I Am Jack by Susanne Gervay, illustrated by Cathy Wilcox Ages 9-12 128 pages Tricycle Press October 2009 Hardcover     Jack is a pretty happy-go-lucky guy until George Hamel, the school bully, decides Jack is the perfect target. Soon school becomes an all-out war zone for Jack, who must spend his days dodging gobs of spit, baseball bats and the dreaded playground. Even his friends have deserted him as it is too dangerous to be seen hanging around with “Butt Head.” At home, his mother is too busy trying to support the family to notice Jack’s misery. How can one little guy stand up against the student body? A little help goes a long way. With the Phoebe Prince case bringing bullying to the forefront of the news media, Susanne Gervay’s middle-grade novel makes its American debut at the perfect time. Although it begins a bit slowly, it eventually picks up speed. Her main character, Jack, is a difficult guy not to like, and his strength and pride definitely show through even during his darkest moments. Although Jack does not solve this problem without the help of the adults in his life, it is solved in a realistic way. Bullying is too big an issue for any child to handle on his or her own. I Am Jack is a hopeful read for anyone who finds themselves the target of a school bully. Kids need to know that they are not alone and that the school, faculty and support of their family can help. Although this issue often gets overlooked by those whose job it is to intercede, a child should never be afraid to ask for help. Susanne Gervay’s novel is a realistic portrayal of one child’s struggle and his journey back to “normal.” It also gives a little insight into the life of the bully. Every child deserves to feel safe in school - even you.     web reviews   Niki Masse Schoenfeldt/2010 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)