The Jacket (Reviewed by Michael)

Book Review Michael Hamalis #11 1-25-10 Reading

Imagine going to school and seeing someone wearing your brother’s jacket. Now imagine that you are a white kid and the person wearing the jacket was African-American. The book, The Jacket, is about a situation like this.

I believe this is a realistic fiction book because the characters of the story are not real people, but it could happen. In The Jacket, by Andrew Clements, a sixth grader named Phil sees another boy at school, Daniel, wearing his brother’s jacket. Phil accuses Daniel of stealing it. The boys argue back and forth and end up in the principal’s office. The rest of the book is about Phil wondering whether or not he is prejudiced because of how he acted with Daniel.

One strength of the book is how the author described the main characters’ feelings. For example, Phil felt really awkward when he learned that his family gave the jacket to Daniel’s family. Another strength of the book is that it makes the reader think about prejudices we may have about people different from us.

I would recommend this book to kids in grades 4-6 because learning about prejudices is important for all kids, but it might be difficult for younger kids to understand. I also think boys will like it more than girls because the main characters are boys. So if you’re looking for a fun book to read that will also make you think, read The Jacket by Andrew Clements.