
A parent would reach for this book when their child is experiencing a sudden shift in social awareness, particularly if they are feeling embarrassed by their family's job, income, or status. Fifth-grader Jack is mortified when his peers discover his father is the school janitor. To distance himself from the ridicule, he lashes out with a messy act of rebellion that backfires. The story explores the complex transition from viewing parents as superheroes to seeing them as flawed (or seemingly lowly) individuals. It is a gentle yet profound look at shame, the weight of reputation, and the path toward genuine apology. Perfect for ages 8 to 12, it helps children navigate peer pressure while learning to value people for who they are rather than what they do.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals with social class and bullying in a secular, direct manner. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, focusing on interpersonal reconciliation rather than a sudden change in socioeconomic status.
A 10-year-old who is starting to feel 'too cool' for their family or who has recently expressed embarrassment about their home life or a parent's occupation.
Read the chapters involving the 'gum incident' to discuss the concept of restorative justice. The book can be read cold, but discussing the 'underground' history of the school helps engage the reader. A parent might choose this after hearing their child make a disparaging remark about someone's job or witnessing their child act ashamed of being seen with them in public.
Younger readers (8-9) focus on the prank and the 'gross' factor of the gum. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the nuance of social hierarchy and the internal conflict of wanting to belong.
Unlike many school stories that focus on the bully, Clements focuses on the internal shame of the victim and how that shame can turn into misplaced anger toward loved ones.
Jack Rankin is a middle-schooler desperate to fit in. When his classmates find out his father is the school janitor, Jack's status plummets. He vents his anger by creating a massive, sticky mess with hundreds of pieces of chewing gum under a desk, only to be caught and sentenced to work alongside his father to clean it up. During this forced labor, Jack uncovers his father's history and finds a hidden room in the school that changes his perspective.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.