The Mostly True Story of Jack by Kelly Barnhill

Reviewed by Cindy

Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

Ratings Explanation

Language:  Diety is referenced a handful of times. “Idiot” is used twice. It is mentioned that an officer and Frankie’s father swear, but no actual words were used.

Violence: Cats attack a man. A boy bullies other children. A girl receives a bloody nose and black eye. Mr. Avery wants Jack dead.

Sexual Content:  Jack kisses Wendy.

Adult Themes: A boy goes missing and returns with a scarred face and is unable to speak. Other children have gone missing over the years. Jack’s parents are going through a divorce. He feels “invisible” to them. His family ignores him. Jack is left with relatives. Magic and the supernatural are part of the story. Jack runs away. Mr. Avery has a car accident. Leaves and roots hold onto Jack. There is a question about the stealing of souls. Children are picked up by the police. They break into a building to retrieve something belonging to Jack. A security guard is drinking. A schoolhouse collapses with a child inside. Children who disappear have been forgotten by their families. A man smokes a cigarette. Children are trapped underground. A boy is kidnapped. Wendy cuts her hand on a mirror.

Synopsis

Jack feels “invisible” in his family. He is sent to live with his Aunt and Uncle in Iowa where everyone seems to notice him. Strange things begin to happen as he makes new friends and even some enemies. He soon discovers that there is more to his past than he thinks. Somehow he is at the center of the
chaos in the little town of Hazelwood. Throw in a little magic and he soon learns of his past and his true identity.

My heart was breaking for Jack each time his mother ignored him. Even though he didn’t want to be in Iowa, I was glad that his Aunt and Uncle were caring and kind to him. His new friends were good to him, and it was good to see him discover his true identity. The problems of the story stemmed from greed and selfishness. It’s amazing the impact one wrong decision can have on thousands of people. I would recommend this book for 6th grade and up.