Jumping Jack
By A.H. Benjamin
(I Am Reading series)
2009, Kingfisher, Macmillan Children’s Books
Grades 1-3

Review by Debra Louise Scott

Jumping Jack is a cute story about a boy who eats Mexican Jumping Beans and can’t stop jumping. He thinks it’s pretty scary while everyone else gets annoyed or laughs at him until Grandma finally comes up with a remedy.

The story is a little scary, but does play into the teachable concept about children who are different or have different abilities than others. The resolution, however, does not show anyone accepting the behavior, except for Grandma. Grandma also shows him how it can be a fun thing to be able to jump so high.

Children that are differently abled often face a lot of rejection and disapproval even when there is a targeted program to educate their friends and teachers. I found it strangely satisfying to see a book that addressed the reality of what a child experiences from others when he can’t control his behavior due to an inborn condition.

But I would recommend the book even without the subtle underlying message. Unless you look closely, it’s just a fun to read story about a kid that ate Jumping Beans. ( )