Jack's Black Book

A parent should reach for this book when their middle schooler is struggling with a sense of failure, feeling like an outsider, or needs to see that their most embarrassing 'cringey' moments can actually be the fuel for great creativity. This fictionalized memoir follows Jack Gantos as he navigates a summer and school year where nothing seems to go right. From a DIY 'taxidermy' project gone wrong to failing at a car-washing business, Jack records his misadventures in a black notebook, eventually realizing that being a writer isn't about being perfect, it is about paying attention. This book is an excellent choice for 10 to 14 year olds who are starting to develop a sardonic sense of humor or who feel the pressure of needing a 'talent.' It normalizes the messiness of puberty and the chaotic reality of family life, showing that resilience often looks like laughing at yourself and trying again.