7
Mar
Throwback Thursday: The Big Jump and Other Stories
The Big Jump and Other Stories
by Benjamin Elkin, illustrations by Katherine Evans
Find it at: Your library | Amazon
Published: Random House Books for Young Readers (September 12, 1958)
Do you follow NPR’s Backseat Book Club? If not, Backseat Book Club is a series that selects one kid-friendly book per month, and airs a special segment for listeners on the show All Things Considered at month’s end. As it so happens, Gary D. Schmidt, one of my favorite middle grade fiction authors, was featured in February for his novel, Okay for Now. During his interview with Michele Norris, he talked about his favorite book from childhood, The Big Jump and Other Stories.
Growing up Gary Schmidt was considered a lost cause, a “stupid kid”, until a teacher took him by the hand and taught him how to be a reader. The first book he really, really loved was this book. I’m a proud owner of a first edition copy of The Big Jump and Other Stories, so today’s Throwback Thursday is inspired by that interview. As in Gary Schmidt’s personal account, it only takes one teacher, parent, or a person who cares, and one book to make all the difference in a person’s life.
The Big Jump and Other Stories, one of the first titles in the Beginner Books series for beginning readers, is told in three parts: “The Big Jump”, “Something New”, and “The Wish Sack”. The first story, “The Big Jump”, is about a good king who had many dogs, but one day one of his dogs grows fond of a boy, Ben. Since only kings could have dogs, the king makes a declaration that if Ben can jump as he can, to the top of his castle, then he can keep the dog. In the second story, Ben finds the same king from the first story in a predicament. If the king doesn’t find something new, the bad king will take the kingdom’s gold. The third and final story is about a very magical sack given to Ben by a funny old man. The bad king ends up stealing the sack and Ben has to figure out how to reclaim it. Each story is about one boy thinking outside the box and being brave, and in return claiming victory in each scenario. It’s a special little book, with the charming 1950’s style illustrations, and strong story morals. It’s no wonder it stands out to Mr. Gary Schmidt as his number one read.
If you’re interested in participating with NPR’s Backseat Book Club, the book selection for March is The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. I have never read it, but very much look forward to doing so. Read with your family, classroom, and spread to the word to your patrons. It’s not just exclusive to children; teens and adults are most certainly welcome to listen in as well!
