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Another excellent book in the Tree Street Kids book series by Amanda Cleary Eastep.
Probably like all of us, Jack Finch has a habit of making black and white assumptions about the people or situations in his life. Specifically, Buzz Rublatz. But, things are very rarely black and white. And, as much as I know this as an adult, sometimes even I go right along with Jack in his erroneous thinking.
When Amanda Cleary Eastep and Moody Publishers were kind enough to send me Jack and the Red Giant in advance, they tucked a collectible character bookmark into the package. Like a little kid, I was eager to see which one I got, secretly hoping for Ruthie or Midge. When I saw that instead of getting a hero, I got Buzz Rublatz, my automatic reaction was mild disappointment. But, then, I realized that if Buzz had his own bookmark, there must be more to his story than I yet knew.
Anyone with any life experience knows that the schoolyard bully is usually a kid with a great deal of pain. Typically that bully has been badly bullied at home and he is acting tough at school as much to convince himself of his strength as to prevent anyone from knowing what pain he is in. Of all the stories I have ever read, Gary D. Schmidt tells this story the best for young adult readers in Okay For Now.
Consistent with the rest of the books in this worthy series, Eastep gives us a story that is like Gary D. Schmidt’s, just well-suited to younger readers. I deeply appreciate her willingness to tell exciting and interesting stories that deal with tough topics in a way that is appropriate for tender readers.
In Jack and the Red Giant, Eastep gives us a Christmas story that reveals the true meaning of the Gospel by reminding us that even Buzz Rublatz is loved and cherished by Jesus Christ.
I would recommend this book to middle-grade readers who appreciate modern child adventures with timeless truths. A fun Christmas book with plenty of the usual Tree Street goodness, this one stretches our children with tough topics without hurting them. I highly recommend this book and look forward to having multiple copies in our library for children to enjoy.