Gary D. Schmidt delivers a poignant, funny, relatable tale of a middle schooler, his falling-apart family, and the old-school butler who unexpectedly comes to the rescue in a purple Bentley. Pay Attention, Carter Jones (Book) : Schmidt, Gary D. : Sixth-grader Carter must adjust to the unwelcome presence of a know-it-all butler who is determined to help him become a gentleman, and also to deal with burdens from the past. by Clarion Books. See our. Young characters have to cope with family tragedy, middle school, sibling squabbles, and adults who let them down, but they also have a steadfast, resourceful guide in the butler. Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary D. Schmidt, 217 pages.Clarion Books (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), 2019. This is a brand new one from him and I finished it in two days, and as with all of Schmidt’s books I loved the memorable characters and poignant moments throughout. PAY ATTENTION CARTER JONES, is a coming age story, and a tale of loss and change. ARTICLES. I think he balanced tone, character, plot, and more beautifully. Summary : Bestselling author Gary D. Schmidt tells a coming-of-age story with the light touch of The Wednesday Wars, the heart of Okay for Now, and the unique presence of a wise and witty butler. "Make good decisions and remember who loves you.”, “The living of your life is hard work, young Master Carter... You may act the gentleman or the barbarian. Gary Schmidt. Gr 4-8-Young Carter Jones opens the front door one morning to find an English butler on his doorstep. In this case, it's an honest-to-goodness old-school English butler who, along with a purple Bentley, lands on the title character's doorstep just as Carter's … 3.5 stars, and it kills me to give a Gary D. Schmidt book this rating because there was such a fantastic story interwoven between all of the cricket stuff. It doesn't exactly form a trilogy with two earlier Gary D. Schmidt novels—. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. And a dachshund prone to vomiting. It’s because Schmidt, like DiCamillo, can write with such intensity that things are allowed to be unbelievable and funny and absurd in a sublime way. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). What to Watch, Read, and Play While Your Kids Are Stuck Indoors, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews, Practicando la gratitud durante las fiestas, Which Side of History? Lots of relatable inner turmoil and character development, as well as moments of triumph and pure fun. but I really enjoyed this sweet, sometimes funny, heartwarming coming-of-age book. He is very British and old-fashioned, and he immediately starts mending this broken family. Carter Jones is astonished early one morning when he finds a real English butler, bowler hat and all, on the doorstep—one who stays to help the Jones family, which is a little bit broken. The butler that shows up unexpectedly on the doorstep is perfection. The butler sends the kids off to school every day with "Make good decisions and remember who you are." Some characters are also dealing with being deserted by their parents, sometimes for new romantic partners and their kids. I can't say that I understand cricket any better though lol. Ok, 5 stars I usually reserve for books that are exceptionally provocative or life-changing in some way. Reread (actually re-listen) with my 13 year old. The fine points of cricket; info about ballet, art exhibitions, the works of E. Nesbit; other culturally improving pursuits. We won't share this comment without your permission. Some emotional violence, as in a flashback where Carter and his dad are on a camping trip, Carter struggles in bad conditions to make a campfire, and his military father smashes it to make one that's "better.". All rights reserved. To see what your friends thought of this book. Carter Jones and his family are going through a rough patch. Pub: February 5, 2019. Supporting characters emerge as teammates, storytellers, and friends in time of need. Read it in a sitting or two and get another heartfelt, heartwarming, heartbreaking story of a young boy dealing with challenges beyond his age. Pay Attention, Carter Jones (Book) : Schmidt, Gary D. : Sixth-grader Carter must adjust to the unwelcome presence of a know-it-all butler who is determined to help him become a gentleman, and also to deal with burdens from the past. Highly recommend these three of his books! This book is nothing like but very reminiscent of, Another great book from Gary Schmidt. Best-selling author Gary D. Schmidt tells a coming-of-age story with the light touch of The Wednesday Wars, the heart of Okay for Now, and the unique presence of a wise and witty butler. Wondering if Pay Attention, Carter Jones is OK for your kids? item 1 Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Schmidt, Gary D. Book The Fast Free Shipping - Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Schmidt, Gary D. Book The Fast Free Shipping $10.24 Free shipping This is one of my new favorite books. Get full reviews, ratings, and advice delivered weekly to your inbox. Pay Attention, Carter Jones (Book) : Schmidt, Gary D. : Sixth-grader Carter must adjust to the unwelcome presence of a know-it-all butler who is determined to help him become a gentleman, and also to deal with burdens from the past. Also strong messages of empathy, responsibility, teamwork, thinking for yourself and finding the facts rather than following the crowd, working hard to learn new things. Wacky mayhem fills tale of troublemaker in genius academy. Parents need to know that Pay Attention, Carter Jones is Newbery Honor author Gary D. Schmidt's variation on the ever-popular theme of the unlikely outsider who arrives in the midst of some crisis, thinks outside the box, imparts life lessons in creative ways, and generally puts all to rights. Clarion. Do you play cricket or know anyone who does? And even when it does feel a stretch, you don't mind much. It’s because Schmidt, like DiCamillo, can write with such intensity that things are allowed to be unbelievable and funny and absurd in a sublime way. Also wondering if the dad, Jack(son), is Jack from Orbiting Jupiter? This one has a similar feel and the only downside for me was all the descriptions of how cricket is played. Yet, despite how much I enjoyed the novel, there was too much of a feel that this all happened in a bubble that had no specific time or place. Every time I read Gary Schmidt I am amazed at how well he really "gets" teenage boys. Richie’s Picks: PAY ATTENTION CARTER JONES by Gary D. Schmidt, Clarion, February 2018, 224p., ISBN: 978-0-544-79085-8, This reminded me of Sharon Creech’s Love that Dog in the way Carter deals with his problems and a cross of the two films Mrs. Doubtfire and The Kingsman in the caretaker entering a family’s life trying to make a gentleman out of someone. Browse titles with similar subject matter. Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick is a butler Carter’s family has inherited from his grandfather. Funny, breathtakingly poignant '60s coming-of-age tale. But true to himself, Gary D. Schmidt weaves love, humor, and redemption throughout, and the fact that it’s all wrapped up in one giant cricket (the game, not the insect) metaphor makes it even more lovable. My only gripe is that the audiobook narrator botched the pronunciation of Swieteck, which would make it difficult for listeners to pick up on the Easter eggs that Mr. Schmidt so lovingly dropped for his devoted readers (er, listeners). I think he balanced tone, character, plot, and more beautifully. Like in his other books, the protagonist is funny and honest as he works through a betrayal and heartbreak. It has been several years since sixth grader Carter Jones lost his little brother Currier. Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. Be the first to review this title. There aren't any reviews yet. Definitely not as good as Okay For Now but I still enjoyed it. Searching for streaming and purchasing options ... Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. How did you cope? It's a book with a wacky twist that, like Schmidt's other books, don't feel too far a stretch to make. Also, how fun for American kids to imagine an English butler coming over to save the day! Yes, the principal is a Lilian Swieteck. This reminded me of Sharon Creech’s Love that Dog in the way Carter deals with his problems and a cross of the two films Mrs. Doubtfire and The Kingsman in the caretaker entering a family’s life trying to make a gentleman out of someone. How Technology Is Reshaping Democracy and Our Lives, Get fun, free Holiday Gratitude activities from Wide Open School, Online Playdates, Game Nights, and Other Ways to Socialize at a Distance, Keeping Kids Motivated for Online Learning, Books to Help Your Kid Survive Middle School. Schmidt is so masterful at the art of writing --- so many wonderful sentences and pages and paragraphs. I'll check the summary of Pay Attention, Carter Jones on Goodreads and Amazon. Gary Schmidt is one of my very favorite authors. More By and About This Author. Carter Jones is astonished early one morning when he finds a real English butler, bowler hat and all, on the doorstep - one who stays to help the Jones family, which is a little bit broken. Read Common Sense Media's The Last Last-Day-of-Summer review, age rating, and parents guide. No mention of the connection though. Sent to the Jones family by his late grandfather, Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick reforms the household with his wit, precision, and commitment to decorum. Refresh and try again. Check out this great listen on Audible.ca. Yet, despite how much I enjoyed the novel, there was too much of a feel that this all happened in a bubble that had no specific time or place, like a Disney Channel TV movie of the 90’s. I'm a huge Gary D. Schmidt fan, so I was very excited to read his latest book, and it did not disappoint me! Carter Jones is astonished early one morning when he finds a real English butler, bowler hat and all, on the doorstep - one who stays to help the Jones family, which is a little bit broken. The story really grabbed me (even though I don’t like books involving sports) and I was emotionally invested by the end. Another great book from Gary Schmidt. “Make good decisions and remember who you are." I loved the way Schmidt doesn't hit you over the head with messages but with humor and understanding guides you right along on the journey with Carter. Created by Cotsen Children's Library Listen to the Audio Share. Highly recommended. The star rating reflects overall quality. Names: Schmidt, Gary D. Book Number: DB094145: Title Status: Active: Medium: Digital Book: Download Link: Downloadable talking book. I read this quickly a few months ago as an egalley and was not enthused, but just read it again because of all the starred reviews and have changed my opinion completely. He is a Professor of English at Calvin College. Those poor daylilies, for instance. As he learns and grows through each new disruption and disappointment, he grows to meet the challenge, with the help of a few good friends, and brings those around him along for the journey. © Common Sense Media. Gary D. Schmidt is an American children's writer of nonfiction books and young adult novels, including two Newbery Honor books. Carter answers the doorbell on his first day of middle school to find "The Butler": a very British, traditional fellow in a "funeral suit" who's been left to the family by Carter's late, unknown grandfather. Great Books to Give the Kids This Holiday. Carter Jones’ family inherits the services of a “gentleman’s gentleman” with a passion for cricket just when they most need him. With Schmidt’s characteristic humor and realistically flawed characters who are tested by heavy, life-changing realities, Pay Attention, Carter Jones is simultaneously hilarious and heart-wrenching. February 2019 Also, how fun for American kids to imagine an English butler coming. But Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick, a “gentleman’s gentleman” has come to look after the Jones family. In this video I review (and complain a bit about) Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary D. Schmidt. Pay Attention, Carter Jones (eBook) : Schmidt, Gary D. : Sixth-grader Carter must adjust to the unwelcome presence of a know-it-all butler who is determined to help him become a gentleman, and also to deal with burdens from the past. Occasionally both authors, in their less successful moments, get it backward and start with forced absurdity rather than trust in their supernal writing to effect this transformation. The story really grabbed me (even though I don’t like books involving sports) and I was emotionally invested by the end. Occasionally both authors, in their less successful moments, get it backward and start with forced absurdity rather than trust in their. You think you’re in for a lighter read, but nope, while it is less wordy than Wednesday Wars or Okay For Now, this one also contains big life issues. See something that needs to be addressed? He’s also the man of the house, because his father is in the military, stationed in Germany after serving in Afghanistan. If you chose to provide an email address, it will only be used to contact you about your comment. PAY ATTENTION, CARTER JONES. Inside you find both humor and heart, and maybe too much cricket. Families can talk about stories where unlikely characters swoop in to rescue forlorn kids and get them on a good path, like Pay Attention, Carter Jones. Not only does the butler excel at imparting gentlemanly values of order, decorum, and responsibility, he's also an insane cricket fan whose passion for the game builds community and camaraderie in the whole town. Wonderful, contemporary, gender-flipped Mary Poppins, where cricket takes the place of magic. Carter just starting middle school and dealing with everything that goes with that but also has a Dad that's deployed and a family grieving the loss of his brother. 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