Pay Attention, Carter Jones

Gary D. Schmidt

Pay Attention, Carter Jones

Gary D. Schmidt
52 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 2019

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Book Brief

Gary D. Schmidt

Pay Attention, Carter Jones

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

Humor
Setting

Upstate New York • Contemporary

Theme
Family

Grief

Love
Topic
Sports
Publication Year

2019

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

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Super Short Summary

Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary D. Schmidt follows a young person named Carter Jones as they navigate life changes after a British butler enters their family. Set in a small town, the story explores themes of family, responsibility, and personal growth as Carter adjusts to new challenges and learns life lessons under the butler's guidance.

Heartwarming

Humorous

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

4,138 ratings

78%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary D. Schmidt weaves humor and heart into a coming-of-age story. Readers praise its engaging narration and the charming Butler character, who imparts life lessons. Some note uneven pacing and predictability. Nonetheless, Schmidt's exploration of family dynamics and growth resonates, making it a compelling read for middle-grade audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Pay Attention, Carter Jones?

A reader who would enjoy Pay Attention, Carter Jones is likely a middle-grade enthusiast who appreciates stories about personal growth and family dynamics. Comparable to readers of Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Holes by Louis Sachar, they savor humor intertwined with poignant lessons.

4.1

4,138 ratings

78%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

A sixth grader navigating family challenges, who encounters new perspectives and responsibilities with the arrival of the Butler.

An unexpected and formal mentor who brings order and guidance to Carter's life, introducing him to the sport of cricket.

Carter’s mother, dealing with the challenges of raising her children alone while managing her own grief and stress.

Carter’s father, whose absence and actions significantly impact the family's dynamics and Carter's personal growth.

An older student and captain of the cross-country team, who becomes a peer mentor to Carter through their shared experience on the cricket team.

Carter's younger siblings, each with distinct personalities, who contribute to the family's needs and emotional environment.

Carter’s friend and a fellow participant in the emerging interest in cricket at school, providing comic relief and a glimpse into the social setting.

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

Humor
Setting

Upstate New York • Contemporary

Theme
Family

Grief

Love
Topic
Sports
Publication Year

2019

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

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