AustLit

'Super Jack, like I Am Jack is funny, even hilarious at times. He’s a terrific kid, but he’s got challenges to face like every kid. There’s a new person in Jack’s life– LEO, the son of the sort-of-step-dad Rob. What’s twelve year old Jack supposed to do? His family is just fine with Nanna, Mum, his sister Samantha, Rob and Anna and the Napoli’s nearby. Jack doesn’t want Leo in his bedroom and work-shed. Is Leo taking his place with Jack’s sort-of-step-dad Rob and Mum? What does Rob moving in mean?

'Jack’s Grandad has passed away, but he knows Grandad is watching after them all. And Nanna is always there. She loves bargains and keeps buying cheap purple glow-in-the-dark underpants that no one wants to wear. She’s a bit deaf, her teeth fall out sometimes, but she’s wise and Jack loves her. Nanna’s getting wobblier and can’t live by herself anymore. Jack’s worried about Nanna.

'There’s always things to think about – bush fires and the news. Who would light a fire deliberately? There’s so much happening in the world with war and peace marches. Then there’s the neighbourhood Italian girl Anna. Her parents run the Napoli’s Delicioso Fruitology Market and Anna makes Jack feel red and hot.

'It’s holiday time and they’re all headed up North for a beach holiday – Jack, Mum, Nanna, Samantha, Rob, Ann and Leo – and Jack’s got a lot to work out.' (Publication summary)