lexile Level: 420L
Awards: ---
Why Included? It can sometimes be difficult to find early chapter books for boys, and this series is a good fit for this age group. With themes centering on soccer games, friends, and sleepovers, boys will be sure to find a few titles in the Hey Jack! series that appeal.