Jack’s Island is an award-winning book by Norman Jorgensen, which was first released in 2008, and has been re-released with a very appealing new cover.
The story begins with Jack and his family travelling by ferry to Rottnest Island where his father is helping to build an aerodrome during World War II. From there we follow Jack and his best friend Andrew ‘Banjo’ Patterson as they attend school lessons given by a rather grumpy teacher and make the most of their non-school time by tearing around the island, inadvertently causing trouble, while the aerodrome is completed.
The boys are sometimes accompanied by Dafty, a character described as ‘simple’ but who is fiercely devoted to Jack and Banjo, and they to him. Dafty helps to move the story along, as does the boys’ discovery of a Japanese helmet and rifle near the cliffs.
Jack’s Island is an absolute delight to read. Told in short chapters, the reader lives vicariously through Jack and Banjo’s adventures, which include exploding hand grenades, sailing in shark-infested waters and entering every restricted zone on the island.
In addition to the humour, the reader also gains an emotionally rewarding read via Jack’s innocent but observant narration about his friends, family and other characters on the island. As Jack gains a better understanding of these people, so does the reader, which provides an emotional depth to the story, and encourages understanding and tolerance.
Jack’s Island also carefully weaves historical information about the lasting effects of the depression and life during wartime, without it feeling didactic. Themes of prejudice, justice and the importance of community are also touched on, again without it being overbearing.
Cheeky but sweet, Jack is a likeable character, who is always getting into trouble because of his burning curiosity and desire to make the most of what’s in front of him. His love for his family, and his devotion to his friends is endearing, and despite his impulsiveness, the reader knows deep down he is a good kid with a caring heart.
The ending is bittersweet as Jack and Banjo part ways after being inseparable for so long. Readers soon heading off to high school without the company of their friends may relate and appreciate the sense of loss that accompanies such a change at that age.
With teaching notes available, Jack’s Island is a fun but also emotionally rewarding read for 8–12-year-olds that will keep the reader engaged and inadvertently learning along the way.
Jack’s Island is an award-winning book by Norman Jorgensen, which was first released in 2008, and has been re-released with a very appealing new cover.
