The Decomposition of Jack by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on October 11, 2022
ISBN: 0063212269
Pages: 208
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
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A unique plot focused on wild animals and scientific study add to this coming-of-age middle grade title. Jack’s parents have recently separated, which means that Jack is now his mom’s roadkill recovery assistant.  Scraping roadkill off the streets does earn him an unflattering nickname, yet Jack enjoys most of the process. The book offers interesting factual information about animals and has some endearing characters. Tubb treats Jack with a tender hand and a large dose of humor. Readers may be grossed out by the maggots but they will cheer for the young environmentalist and conservationist protagonist. Friendship issues and first crushes along with backyard animal study and classroom assignments combine to make this book entertaining and believable. Do cougars reside in Tennessee? Find out in the excellent Author’s Note section.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired children’s librarian