Pay Attention, Carter Jones

Pay Attention, Carter Jones
Gary D. Schmidt
Clarion, 2019 216 pages
Grades 4-7
Realistic Fiction

Carter feels like life is out of control. It is his first day of sixth grade. He will be starting middle school and nothing is right. It is pouring rain, the car won't start, Mom can't get it together, Dad is away with the military, and someone is missing. The doorbell brings a proper, yet unfamiliar man. He introduces himself as Carter's late grandfather's Butler, who has been left to the family in Grandpa's will. In quick order the Butler whips the family into shape, taking everyone to school in his giant Bentley and encouraging the four children in the family to "make good decisions and remember who they are". As time goes on the Butler makes a positive impact on the household, encouraging Mom to re-enter life and plugging the various children into healthy pursuits. Carter becomes the family dog walker at the Butler's urging and learns to become a supportive older brother, all while coming to terms with the fact that Dad may never be returning home and the truth behind the missing family member. The Butler even teaches Carter and his friend how to play Cricket, recruiting the cross country team and inviting a school-wide craze. Life will never be the same for Carter's family, but will the Butler stay forever?

Move over Mary Poppins--a new Brit is here, though this time on our side of the pond, to nurture a family and show both parents and children the best way to behave. Eclectic author for young people, Schmidt, offers a coming of age tale, incorporating realistic situations with humor and gentle morality lessons. Carter has a lot to deal with and, with the Butler's help, learns what it means to be a thoughtful and responsible individual--something that his father could stand to learn. We eventually see the sadness behind this family, though Schmidt reveals exactly what happened to cause it slowly, never giving us the whole story until page 90. I have never read a book that features the sport of Cricket and was happy to see it represented. I know my Indian families, especially, will enjoy seeing this beloved sport featured in a novel. Chapters are introduced by a rule from Cricket that fits in with what will happen in the chapter, which was fun. Do I finally understand the game? No, not at all, but sports kids won't care and will enjoy the action. The sport is not the main point of the plot and did not slow me down from loving the book. As the Butler teaches Carter how to be a responsible gentleman, he delivers the sentiment: "we are what we love". So true! Through the humor there are some truly moving bits that made me emotional. Schmidt really knows how to pack a wallop, all while making us laugh through our tears.