In this Newbery Honor—winning story from 1984, a new family builds a relationship as a stepfather and stepson celebrate their differences ... read full description
reviews
Aug 15, 2011
Emily
rated it: 
Overall Review: Like Jake and Me is a fabulous example of a book that says a lot with very few words. Little Alex is trying to help his step-father, Jake, but is usually brushed off with that age-old phrase, “Maybe another time.” Then comes a moment in time when Alex helps Jake—in this instance, Alex realizes that even a grown man and a ‘real’ cowboy can have fears that seem just as simple as his own, and Jake realizes that Alex is a person, too. We see a very sweet bonding moment between a
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Oct 03, 2011
Nicole
rated it: 
I did not enjoy this book for a few reasons. The relationship between the two main characters, Jake and Alex, is not explained and I still do not know what it is (I would guess either a step-father or an uncle and nephew). The book is very odd because Alex keeps trying to impress Jake but he does not notice and gives him a hard time about things (chopping wood, lighting a fire, doing ballet). Then the last part of the book Jake has a spider on him and he takes off all of his clothes in front of
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Dec 11, 2009
Josiah
rated it: 
Like Jake and Me is a fresh and unorthodox approach to the connection between a boy and his stepfather, and the one small event that seems to bring them together like a real father and son.
Mavis Jukes is a good writer of detail, and leaves no ambiguity in any of the lines that pass between stepfather Jake and stepson Alex as Alex spots a wolf spider on Jake's neck after the latter's excursion into the woods one day. He tries to warn Jake about the creeping arachnid, but a communication g More...
Mavis Jukes is a good writer of detail, and leaves no ambiguity in any of the lines that pass between stepfather Jake and stepson Alex as Alex spots a wolf spider on Jake's neck after the latter's excursion into the woods one day. He tries to warn Jake about the creeping arachnid, but a communication g More...
Oct 23, 2011
Mary
rated it:
1984 Like Jake and Me by Mavis Jukes (Knopf, Inc.)
Newberry Award Winner
Early Childhood Books
Odd. Odd. Odd. Alex's mom is pregnant and he is trying desperately to connect with his stepfather. His big and tough stepfather doesn't talk much and doesn't want him to help with whatever he's working on. Alex sees a spider go into his stepfather's shirt and tells him about it. His stepfather is horribly afraid of spiders and in an attempt to get the spider off of him, he takes off ALL OF More...
Newberry Award Winner
Early Childhood Books
Odd. Odd. Odd. Alex's mom is pregnant and he is trying desperately to connect with his stepfather. His big and tough stepfather doesn't talk much and doesn't want him to help with whatever he's working on. Alex sees a spider go into his stepfather's shirt and tells him about it. His stepfather is horribly afraid of spiders and in an attempt to get the spider off of him, he takes off ALL OF More...
Jan 25, 2011
Amalia
rated it:
This is a brief story about an episode in the life of Alex and his stepfather, Jake. The two are not close, and a wolf spider on the porch brings them both the opportunity to start building a relationship. Since the story is so short, there is much left out. And the episode with the spider can read like slapstick. Yet, the author is obviously skilled with subtle detail to help round out the story. I could see this modified only slightly into a short story for young adults rather than a pictur
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Jul 31, 2010
Melinda
rated it:
I read this book because it was a Newbery Honor. It is a very short read about the growing relationship between a boy and his stepfather. Because of its brevity, some details are never mentioned, like what happened to the boy's father. I was surprised that this book was a Newbery Honor - it's a cute story but nothing spectacular.
Dec 15, 2011
Brian
rated it: 
Alex desperately wants to bond with his rough edged step-father. This doesn't happen until Alex saves Jake from a nasty spider bite. Then there is a everlasting bond that forms.
Jul 24, 2009
Debbie (Readerbuzz)
rated it:
A Newbery Honor Book, but also a picture book. A boy and his stepfather grow closer when they realize they are more alike than they thought.
Jan 25, 2012
Sarah
rated it:
This is a strange book, with partial male nudity. I think 3 1/2 stars. It is a quick read.
Sep 23, 2008
Emily
rated it:
Deals with stepfathers in a sweet and humorous way. The illustrations are lovely. There is a partially naked man in it, but the way it is handled is funny and playful. Read it and decide for yourself.
Feb 01, 2012
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