Gary D. Schmidt is one of my favorite middle grade writers. In this contemporary novel, he is firmly in the arena where he Has cracked the code. Because, if he has a super power, it is compelling writing about boys in the grades sixth through eighth. Mr. Schmidt has really nailed the voice of this age group; Pay Attention, Carter Jones is no exception. The reader can hear every eye roll of Carter Jones through his dialogue. The other elements of Mr. Schmidt’s stories are also present: family concerns, exposure and eventual embracing of something new, and an adult mentor or friend. In this instance, this adult is a butler bearing an umbrella, which probably is a nod to another literary figure.
Carter Jones is a good guy with some big issues in his life that frankly, aren’t his fault. The themes are heavy and plentiful so buckle in, but know that you are in the author’s most capable hands. Humor and relatable situations will appeal to the young readers, but this book is a little more understated that some of his others.
Each chapter begins with a definition of a cricket term, and the sport of cricket is an analogy and a major backdrop in much of the action of this book. However, in spite of all that, I still have no idea how the game is played. Sports usually have great middle school appeal, but this particular sport may be a stretch. Then again, who knows? Maybe I need to pay more attention.
Review of the unabridged audiobook
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: None
Violence/Gore: A character is hit with a ball a couple of times during a sports game; a couple of different reports of death of relatives; flashback memory of a reptile shot in self-defense.
Sex/Nudity: None
Note: It is said that a married person has found a new family, so it could be inferred that a character is unfaithful but there was no sexual innuendo or implication in the narrative.
Mature Subject Matter:
Military deployment, death of family member(s), marital difficulties/family abandonment/separation.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
None
