The Decomposition of Jack

Gr 5 Up--Tubbs's latest middle grade novel (following A Dog Like Daisy and Zeus, Dog of Chaos) departs from dog narration and introduces readers to seventh grader Jack Acosta, also known as "Jack Splat." Jack is learning to live with his parents' divorce while helping his mom with her career studying roadkill and its decomposition (hence the nicknames, which also include "Roadkill Kid"). He is also providing feedback on his best friend's comics and figuring out how to get the attention of his crush, "Algebra Green Eyes," who happens to head the school's conservation club. Although he's a scientist, Jack finds himself in danger of failing earth science; but he may be able to turn things around if he can prove that cougars are not extinct, because there's one living in the woods behind his house. Heavy themes of divorce and extinction loom large, but Tubb offers humorous moments and a caring mother-son relationship to balance them. Animal lovers and budding conservationists will be especially drawn to the ongoing mystery of whether cougars still live in Tennessee. An author's note provides further information about roadkill collectors and cougars. VERDICT An engaging coming-of-age tale for the environmentally minded tween.--Carrie Voliva

A self-aware seventh grader with a roadkill researcher mother ruminates on life, maturation, and decomposition in this jam-packed observational novel from O'Donnell Tubb (The Story Collector). Following his parents' divorce, Jack Acosta spends most of his time helping his mom with her research, scraping roadkill from asphalt and recording details about recent finds, while developing an interest in photography. At school, he navigates a crush and contends with bullies who call him the Roadkill Kid. But tensions build after Jack observes a cougar from the family's roadkill-riddled backyard, and chooses the mammal--thought to be extinct in Tennessee--for a school project. The cougar poses a "data nightmare" for his mother, who'd like to chase it off, but Jack becomes interested in confirming the animal's presence, which results in his advocating for his own identity outside of helping his mom. Incorporating the stages of decomposition as a means of describing his parents' divorce, Jack's wry first-person narration highlights his own concerns and growth, changing family dynamics, and lessons around conservation. Jack reads as white; other characters are racially ambiguous. A detailed author's note contextualizes the book's scientific content. Ages 8-12. Agent: Josh Adams, Adams Literary. (Oct.)

A moving narrative with a distinct point of view. Laugh-out-loud moments balance the heavy with the humorous. Niche but surprisingly fascinating. — Kirkus Reviews

An engaging coming-of-age tale for the environmentally minded tween. — School Library Journal

A self-aware seventh grader with a roadkill researcher mother ruminates on life, maturation, and decomposition in this jam-packed observational novel from O'Donnell Tubb. — Publishers Weekly

Roadkill is an unconventional basis for a novel, but it turns out to be the perfect jumping-off point for a poignant, playful exploration of deep family ties, the joy of kindred spirits, and the importance of conservation. [A]ll readers will be rewarded with a frank and funny examination of decay—and the new life it encourages. — Booklist Online

Praise for Zeus, Dog of Chaos: Readers who have always wondered what their pets are really thinking will love this cleverly written story from the perspective of Zeus, a German Shepherd service dog. Young readers who love dogs, play an instrument in band, or have experience with invisible illness will relate to Madden and his desire to just be a regular middle-school kid. — School Library Journal

Praise for A Dog Like Daisy: "Daisy's wry comments on human foibles and eccentricities...combine to paint a moving picture of suffering and, ultimately, redemption. Daisy is distinctive and memorable, and this depiction of PTSD is useful, making this a fine, compelling tale." — Kirkus Reviews

"Avid canine lovers will surely appreciate the intimate look at Daisy's yearning for purpose. The focus on . . . service dogs should enlighten readers about the ways our four-legged companions function as more than just pets. A poignant animal tale, and a strong addition to most collections." — School Library Journal

"Daisy's voice is strong, painting a world with canine synesthesia: happy days are yellow, untruths taste like turkey bacon. With joint appeal to children of soldiers and dog-lovers, this is likely to find a broad audience." — Booklist Online